Correction of presbyopia with intraocular lenses

31/05/2024

Presbyopia cannot be cured, but there are methods to alleviate the difficulty of focusing, allowing us to discuss its correction. One approach is optical correction, using different types of glasses or contact lenses that must be individually adapted to each patient.

Another approach involves surgical correction. In specific cases, some patients may opt for laser surgery, which reshapes the cornea to modify its asphericity, thereby increasing the depth of focus. The main disadvantage is that it is an irreversible treatment.

The most commonly performed treatment currently is the implantation of intraocular lenses.

Intraocular lens implantation

This treatment consists of replacing the crystalline lens with an artificial lens, which is placed in the capsular bag. There are various types of intraocular lenses: monofocal, which allow you to see well only at one distance, generally far away, and multifocal, which allow you to see at various distances.

Types of lenses

• Monofocals: Focus at a specific distance (far or near); other distance require glasses for correction.
• Monofocals Plus: Enhanced monofocal lenses with additional treatments like anti-reflective coatings or tints, improving vision quality and durability. They offer good vision at medium and far distances.
• Extended range lenses: Provide continuous vision for intermediate and far distances, with functional vision also available at close range.
• Bifocals: Lenses with two different focal points, typically for close-up and distance vision.
• Trifocals: offer vision at near, medium and far distances, depending on the specific lens model.

It is important to consider with the ophthalmologist which is the best option available for each particular case, as each lens has its own benefits and aspects to take into account.

Advantages of the Procedure:

• Prevents cataracts: Patients who undergo this intervention beforehand will never develop cataracts.
• Reduces dependency on glasses: Surgery also corrects refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.