The following information answers questions that we frequently hear from our patients about Tecnis premium IOL however, some of these questions also apply to Cataract Surgery and other intraocular lenses (IOLs) including Crystalens, ReSTOR and ArySof Toric IOL. For more information, please contact us.
IOL stands for Intraocular lens.
Intraocular lenses are artificial lenses created to replace clouded natural lenses, caused by cataracts. In addition, IOL's can be implanted “electively”. This means patients who want to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses, who may not have visually significant cataracts, can also have the procedure. The cost of procedure would be paid for without the assistance of their insurance company.
Cataracts are patches that form in the eye's crystalline lens and is caused by changes in water and proteins that make up the lens. Over time, cataracts cloud the lens and do not allow light to reach the retina, producing blurred vision.
The Tecnis premium IOL is used in adult patients with and without presbyopia who desire increased independence from glasses following cataract procedures. The Tecnis multifocal lens is designed with patented optics to provide high quality vision in even low light situations. With the Tecnis IOL, patients enjoy everyday activities such as reading a menu in a dimly lit restaurant, walking at dusk and even driving at night.
Presbyopia is a common age-related condition. Beginning around the age of 40, the natural lens inside the eye begins to harden and become less flexible. This reduces the eye’s ability to switch focus from near, far, in between and back again.
Will I be totally free from glasses?
Many people with the Tecnis multifocal lens experience the best eyesight they’ve had in years. In fact, nearly 9 out of 10 people do not require glasses after receiving a Tecnis multifocal implantable lens.
What conditions does Tecnis Treat?
Candidates for multifocal IOL’s are individuals with or without cataracts, who are myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted) and / or presbyopic (need for reading or computer range vision).
How do I know if I need Tecnis?
If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, you may be a candidate for the Tecnis multifocal lens. Whether the Tecnis IOL is the right choice for you depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and the overall health of your eyes. Your doctor will make a recommendation following a complete eye exam.
How do I know if I have cataracts?
At first, it's hard to tell. You'll notice some deterioration of your vision, such as more sensitivity to lights at night, colors look less vivid and bright, double vision, or some blurriness. Initially, a new glasses or contact lens prescription might help, but at some point, cataract surgery may become necessary. If cataracts develop in both eyes, each eye can be treated separately, so you retain your vision and functionality in between surgery dates.
Are there different kinds of cataracts?
Yes, there are three main kinds:
The cause isn't clear, however, studies have been done that suggest some risk factors include:
Do only older people get cataracts?
No. Advancing age is certainly a predisposing factor, and by the age of 75 or so, nearly everyone is said to have at least the beginning of a cataract. However, some babies are born with congenital cataracts, some apparently inherited, and others, are the result of the mother having an infectious disease while pregnant, such as chickenpox or German measles. Young healthy patients can also develop cataracts as stated above.
Is cataract surgery dangerous to your eyes?
Every surgical procedure has risks and potential side effects. Your doctor will explain all of these in full detail. However, the lens removal and lens implant technique used in the Tecnis multifocal lens procedure is performed over 15 million times per year worldwide and is recognized for its safety and predictability.
Is cataract surgery done with a laser?
Most commonly the lens is removed with ultrasound rather than a laser to break up the lens with the cataract before removing it. Also, after some surgeries, the pocket, or membrane that encloses the eye's lens becomes cloudy after the lens is removed, and in these cases, a laser can be used to make a clear opening in that membrane, so that vision isn't impeded.
How much time must go by before the second eye is treated?
The second surgery can be performed one day after the first surgery, but we prefer to wait at least a week to ensure the first operative eye is healing well.
I wear contact lenses. Can I wear them to your office for cataract surgery?
No. We will be taking a number of measurements of your eyes. These measurements enable us to measure the thickness and curvature of your eye. It is important that candidates do not wear the following prior to the diagnostic evaluation and surgery:
Eyesight Ophthalmic Service founded in 1983, we are southern New Hampshire's leading provider of eyecare for adults and children.
Specializing in:
Cataract Surgery
Macular Denegeration
BOTOX and Eyelid Surgery, Glaucoma
Routine Eyecare, Contact lenses
Designer frames and sunglasses
Low vision rehabilitation
Clinical Research
Diabetic Eye disease
Dry eye treatments, Laser Vision
Our skilled team of doctors will help you make the best decision on your cataract lens choices, whether they are monofocal or premium lenses. We offer a wide range of Premium Lenses including Crystalens, ResTOR, Tecnis and Acrysof Toric. Our doctors will help you determine which is best for your lifestyle.
Cataract & Premium Lens OptionsPrepare for your visit and save time in the waiting room, with our downloadable patient forms. Take the time to download our patient forms and fill them out before your visit. Our friendly office staff will be glad to assist you if you have any questions.
Information for New Patients