Dr. Orwa Nasser MD MPH - Monovision cataract surgery

Monovision cataract surgery

What is a cataract and how is it treated?
A cataract is actually a clouding or clouding of the lens of the eye that is normally transparent. Cataracts can cause vision loss to the point of blindness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, glare, halos, decreased night vision, changes in color vision, and the need for more light for reading. Cataracts are treated with a simple, quick surgery under local anesthesia. During the surgery, the cataract is completely removed along with the natural lens and an artificial lens is implanted inside the eye instead of the natural lens.

Is it necessary to implant a lens during cataract surgery?
Absolutely yes. We must remember that a cataract develops inside the natural lens of the eye. It is actually a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that gives us good vision. When we talk about cataract surgery, we mean removing the cloudy or opaque natural lens (cataract). That is, a cataract and the natural lens of the eye are not something different, but it is actually the natural lens of the eye but Opaque and cloudy. Since the function of the lens is to give us good vision, if it is removed during cataract surgery, an artificial lens must be implanted in order to have good vision. So during cataract surgery, not only is the cataract removed, but the natural lens of the eye is also removed with it.

What lenses can be implanted instead of the natural lens during cataract surgery?
As mentioned, during cataract surgery, an artificial lens must be implanted inside the eye in order to have good vision after the operation. There are several types of lenses that can be implanted and produced by different local and international companies. There are monofocal lenses, which provide a single focus point (hence the name), multifocal lenses that provide several focus points for far, intermediate and near distances and there are toric lenses that correct astigmatism (angles).

What is Monovision and when should you consider it?
The main disadvantage of monofocal lenses is that this type of lens provides a single focus point (monofocal). The specific lens number creates a single focal point for distance or near (for reading) but not both. As a result, the patient will need glasses after surgery for near or far depending on the focal point of the lens chosen. If a lens with a focal point for distance is chosen, the patient will see well at distance without glasses but will need reading glasses. Conversely, if the patient chooses a lens with a focal point for near, he will see well at near but will need glasses for distance vision. In contrast, multifocal lenses provide at least three focal points, for both far and near computer distance. Implanting these lenses frees the patient from wearing glasses after cataract surgery. Not every patient is suitable for multifocal lens implantation for various reasons. Retinal problems, corneal problems, dry eyes or various conditions can prevent multifocal lens implantation. These patients can still get rid of glasses after surgery by adjusting the dominant eye for distance with a monofocal lens and adjusting the non-dominant eye for near with another monofocal lens. With this method, both eyes work together perfectly for near and far without the need for glasses. So this method is suitable for those who want to get rid of glasses after cataract surgery but are not suitable for multifocal lenses.

How is cataract surgery performed by Dr. Nasser?
The cataract surgery performed by Dr. Nasser is without needles, without scars and under local anesthesia only. The operation is painless and has a quick recovery. The operation is performed in a private hospital and under local anesthesia with eye drops only. Sometimes painkillers are given before the operation to make you feel comfortable before the operation. You will be awake throughout the operation and will hear Dr. Orwa talking to you and his assistants. Dr. Orwa will continue to talk to you during the surgery to reassure you. During the operation, the cataract is removed from the eye and an artificial lens is implanted. There are no beads or needles during the operation. At the end of the operation, a transparent shield is placed over the eye to protect the eye but without covering it. You return home immediately after the operation with clear instructions and an appointment for a check-up at the clinic the next day. Recovery from the operation is fast and you will regain your vision quickly after the operation.