Both Near and Far Vision Problems Come to an End

People with eye conditions who cannot see or have difficulty seeing nearby, distant, or both objects are now turning to "multifocal lenses" that incorporate all these features instead of wearing glasses. "Multifocal, trifocal multifocused lenses" are implanted in the eye to provide clear vision at far, intermediate, and near distances. Prof. Dr. Vedat Kaya explained frequently asked questions about "multifocal lenses."

Most Commonly Used in Cataracts

In recent years, advances in lens design, particularly the improvement of near vision with these lenses, as well as developments in devices used in surgery and lens calculations, have resulted in better vision at both far and near distances, leading more people to choose this procedure. Multifocal lens application is fundamentally a surgery to replace the eye lens. Cataract formation, where the eye lens becomes clouded, is the most common reason for this condition, which is why the main patient group requiring this surgery consists of cataract patients. However, due to its ability to provide near vision, its scope is not limited to cataract patients.

Who Are They Suitable For?

They are most commonly used for cataract patients. The eye lens begins to show signs of aging from the 40s onwards. At these ages, the lens is transparent but loses some of its accommodation power (ability to sharpen near vision). Towards the end of the 40s, if the patient has hyperopia of +3.00 or higher, near vision deteriorates further and replacing the eye lens with multifocal lenses may be considered. After the 50s, aging increases in the eye lens and light transmittance decreases; multifocal lenses are also suitable for these eyes.

Who Are They Not Suitable For?

To obtain clear images at both far and near distances, there must be no disease on the cornea and retina that would affect vision. In cases of severe dry eye on the cornea, irregular astigmatism, and other pathologies; in cases of progressive degeneration of the vision center in the retina and progressive, uncontrolled retinal conditions, it would not be appropriate to apply these lenses. In addition to general information, a separate evaluation needs to be made for each patient.

Are There Any Disadvantages to These Lenses?

Recent technological advances and lens designs have eliminated the inadequacies seen in near reading and intermediate distance vision in previous generation lenses. Although rare, reflections and glare that may occur in light during the evening after surgery are mostly lost over time through neurological adaptation.