New Technology in Eye Care Offers Cataract Patients a Broad Range of Choices Potentially Offering Freedom From Glasses
June 12, 2006
Vision is considered by many to be the most important of all the senses. Today however, many Iowans face the possibility of reduced vision due to cataracts, a common vision problem for older adults. According to a recent article published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, more than 20 million adults in the U.S. have developed cataracts making it the number one cause of poor vision in the United States. Cataracts cannot be prevented and are the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide.
The development of a cataract is a normal part of the aging process that usually begins around midlife. A cataract develops after the clear lens of the eye starts to become cloudy and interferes with light passing through the eye. Some cataracts cloud the natural lens faster than others, but the process is generally gradual, and people may not realize what is happening until they have an eye exam. Changes in prescription glasses can compensate for early cataract, but surgery is generally recommended when vision becomes reduced enough to hinder quality of life. During cataract surgery, the affected natural lens is removed and replaced with a new artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). “Many Iowans are affected by maturing cataracts, making it difficult for them to engage in normal daily activities such as reading and driving,” says Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeon Norman F. Woodlief, M.D. “Fortunately, medical advances in intraocular lens technology create more individualized options. These options provide patients a potentially higher quality of vision, often to a level they may never have enjoyed.”
The first intraocular lens was implanted by Sir Harold Ridley, M.D. on November 29th, 1949 in London, England amongst widespread criticism from his peers. At the time, the idea of replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens was considered radical and unacceptable. Early IOL’s often became displaced, various lens materials were tested, it was difficult to determine the appropriate lens power, and complications were common. In time however, the medical profession finally began to embrace Ridley’s idea. “The first IOL’s were rudimentary, but overtime, continual development and innovation has brought corresponding improvement,” says Dr. Woodlief. He adds, “In 1975, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons were the first in Iowa to implant an IOL, and still today, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons perform more cataract surgeries annually than any other group of surgeons in Iowa.” According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, millions of IOL’s have been implanted since the first in 1949, with a record 2.3 million procedures forecasted in the United States in 2006. Most cataract surgery patients receive a monofocal IOL as a replacement for the clouded natural lens. This lens will potentially restore distance vision, however many patients still need glasses due to astigmatism or for their near vision needs. New innovative lenses give cataract patients alternatives that may decrease dependence on glasses after surgery. “These are exciting alternatives that can improve the patients’ quality of life following cataract surgery,” says Dr. Woodlief. One new choice for cataract patients is a Toric IOL. Previously, most patients with astigmatism had to continue to wear corrective lenses for distance vision after cataract surgery because their astigmatism was not corrected. Astigmatism is the result of an oval shaped cornea, which scatters the light rays as they enter the eye. This results in no single focal point for light, and vision is blurred both near and far. Toric IOL’s can correct many cases of astigmatism. “A major benefit of this lens is that it can eliminate the need for bifocals and offer a decreased dependence on corrective lenses,” according to Dr. Woodlief. “In most cases, only reading glasses are necessary.” Dr. Woodlief further adds, “In April 2006, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons were the first in Iowa to implant the new AcrySof® Toric IOL.” Another alternative for Iowans is the bifocal IOL. These IOL’s provide vision over a range of distances through the provision of two primary lens powers which aide both near and far vision. Over the last 10-15 years, several bifocal IOL’s have been developed with varying success in their improvement of a patient’s vision. In 2005 the latest advancements in bifocal IOL’s were released. “Wolfe Eye Clinic was the only clinic in Iowa that participated in an FDA study to approve this new lens technology,” explains Dr. Woodlief. “This bifocal IOL is performing with good results in Wolfe Eye Clinic patients today. ” With the new bifocal IOL, 80% of patients in the study reported being spectacle free following surgery.
The choice between a traditional monofocal IOL, and the new Toric and bifocal IOL is a personal one based on individual circumstances. “With so many choices, it is even more important today to discuss the various options available for your specific situation with your eye care professional to select the best possible choice for you,” encourages Dr. Woodlief. He adds, “Our commitment to our patients is the same today as it was in 1975 when we first began implanting IOL’s, we continue to constantly strive to provide our patients with the safest and most advanced treatments available, helping them achieve their best possible vision.”
In medical practice since 1919, Wolfe Eye Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering a very broad range of professional care services in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With 38 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, West Des Moines, Ames, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, Wolfe Eye Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, pediatric eye conditions, laser vision correction and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Eye Clinic online at www.wolfeeyeclinic.com.