How premium lenses work

Premium lens implants can be used to improve your distance, intermediate (computer) and near (reading) vision.

Most premium lenses have some concentric rings etched into the surface that allows images at all distances to be focused on the retina.

It can take time for people to adapt to premium lenses. This is called neural adaptation, and it is very normal.

Advantages and disadvantages of premium lenses

Advantages

Premium lenses used in lens replacement surgery or cataract surgery have an advantage over laser eye surgery as they can give a permanent solution with unaided distance and near vision.

An additional benefit of premium lenses for presbyopia is that you won’t have to worry about developing cataracts later in life.

Over the past few years, technology has improved and now there are a variety of premium lens implants. Depending on your lifestyle, spectacle prescription and preferences, I will select the best lens implant for you.

Disadvantages

Premium lenses are designed to reduce your dependency on spectacles and contact lenses. However, some people find that reading small print or seeing things very close can be a little challenging. This is corrected by reading glasses for these specific activities.

Some people can be aware that reading in dim light can be more difficult.

You can experience glares and halos around lights after dark, which can make driving at night more difficult. This often improves over time as you “neuro-adapt” to the lenses.

Premium lenses risks

Any surgical procedure carries an element of risk. I can discuss these with you at your appointment.

Premium lenses options and alternatives

I can use different types of artificial lenses to correct your vision.

• Extended depth of focus lenses (EDOF) – Used to provide improved intermediate vision such as working at the computer.
• Multifocal lenses – Used to provide the widest “range” to the vision for distance, intermediate and near activities
• Toric lenses – These can correct and reduce your astigmatism.

I must discuss the potential options with you to provide you with the most appropriate solution that will achieve your goals.

Premium lenses procedure steps

• A high-frequency ultrasound probe is inserted into the eye through a tiny incision—the probe “mines” out the natural lens.
• A clear plastic artificial lens is folded up and inserted into the eye through the same tiny incision.
• The lens unfolds within the eye to lie in the same position as the old lens.
• The strength of the implant is calculated before the operation to ensure that it will suit your eye.
• The tiny incision in the eye seals without the need for stitches.
• I can also treat your astigmatism at the same time if you wish.

Premium lenses results

Premium lenses reduce your dependency on spectacles and contact lenses. Unlike standard single-vision (monofocal) lens implants, premium multifocal lens implants are specially designed to provide good vision across the spectrum of varying distances. This should enable you to see well in the distance such as for driving, middle/intermediate range such as using your computer/tablet devices, and near for reading.

Will I still need to wear glasses if you recommend a multifocal lens?

The results will vary depending upon your level of vision, eye anatomy and lifestyle. Some patients find it more comfortable to wear reading glasses to read the small print when lighting conditions are dimmer or when driving. Most people, however, can conduct many of their day’s activities, hobbies and interests without depending on glasses and contact lenses, and only occasionally need to wear glasses.