Spectacle-Free Vision
By Dr. Latif Hamed, MD, FAAO, MBA
Former Tenured Professor of Ophthalmology, UF College of Medicine
It seems that even those of us who enjoy excellent vision without glasses when young are destined to need them at least for reading after age 40 or so. Some need glasses much sooner, even during childhood.
What makes glasses inevitable after 40? In brief, it is the aging of the lens inside the eye — the gradual stiffening, the loss of flexibility, the loss of the zooming ability of that lens. Our natural lens resides behind the pupil, and when young, it is very flexible and can instantly change shape to focus at any distance. When viewing something far away, it becomes thin; when focusing up close, it thickens to bend light more and bring reading material into focus.
This lens is made up of a liquid transparent protein, like egg white, and over time that “egg white” stiffens and clouds, developing into a cataract. It would be nice if we had eye drops or pills to restore the flexibility and clarity of the aging lens, but we are not there yet — and it may be a while, if ever. Fortunately, we have the next best thing: a high-tech, man-made lens implant that corrects vision for nearly all distances without glasses.
The Procedure
The procedure to replace the natural lens is simple to describe: the old, dysfunctional lens is removed, and a new artificial lens is implanted. But, as with playing a piano beautifully, each step must be performed with precision and skill.
Each eye is done separately, about a week or more apart, in an outpatient surgical center. After the procedure, patients use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for around two weeks.
Prior to having this procedure performed on myself, I performed it on thousands of satisfied patients. However, there is nothing like personal experience to increase a surgeon’s insight and empathy about the intricate details of the quick but elaborate journey to spectacle-free vision. Having gone through lens implant surgery myself gave me more appreciation of the terrific power of this procedure. I personally feel that having the procedure that freed me from needing glasses to read, be on the computer, or drive is one of the most gratifying things I’ve experienced.
Selecting the Right Lens
Successful cataract surgery begins with careful evaluation. Not everyone is a candidate for every type of implant, so the best outcomes require matching the right patient to the most suitable lens — considering eye health, visual needs, and budget.
Standard implants correct vision at one focal point (usually distance), so reading glasses are still needed for close work.
Premium implants (also called multifocal or accommodating lenses) can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses at all distances.
Some lenses also correct astigmatism.
These implants have evolved over nearly 75 years and are among the most successful and widely used technologies in medicine.
Before surgery, detailed tests and measurements are taken to determine the ideal lens power and type. Patients are informed about the features, advantages, and limitations to ensure expectations are met or exceeded.
My patients reading this will recognize the statement that there is no technology that can match the vision of a healthy 5 -year old eye. But if you are a 50, 60, 70, or 80 year old who is dependent on glasses and still not happy with your sight, chances are you will join the ranks of a growing number of very satisfied patients throughout the world who found a trusted surgeon to restore excellent, spectacle-free vision.
Recovery and Adaptation
I take great pride and ownership of every surgery I perform, and consider the success of the patient in obtaining excellent vision to be my success as well. Because the patient's eye is dilated for the surgery, the patient's vision is blurry for a day or two but improves gradually as the dilation recedes and the eye and brain adjust. Because nearly 50% of the brain cells are involved in vision in some way, there is a period of recalibration and adaptation after eye surgery, and sometimes the vision continues to improve for three to six months. Many patients are able to drive the next day, but every patient is different. This type of surgery has a high degree of satisfaction for both patient and surgeon, but it must be emphasized that like any surgical procedure, the surgeon can never guarantee the outcome.
Lens Surgery vs. LASIK
It is important to know that this is very different from lasik. Lasik utilizes laser to sand the cornea in order to change its curvature, usually taking a nearsighted patient and making her farsighted. It does nothing to the lens. Patients will still need glasses for reading when they reach their forties, and will still need cataract surgery and intraocular lens implant later on. In contrast, successful lens-based surgery which is the topic of this article is a permanent one-shot deal that can fix the vision for distance and near and normally suffice for a lifetime.
Ready to See Clearly Again?
If you’re tired of relying on glasses or your vision just isn’t what it used to be, it may be time to explore your options. At Florida Eye Specialist Institute, we specialize in helping patients throughout Ocala and Marion County restore sharp, comfortable sight with advanced lens implant technology.
Dr. Hamed will personally evaluate your eyes, discuss your lifestyle and goals, and recommend the implant that best fits your vision needs — whether that means crisp distance vision, freedom from reading glasses, or both.
Schedule your personalized cataract or lens consultation today. Call us at (352) 237-0090 or request an appointment online.
Rediscover the world with clarity — see life the way it was meant to be seen.
