The only treatment for cataract is surgical. Cataract surgeries have become quite comfortable and convenient thanks to advancing medical technology. Generally, the natural lens, which begins to lose its flexibility starting from age 40, can be replaced with an artificial lens. Artificial lenses, referred to as "Smart Lenses," are inserted to replace the aged lens that starts to deform and fails to fulfill its function due to age.
To summarize the basic process of cataract surgeries, we can say that it involves removing the natural intraocular lens, which becomes cloudy and loses its clear vision, and replacing it with a transparent intraocular lens, called a smart lens, that corrects visual defects. With the implantation of this new artificial lens, the eye gains the ability to focus both on distant, intermediate, and near distances, achieving clear vision at every range. In patients who have Smart Lens (Intraocular Lens) implants, there is no progression in eye prescription. Following a successful cataract surgery, cataracts do not recur in the eye.
Currently, two main types of lenses are used in cataract operations.
- Monofocal lenses
- Multifocal lenses (Trifocal, Triple Focus, Smart Lens)
With monofocal lenses, adjustment is made for either distant or near distances (single focus). For other distances, glasses are used. When multifocal lenses (Smart Lens) are implanted, vision improves at distant, near, and intermediate distances, eliminating the dependency on glasses.
Permanent Clear Vision with Smart Lens Application
Today, cataract surgery is evaluated not only for eliminating blurred vision but also for reducing the individual's dependency on glasses. Particularly thanks to lens models integrated with technology, it has become possible to enhance vision quality. Smart lens applications are at the forefront of these developments.
The smart lens, known medically as the trifocal intraocular lens, can be applied not only to cataract patients but also to those who want clear vision at near-intermediate-far distances. Thus, patients are freed from cataracts and can continue their daily lives without glasses comfortably.
The smart lens surgery is performed similarly to classical cataract surgery procedures. However, the structure of the intraocular lens implanted is more advanced in terms of focusing. These lenses work like natural intraocular lenses, providing automatic focus for different distances. They significantly enhance visual comfort for individuals who use computers frequently, need to read, and drive at night.
Who is Suitable for Smart Lens Surgery?
Smart lens surgery is generally performed on individuals over the age of 40. In this age group, as the flexibility of the natural lens begins to decrease, it becomes difficult to see both near and far clearly at the same time. This situation is known as presbyopia. Individuals who have cataracts and wish to get rid of glasses are also suitable candidates for smart lens applications.
However, not every patient may be suitable for this application. The eye structure, retinal health, corneal thickness, and existing eye diseases should be analyzed with a detailed evaluation. Especially in patients with retinal problems, multifocal lenses may not yield the desired results. Therefore, a comprehensive eye examination should be conducted before smart lens surgery, and a personalized treatment plan should be established.
For individuals wishing to reduce their dependency on glasses, these lenses can also be used for refractive purposes. In patients with refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism, the intraocular lenses offer a long-term solution.
Advantages of Smart Lenses
The greatest advantage of smart lens applications is that the patient can see both far and near as well as intermediate distances clearly without wearing glasses. Thus, there is no need for separate reading glasses, computer glasses, or glasses for driving.
Moreover, these lenses provide less sensitivity to sunlight or night lights. Problems like glare and dazzle are minimized. In daily life, activities like watching television, reading books, using a phone, and outdoor activities are achieved with high comfort.
Another benefit of smart lenses is their permanence. Once adapted to the eye structure, these lenses can be used for a lifetime. There is no progression in eye prescription, nor is there a need for a second surgery. This translates to long-term comfort and cost advantage for patients.
Considerations in Smart Lens Application
A rapid recovery process is expected after smart lens surgery. Generally, the patient can return home within a few hours post-procedure. Blurred vision, mild irritation, and sensitivity to light may be observed in the early days. However, these complaints diminish quickly.
During the first week after surgery, the eye should not be rubbed or come into direct contact with water. Eye drops should be used regularly, and the prescribed medication schedule should be followed. Doctor check-ups should also not be neglected.
Expectations in smart lens application should be realistic. Every individual's eye structure is different, and in some cases, clarity may develop over time. Visual quality usually settles within the first few weeks. Clear results typically become noticeable within a month.
Patients should ask their doctors questions about issues such as the effect of lenses on night vision and light refraction, and request detailed information. The pre-and post-surgery information process directly affects patient satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Smart Lens?
A smart lens is a multifocal intraocular lens that can automatically focus on different distances when implanted inside the eye. These lenses replace the natural eye lens to provide clear vision at near, far, and intermediate distances. They are especially used in individuals over the age of 40 to correct vision disorders combined with cataracts. Unlike classic monofocal lenses, smart lenses aim to eliminate the constant need for glasses. With this technology, daily activities like watching television, using a computer, reading books, and driving can be comfortably performed without glasses. Additionally, smart lenses are permanent; they do not deteriorate or require replacement over time, making them a long-term solution.
What are the Benefits of Smart Lenses?
The most important advantage of smart lens application is its multifocal structure that provides clear vision at every distance. Patients can both read books and easily see distant signs. The dependency on glasses significantly decreases, which enhances the quality of life and regains social freedom. Particularly for active individuals, doing sports, traveling, or attending meetings without being dependent on glasses becomes much more comfortable.
Another important advantage is that it stops the progression of eye prescriptions. After the implantation of smart lenses, refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia, or astigmatism do not recur. This provides the patient with long-term clarity and stable vision. Additionally, these lenses' special surface coatings can enhance night vision quality and reduce light glare. This provides significant comfort, especially for those driving at night. All these benefits have made smart lenses an ideal option for both cataract treatment and refractive surgeries.
Are There Any Harms to Smart Lenses?
Although smart lenses have high success rates, they carry some risks like any surgical procedure. These harms are mostly temporary and mild. In the first days post-surgery, blurred vision, discomfort from light, glare, or halos around lights at night may be experienced. However, these symptoms generally diminish within a few weeks. Full adaptation of the lens to the eye can take time.
Although rare, some patients may experience temporary increases in intraocular pressure, risk of infection, or corneal issues. Therefore, regular follow-up is essential post-surgery. Lens misalignment may also occur in individuals whose eyes are not suitable. However, this can be largely prevented through detailed pre-exam and correct patient selection. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the risk of complications is extremely low.
What are the Prices of Smart Lens Surgery?
The prices of smart lens surgery vary depending on the brand of the lens used, its technological features, the equipment of the hospital where it will be performed, the doctor's experience, and the scope of the procedure. Additionally, supplementary interventions based on the patient's needs or detailed pre-operation tests may affect the price. Since the same lens is not applied to every patient, the cost should be determined through individual planning.
In general, compared to monofocal lens applications, the prices of smart lens surgery may be higher. The reason for this is that these lenses are technologically more advanced and offer more benefits to the patient. However, when considering the factors like eliminating the need for glasses in the long term, the permanence of lenses, and the non-progression of eye prescriptions, this procedure can be considered a high-value investment in health services.
When seeking price information, patients should pay attention not only to cost but also to quality, experience, and the technology used. Cheap lenses or procedures performed in insufficient centers can lead to new problems in the future.
Is There an Age Limit for Smart Lenses?
While there is a specific age range for smart lens applications, this limit is not fixed. It is generally preferred for individuals aged 40 and above because the natural lens loses its flexibility in this age group, and a near vision disorder called presbyopia begins. However, in some cases, it can also be applied to younger individuals.
For instance, in those who use high-prescription glasses, are not satisfied with lens usage, or are not suitable for laser surgery, smart lens application can be considered for refractive purposes. In this case, age criteria are secondary, and eye structure, vision needs, and general health status are primarily evaluated.
In older ages, if there are retina or cornea issues, lens selection should be made carefully. If the eye condition is not suitable for a smart lens, alternative lens types may be preferred. Therefore, eye health and suitability for the individual's lifestyle play a decisive role more than age limit. With suitable patient selection and accurate planning, many individuals over 40 can achieve quality vision through smart lens application.