Quote:
Originally Posted by blink138
ah, now that is information I was wondering about Graeme! perhaps the flaring problem only manifests itself in multifocal IOL's
interesting...... I would like to find out about possible flaring in the single vision toric IOL's for a friend and fellow member here as I think he has 1.5 dioptres of astigmatism which would be nice to correct with an IOL
pat
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Pat,
The flaring only occurs when there is a non spherical or non toric surface on the IOL, eg. bifocal or annular progressive surfaces or fresnel type surfaces. These are designed to provide two focal points through the same pupil and can be tolerated by a few people who are able to suppress the second (blurred) image as they change from distance vision to near vision. In my experience, a significant number of people find extreme difficulty in adapting. Astronomers would find these IOLs intolerable. On the other hand, a plain toric IOL is ideal. I have referred to several surgeons who only do cataract surgery, and who can achieve a perfect uncorrected plano result. I'm an example, not only is my left eye plano, colours are brighter, and there are no annoying diffraction fringes arising from the cataract spikes that used to be there.
The main selling point for the multifocal implants is the freedom from needing reading specs, but this is usually not an issue for someone who has needed readers for some years. The disadvantages are greater cost and the fact that once you have one, you're stuck with it.
Cheers,
Graeme