Dr. Hitesh K. Patel on multifocal lenses.

Edison, N.J. ophthalmologist on the latest developments in vision correction & restoration.
By: Gary Grasso
 
June 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Edison, NJ -   Dr. Hitesh K. Patel says that intraocular lens (IOL) implants are used to correct vision clouded by a cataract or the age-related condition, presbyopia. During intraocular lens surgery, the eye's natural lens is replaced by an intraocular lens implant. A conventional monofocal intraocular lens can be used to give clear point focus either at a distance or close up, but you can only choose one focal point for the implant. Multifocal IOLs have largely replaced monofocal implants because they allow correction of vision at all distances.

Unlike many ophthalmologists, Dr. Hitesh K. Patel performs the full range of multifocal lens implants at his Edison, N.J. practice, including:
TECHNIS®
ReSTOR®
Crystalens®
Toric Implants

In addition, Dr. Patel is experienced in performing “limbal relaxing incisions” (LRI’s). Limbal relaxing incisions create a modification in the shape of the cornea to correct astigmatism, which is present when the cornea is not perfectly round, resulting in one portion of the eye having more of a prescription than another portion. A cornea with astigmatism is shaped more like a football rather than basketball. LRI’s are incisions that are placed on the far outer edge of the cornea (the limbus), resulting in a cornea that is more round, resulting in a noticeable improvement in vision. The procedure can be completed in a few seconds after numbing the eye with anesthetic drops.

Types of Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs are generally preferred over the traditional monofocal intraocular lens implants due to their ability to correct vision at all distances.

The TECHNIS ® Aspheric IOL is a newly developed Intra-ocular Lens that is implanted within the eye after cataract surgery.  The TECNIS® IOL allows its users to see with better functional visibility.

“Functional visibility” is the ability to perform everyday activities in different levels of light. This relates to your ability to see and do things when it is sunny, cloudy, rainy, or foggy.

Previous IOLs were shaped to be spherical, mimicking the shape of the lenses removed from the eyes. The problem with these lenses is that they limited the functional visibility needed to perform certain actions.

The way the TECHNIS ® IOL allows its users to see more clearly lays within its shape – it is designed to compensate for the aberrations present in nearly everyone's corneas. By making the IOL aspheric, and compensating for these aberrations, this type of IOL is able to refract light more accurately, allowing patients to see greater detail in lower lighting.

The ReSTOR® intraocular lens has gradual diffractive steps on the intraocular lens implant that create a smooth transition between focal points. The IOL also bends incoming light to the multiple focal points to increase vision in various lighting situations.

One of the newer types of IOL, the first FDA-approved “accommodative” IOL is the Crystalens®. An accommodative intraocular lens implant only has one focal point, but it acts as if it is a multifocal IOL. This IOL was designed with a hinge similar to the mechanics of the eye's natural lens. Using the eye's muscles, the single focal point of an accommodative intraocular lens can shift to bring objects at varying distances into focus.

Toric Lens Implants contain an additional correction for astigmatism and must be positioned in the eye so that it lines up with the steepest corneal meridian. These implants can correct mild to moderate amounts of astigmatism. Toric Lens Implants can be combined with LRI’s to correct very high amounts of astigmatism.

Dr. Patel says that patients need to seek an ophthalmologist who has experience with Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI’s) because residual astigmatism accounts for a failure rate on intraocular lens implants. It’s important to have a doctor who is willing to say no to perform an IOL procedure if the doctor feels that the patient is not a good candidate for these lenses.

It is important to seek an ophthalmologist who is familiar with the latest types of IOLs and who will take the time to explain the differences and advantages of them with patients, says Dr. Patel.

For more information on Multifocal Lens Implants, visit www.pateleyeassociates.com or contact Patel Eye Associates at (732) 985-5009.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel is the founder of "Patel Eye Associates" and "Patel Eye Care and Rehabilitation Foundation".

His practice focus is cataract and Lasik surgery. In addition, he treats diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma medically and with lasers. He also does routine eye exams. Dr. Patel has been in practice for 12 years in the Northeast.

Dr. Patel did his residency at UMDNJ and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. His internship was completed at the The Crozer Chester Medical Center. Dr. Patel completed his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1993, and finished at the top his class. His undergraduate degree (B.S.) was done at The Pennsylvania State University in 1993, with distinction. Dr. Patel finished his high school as Valedictorian at Neshaminy High School in Pennsylvania.
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