The Lasik Myth
By Jan Granum, Woodhams Eye Clinic, North Atlanta LIVING WELL Magazine
In the late 90s, laser vision correction exploded on the scene, giving great results for nearsightedness. A few years later, it was also used to treat astigmatism and some mild farsightedness. Because nearsightedness and astigmatism are the most common of all vision problems in people under 40, Lasik was believed to be able to “fix” any vision problem.
While Lasik is still a great option for many patients, it is a corneal treatment and does not treat the lens inside the eye. Lasik can give one focal point just like glasses or contact lenses. Woodhams Eye Clinic has developed PreLex™ to address nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.
Am I a candidate for PreLex™?
As we age, our vision changes. Around the age of 40, a condition called “presbyopia” begins to develop making it difficult to see up close. People who have had great vision up until that point are usually forced to use readers. Patients who have had glasses or contact lenses for distance now need bi-focals or mono-vision contact lenses.
Presbyopia is also the first visible sign of cataract development. Once the lens becomes rigid, it is only a matter of time until it begins to cloud. The clouding of the lens is “a cataract.” Most PreLex™ patients are 50 or older.
Even if you have had laser vision correction surgery in the past, you could easily be a candidate for PreLex™.
What is PreLex™?
PreLex™ is an acronym for PREsbyopic Lens EXchange. During the PreLex™ procedure, Dr. Woodhams will replace the eye’s natural lens with a multifocal, intraocular lens. This multifocal lens implant creates a new visual system within the eye, which can provide the focusing power to see near, intermediate and far images with little to no dependence on corrective lenses. Laser vision correction may also be performed after the lens replacement to treat any astigmatism.
PreLex™ is not mono-vision in which one eye is focused for far vision and the other eye is focused for near. The results are not as immediate as laser vision correction but ultimately the results will be superior to that of Lasik, which can provide only one focus point. In addition, PreLex™ treats or prevents the development of cataracts.
What is the difference between PreLex™ multifocal and monofocal lenses?
For many years, surgeons have been able to insert monofocal lenses during cataract surgery, which provide clear vision only at one point of focus either near or far. PreLex™ Lenses are built on the same platform as a monofocal lens but the focusing portion has many different focus powers. The newer multifocal lenses are able to provide clear vision at near, intermediate as well as distance.
What does PreLex™ treat?
PreLex™ can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia. It also treats or prevents cataracts.
You may not be familiar with the term presbyopia. Actually, it is the natural aging process of the eye. It typically becomes noticeable in individuals over the age of 40 and usually requires the use of reading glasses or bifocals. It is the first visible sign of cataract development.
How is the PreLex™ procedure performed?
PreLex™ is performed painlessly in our outpatient surgery center and usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, although the entire visit on surgery day is two to three hours including pre-op prep.
The eye is anesthetized with drops to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Dr. Woodhams will remove the natural lens from the eye through a micro-incision of 3 mm or less using ultrasonic vibrations. The natural lens is replaced by the foldable multifocal lens, which is inserted through the micro-incision. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds as it is placed into permanent position. Usually, no sutures are required because the small incision is self-sealing.
Occasionally, patients may have some degree of corneal astigmatism, which requires additional correction. Laser vision correction can be used to fine tune your vision once your lens implant has healed and your vision is stable.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Unlike procedures that work by changing the shape of the cornea, PreLex™ works by replacing the lens inside the eye with an implant that will not change with age. Consequently, your vision after the procedure will be stable and unlikely to change over time. The multifocal lens that is used to replace your eye’s natural lens will provide you with clearer vision at all distances, giving you little or no dependence on contact lenses or traditional or progressive bifocal glasses.
Call Woodhams Eye Clinic today at 770-394-4000 to schedule an evaluation to see if Lasik or PreLex™ is the better option for you. Woodhams Eye Clinic is located at 1140 Hammond Dr., Suite E5100, Atlanta, GA 30328. Visit our website at www.woodhamseye.com.
