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Considering LASIK? Diagnosed with glaucoma or cataracts?
Dr. Bill Lloyd shares advice and information on eye disorders and general eye care to help you see your best.

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WebMD Health News

Friday, August 18, 2006

Lens Implants and UV Precautions
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We've previously mentioned how the lens of the eye not only generates near focusing power (accommodation) it also serves as a critical lifelong UV barrier that protects the delicate the retina from these toxic light rays. Invisible ultraviolet light is blamed for postoperative retinal swelling and the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Cataract surgery results in the removal of the lens. This leaves the retina vulnerable. Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implanted to restore the optics of the eye and to restore protection from ultraviolet light. So-called Blu-blocker IOLs are tinted yellow and are very effective, however, like wearing yellow sunglasses all day, color perception contrast sensitivity are distorted.


Now there's a new IOL, the Smart Yellow IOL. Check out the photo. The IOL on the left is a yellow Blu-Blocker. The Smart Yellow IOL only turns yellow while it is actively exposed to UV light. The rest of the time the Smart Yellow IOL is transparent and the user is symptom free.

If cataract surgery is in your future (or someone close's future!) make sure an effective UV blocking IOL is chosen, even if you need to pay a little extra. You have the right to expect (demand) this level of care. Given that cataract surgery is offered to improve eyesight, it is only logical that every step be taken to optimize the postoperative visual outcome and to protect the eyesight in the future.


Regardless of specific product chosen, this investment will generate 'visible benefits' for the rest of your life.

Related Topics:
Slew of New Lenses Act Like Real Eyes, Lucentis: New Drug Fights Macular Degeneration

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 10:57 PM

3 Comments:

Anonymous Rick Beringer said...

Just has lens replaced in left dominant eye. During surgery the lens "shattered" (eye surgeon's statement. I was in extensive pain until a second surgery by a retinal specialist performed a vitrectomy. I can see after 3 weeks but eye is still dilated, I get the "ring of lights" surrounding all lights I see. Will this improve? What can I do to protect my retina? Also the vision clarity I expected has not happened. Still very blurry the further away I want to see.

4:40 AM  
Blogger WebMD Blog Admin said...

Rick Beringer:

For answers to specific questions, please visit Dr. Lloyd's message board

Thank you!

1:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My daughter had a lens implant on her left eye. She has to put 3 diffrent drops in 4 times a day. Her eye is a little yellow why would this happen. Just that one eye. Will have the right eye done next month.
Thanks
laurie

4:55 PM  

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