Ophthalmology Specialist Prof. Arif Koytak explained the drawbacks of marketing the so-called "smart lens" and surgically placed lenses in the eye as an ordinary cosmetic product and warned the patients.
Bezmialem Vakıf University Department of Ophthalmology Faculty Member Prof. Arif Koytak stated, “The 'multifocal intraocular lens', introduced as a smart lens, is a current model of the artificial lenses we have placed in the eye in cataract surgeries since the 1970s. Difference of multifocal lenses from standard (single vision) lenses; It is the claim of providing glasses-free vision not only at a long distance, but also at close and intermediate distances. However, a multifocal lens design has not yet been achieved, with the quality of vision capable of capturing the quality of vision provided by standard lenses or successfully imitating our natural lens. Some health institutions and physicians may view multifocal lenses as a product to be marketed and endanger the eye health of the society.
A physician should evaluate the patient and the patient should evaluate the treatment option correctly.
"Multifocal lenses should be recommended after a detailed patient evaluation, considering the current and future health problems of the patient, evaluating the lifestyle and expectations of the person, and most importantly, after the patient has been adequately informed about all positive and negative aspects of the procedure," said Prof. Arif Koytak and underlined the points to be considered about the smart lens:
• For multifocal (multifocal) intraocular lenses and glasses-free distance, close and intermediate vision, the person will have to sacrifice the quality of vision at varying rates. Some models have better near, some far, some intermediate range results.
• Disturbing light flickers, which we call dysphotopsia, are observed at varying rates in almost all patients in whom these lenses are used, and patients should be warned about these possible complaints in advance.
• Multifocal lenses impair contrast sensitivity and vision in low light more than standard lenses.
• People with occupations that require sensitive and detailed vision should stay away from multifocal lenses due to the above-mentioned side effects.
• These lenses should not be applied to young patients without any eye problems, just for the promise of relief from glasses.
• Multifocal lenses should not be applied to people who have eye problems other than cataracts, especially retinal diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. These adversely affect the quality of vision of people with retinal disease.
• Placing multifocal lenses in the eye is a surgical procedure and this surgery has its own risks and complications.
Prof. Arif Koytak stated, “Undoubtedly, great developments have been made in the field of multifocal lenses over the years. Thanks to the developments in both lens design and surgical technique, significant reductions in the rates of side effects and complications, and serious improvements in visual comfort were recorded. It has reached a point where it promises a significant improvement in quality of life for many cases, provided that the patient and model selection is made correctly and the patient is adequately informed about realistic expectations, benefits and risks."
“There is no smart lens. There is a smart patient who can choose the most suitable lens for them based on the recommendations of a doctor whose experience and honesty they can trust, regardless of any advertisements.
