To treat cataracts, the surgeon replaces the lens with an implant that can also correct vision abnormalities, such as myopia or presbyopia, thus eliminating the need, to varying degrees, of glasses.
"Before the operation, a discussion is necessary with the patient to determine the most suitable visual correction", specifies Professor Antoine Brézin, head of the ophthalmology department at Cochin hospital in Paris.
Monofocal implants correct a single vision defect, for example, distance vision.
They allow nearsighted people to do without glasses after the operation, in any case to see from a distance.
These implants are fully covered by health insurance.
Multifocal implants can correct both presbyopia and myopia to see far and near and eliminate glasses.
Some can correct astigmatism.
"Implants have made considerable optical progress," assures Doctor Pascal Rozot, ophthalmic surgeon in Marseille.
The artificial lens is chosen based on optical measurements to determine the power of the implant.
Multifocal implants will correct several defects, for example both myopia and presbyopia.
They work well, but their distribution remains limited.
Only 6% of operated patients benefit from it.
They cannot be used by everyone.
They are particularly contraindicated in the case of other associated pathologies, such as AMD or glaucoma.
For very old people, adaptation to this type of implant is difficult.
“It is all the better to select candidates as social security coverage is limited.
