[kvmet]

I did some of the controls software for an automated IOL manufacturing line roughly 8 or 9 years ago. It's very cool technology, I was proud to work on it.

One problem at the time (at least from my understanding) was actually that some people needed a second round of surgery since people are living longer and cataracts are getting corrected earlier. Last I heard, the rate of complications for a repeat surgery is significantly higher, but I assume it is improving all the time.

A fun fact: UV protection can be put directly into the lens to protect your retinas even without sunglasses (I assume this depends on the polymer type though). Also the lenses are usually tinted a slightly yellow color since our natural lenses shift color as we age. Patients tend to find it jarring if the lens is perfectly clear.

[tlavoie]

My wife had both eyes done over the past year. I would guess that her new lenses did not have UV protection, because she has a most interesting side effect.

Basically, certain glass will (to her) essentially fluoresce in sunlight, so to her, it looks bright, bright purple. The glass in question looks like a slight, smoky grey to me, as does the glass vase at home with the same effect. I'd have to look for the link, but essentially, the new lenses filter less UV than the natural ones, and she's got a bit of sensitivity into that range of the spectrum.

Similarly, a carved item made from yooperlite has the crystals showing orange to her in sunlight, where the rest of us need to hit it with a UV flashlight.

[pantulis]

> Last I heard, the rate of complications for a repeat surgery is significantly higher, but I assume it is improving all the time.

My complications apeared 2 years after the cataract procedure but were solved through laser capsulotomy, not sure if you're referring to that. But the capsulotomy is basically trivial compared to the main procedure.

[traceroute66]

> UV protection can be put directly into the lens to protect your retinas even without sunglasses

Stating the obvious here but just to remind people about basic eye anatomy....

The built-in UV protection does not remove the need to wear sunglasses.

It does not protect the cornea. Only sunglasses can do that.

[rogerrogerr]

Fascinating - I’d think your brain would compensate pretty quickly for a no-longer-yellow lens? Given a choice I’d be all for the clear one.

[catlikesshrimp]

They might, eventually. But the older you get, the more difficult it is to adapt or accept change.

My grandmother was forced (by us) to get her cataract surgery when she mistook a horse for a known person. She assured for the rest of her life that she had better vision before the surgery.

[andrehacker]

>> Patients tend to find it jarring if the lens is perfectly clear.

Yeah, funny. Light it up ! For.. reasons.. I only had one eye done for a bit and, boy, did the world look different with the old and new lens. Christmas trees, for example, either looked like lit with lemon lights or bright lights. I decided to do the other eye too and the world looks bright again... from both eyes.