Cataract Surgery Changes in 2024

2024 is set to bring some exciting advances around cataract surgery. The main focus for patients who are getting close to the point when their cataracts are ripe for removal will be around the type of intraocular lens (IOL) that’s implanted. 

In short, the good news for everyone is that even monofocal IOLs (ones that provide either near or far-focused vision) will, in many cases, move into the next generation.

Next-Gen Tech for All: The Greatest of Cataract Surgery Changes in 2024

• Refractive IOL technology vs. enhanced
• The rollout of AI & new players in the marketplace

Refractive IOL technology vs. enhanced

Refractive IOL technology applies to what you might have heard referred to as premium lenses. These differ from the lenses that are implanted during a traditional cataract procedure. Here, the diseased lens is removed and replaced with a standard IOL that provides focus at a single distance. You’ll then wear eyeglasses or contacts to correct other focusing problems.

Premium lenses, or refractive technology, go a step further. Such lenses can provide focused near and far vision—some can even correct astigmatism. However, such lenses don’t suit everyone. In addition, those with other ocular issues, including glaucoma or macular degeneration, might only benefit from partial focus correction.

Enter non-diffractive IOL tech—perhaps one of the most revolutionary developments that we’re going to see in cataract surgery changes for 2024.

As we age, the ability of the eye to focus on nearby objects begins to decrease. The changes tend to happen between the ages of 40-65. This is called presbyopia. It’s a refractive error. and the reason that most of us end up wearing some kind of vision correction once we hit middle age.

The introduction of this new, non-diffractive IOL technology is that it’s able to correct presbyopia differently. This means it can be used on a far broader spectrum of patients. Yes, even those with other vision problems that previously made them unsuitable for premium lenses. The tech is known as Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) and is already being used by some cataract surgeons who are implanting monofocal lenses.

The great news is that EDOF technology is set to be rolled out to other types of IOLs—so watch this space!

The rollout of AI & new players in the marketplace

The reason these advances are finally coming to fruition is down to two key elements:

1. New manufacturers have gotten on board

And…

2. The investment in AI

Together, this means more competition for the leading market player (Zeiss), increased funding to keep pushing the boundaries, and serious investment from industry professionals in AI-assisted programs.

While the role of the talented cataract surgeon certainly isn’t going to become obsolete, those who are embracing the wonders of AI (although currently in training mode only) are the ones who’ll likely be the first to offer patients these cutting-edge solutions.

It’s certainly an exciting time—both for clinicians and their patients. While such cataract surgery changes won’t apply to all 2024 procedures (or even the majority), rest assured that the rollout really is just around the corner.

Contact the WBEC for the Ultimate IOL Choice and Cataract Surgery Options

Of course, advancements in procedures and technology take time to filter through to the mainstream. One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is training and adopting new technologies into practice.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits for patients at the West Boca Eye Center is that the clinicians—from Brent Bellotte M.D. as lead through every other eye doctor in the practice—are at the forefront of their profession.

For patients, this means that the latest proven technology is usually integrated into regular practice well before it’s available in other clinics across the US.

And that, for our patients, is a game-changer…

Discover the WBEC difference at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery

2024 is set to bring some exciting advances around cataract surgery. The main focus for patients who are getting close to the point when their cataracts are ripe for removal will be around the type of intraocular lens (IOL) that’s implanted.