Alternative Eye Treatments: Intra-Ocular Lenses
Laser Eye Surgery is now suitable for most patients. But in some cases, it may not be the best option – and we’re only interested in the best results.
For some patients with very high prescriptions, Laser Eye Surgery may not be sufficient to achieve the best possible outcomes. So, for these patients, we may recommend an alternative treatment: Intra-ocular lenses.
These artificial lenses may be referred to by many names, including IOLs, phakic IOLs, implantable lenses, intra-corneal lens implants, Artisan® lenses, and Prelex® lenses. Their impressive range makes them a good option – and often the only option – for patients with unusually high refractive prescriptions.
Implanting Intra-Ocular Lenses (IOLs)
IOL surgery involves surgically implanting artificial lenses into the eye. Each lens is specially selected to correct your refractive error and to suit the size and shape of your eyes. To implant an IOL, the surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea and insert the lens through this opening. The lens is placed in the lenticular sac, replacing the eye’s natural crystalline lens, and is fixed to the pupil with two surgical clips.
IOLs – sometimes called implantable contact lenses – can be suitable for a wide range of prescriptions: It is available for treating myopia (short-sightedness) between -0.50 D and -20.00 D, hyperopia (long-sightedness) between +0.50 D and +10.00 D, and astigmatism up to +6.00 D.
IOL implantation can be permanent and require no maintenance; however, the lenses can be easily removed by a refractive surgeon at a later date. For the most part, these lenses remain in the eye for the patient’s entire life, providing permanent vision correction.
How is ICL Surgery different?
Like Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), this procedure involves replacing the eye’s natural crystalline lens – this is typically used following Cataract Surgery. This is different to the method used in implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery or refractive lens replacement.
In ICL Surgery, the artificial lens is placed in front of the eye’s natural lens.
If you’d like to learn more about our refractive treatments, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today.
