What are Alternative Treatments to Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser Eye Surgery has come a long way since its introduction in the late 20th century. Today, it can be used to correct the full range of refractive errors, from short-sightedness to presbyopia. But while this life-changing treatment is now suitable for more people than ever before, it may not be the right option for everyone. Thankfully, other refractive treatments could help.
Ongoing development and innovation have helped to make Laser Eye Surgery more effective for more people (at London Vision Clinic, we can treat around 98% of the people who contact us). However, a small number of people remain unsuitable for the procedure. This can be due to several reasons, including the severity of their prescription, the shape and/or health of their eyes, the thickness of their corneas, and pre-existing health conditions.
If you’re told that you’re not suitable for Laser Eye Surgery, don’t lose hope just yet. There may be an alternative treatment available to you. This can include:
- Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation
- Clear Lens Exchange
So, let’s take a closer look at these alternative refractive treatments and how they could improve your vision.
Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation
Phakic intraocular lenses – also known simply as phakic lenses – are artificial lenses that are implanted into the eye. They are designed to improve the eye’s natural focusing power.
The word “phakic” means relating to the eye’s lens. In phakic intraocular lens implantation, this lens serves to add variable focusing power to the ability of the cornea. The procedure involves implanting the artificial lens into the eye. This can be done using two types of lenses: Iris-Claw Lenses and Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs).
Iris-Claw Lens
The Iris-claw lenses (also known as the ‘Artisan’ lenses) feature two clips that grip onto the front of the iris (the coloured part of the eye). The lens sits behind the cornea, adjusting the way light is directed into the eye.
Iris-claw lens procedures became popular in the early 2000s due to a lower risk of cataract formation when compared to ICLs; however, long-term implications for cornea health have since become known. Moreover, ICL practice and technology have significantly improved and the risk of cataract formation has declined. As a result, the Artisan lens procedures are now much less common.
The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is the most commonly performed type of Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation. The procedure involves implanting a small artificial lens behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens of the eye.
ICLs can be used to correct almost every possible prescription and come in various sizes to accommodate different eye sizes. In the UK, ICLs can be used to correct short-sightedness (myopia) from -0.50 D to -18.00 D, long-sightedness (hyperopia) from +0.50 D to +10.00 D, and astigmatism up to 6.00 D.
While ICLs have previously been linked to a higher risk of cataract formation, modern models, including the EVO Visan ICL, feature a tiny hole – known as the aquaport – that allows for better flow of aqueous and nutrients around the eye’s natural lens, reducing the risk of cataracts.
The EVO Visian ICL is largely used for the treatment of myopia. Patients with hyperopia may need to have a very short laser procedure in the days before their ICL surgery. This procedure creates a small hole in the iris to allow a free flow of fluid – replacing the hole in the ICL. The laser procedure is very straightforward and only takes around one minute per eye.
To date, over 1 million ICLs have now been implanted worldwide.
Clear Lens Exchange (CLE)
Also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Clear Lens Exchange is another possible alternative to Laser Eye Surgery. The procedure involves implanting an artificial lens into the eye; however, unlike in phakic intraocular lens implantation, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced.
The basis of CLE is essentially the same as that of Cataract Surgery, except it is performed when no cataracts are present. Like ICL surgery, CLE can be used to correct almost any prescription.
In CLE, the natural lens is removed from the capsular bag and replaced with an artificial lens that has been specifically selected to correct the prescription of the patient. In contrast, ICLs are placed in front of the eye’s natural lens.
The fixed focus of the synthetic lenses used in CLE means that the eye’s natural ability to focus is removed. Therefore, CLE is usually used in patients with presbyopia who have little short focus reserves. For younger patients (usually under the age of 65), ICLs are generally preferred. Clear Lens Exchange may also be an option for presbyopia patients who are unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery and whose eyes cannot accommodate ICLs.
Find out more about Clear Lens Exchange, here.
If you would like to find out if you are eligible for Laser Eye Surgery, or learn more about alternative treatment options, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators. Alternatively, Book a Consultation today.
