Some individuals with very high levels of refractive error and / or thin corneas may not be suited to laser refractive surgery. However, that does not mean we cannot assist you to be free of glasses or contact lenses. After consultation with our surgeon you may be recommended an intraocular lens implant.
There are two types of lens implant surgery: Refractive Lensectomy, or lens exchange, and Phakic IOL insertion.
Refractive Lensectomy is a procedure very similar to cataract surgery. The natural (crystalline) lens is removed and an artificial lens of the required power is inserted in the eye. Multifocal lenses may be recommended to correct distance and reading problems.
Phakic IOL is an intraocular lens that is inserted into the eye without removing the natural lens (crystalline lens). This means that the eye benefits from the combined action of the natural lens and the implanted IOL to correct the vision. Recovery is rapid and most individuals can see more clearly the following day.
The Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is similar to the phakic IOL, but is placed behind the iris, adjacent to the natural lens. The ICL remains in place indefinitely, but can be replaced or removed should the vision change enough over time. It provides exceptional quality of vision, and is generally recommended for those persons who either have high refractive errors, or do not have the required corneal thickness to undergo LASIK surgery. Rapid recovery, and a simple outpatient procedure make this a highly rewarding vision correction option.