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 ophthalmologist you may be recommended an intraocular lens implant.
Our highly experienced team can carry out three types of lens implant surgery at WA Laser Eye Centre: Refractive Lensectomy, also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) insertion, and Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Eye Surgery
A Refractive Lens Exchange, or Refractive Lensectomy, is a type of vision correction surgery, the procedure being very similar to cataract surgery. The natural (crystalline) lens is removed, and an artificial intraocular lens of the required power is inserted in the eye. Multifocal or trifocal lenses surgery may be recommended to correct mid-range, distance and reading problems.
Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants
The Phakic Intraocular Lens (PIOL) procedure is used to correct vision in those who are not suitable candidates for corneal-based or RLE eye surgery. 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.
Implantable Collamer Lens
The Implantable Collamer 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.
What Types of Intraocular Lenses are Used?
At WA Laser Eye Centre, there are a few different types of intraocular lenses we use for these procedures. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the IOL best suited to your needs during the consultation.
- Monofocal lenses – Provides vision correction at a single distance, usually for seeing far away.
- Multifocal lenses – The Panoptix Multifocal IOL and Symfony IOL offers vision correction at multiple distances.
- Trifocal lenses – For trifocal lenses surgery, the PanOptix Trifocal IOL addresses near, mid and distance vision.
- Toric lenses – The PanOptix Toric lens is designed to address astigmatism.