Intra-Ocular Lens

What can an intra-ocular lens treat?

Because the artificial lens has an enormous range, intra-ocular lens treatment is suitable for those patients with extremely high prescriptions. Indeed, in some cases it may be the only practical refractive surgery.

I was longsighted for laser (treatment) so I had to get implants and two lots of laser to cure my eyesight. The only place I could go to was the London Vision Clinic where Mr Dan Reinstein changed my life forever. I no longer need glasses and I am 50 years old, and don't need reading glasses either. I can't thank all the staff at London Vision Clinic enough for changing my life. — Stewart R., Edinburgh, Scotland

What are intra-ocular lenses?

Unlike other techniques, surgeons implant intra-ocular lens (often referred to as IOLs, phakic IOLs, implantable lenses, clear lens extraction or exchange (CLE), intra corneal lens implants, Artisan^® lenses, Prelex^® lenses, RLR, lens replacement surgery) into the cornea during surgery. The lens is permanent (but can be surgically removed), needs no maintenance and can remain in the eye for the patient's entire life.

To preserve the focusing ability needed for reading, the surgeon does not remove the eye's existing lens. The surgeon implants the intra-ocular lens, sometimes referred to as an implantable contact lens, in front of the natural lens and therefore assists vision much as a conventional contact lens would.

To implant the intra-ocular lens, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and inserts a lens through this opening, positioned exactly in front of the pupil and fixed to the iris with two surgical clips. The surgeon then closes the incision.

What are the advantages of an intra-ocular lens?

The great advantage of using an intra-ocular lens is the ability to treat conditions that would otherwise be impossible to correct surgically.

However, surgeons typically treat the second eye only treated once the first eye has healed, and this means a delay of two to three weeks between operations. After intra-ocular lens treatment, the intra-ocular lens restores vision almost immediately but is not at its best until approximately three weeks after intra-ocular lens surgery is complete.

If you want to know more about your suitability for IOL treatment

Contact a patient education consultant on 0800 587 4705 to learn more about intra-ocular lenses and other laser eye surgery procedures.