Lens Implant
Contact lens implantation into the eyes of patients don’t have to be removed.
Phakic IntraOcular Lens
Phakic intraocular lens implantation is designed for the eyes of patients with higher degrees of short-sightedness (Myopia) or long sightedness (Hypermetropia).
This procedure involves the implantation of a small artificial lens inside the anterior chamber of the eye leaving the eye itself unchanged. This lens is used to correct the prescription that you would otherwise need in your glasses or contact lenses. Unlike contact lenses, the lens implant stays in the eye permanently.
The George Street Sydney Eye Laser Surgery lens implantation procedure is usually suitable for patients under the age of 40 with otherwise healthy eyes. There should be no cataract. The anterior chamber of the eye needs to be deep enough to allow the lens to be implanted and there are other measurements that need to be made before it can be determined that this procedure is suitable for you. These measurements are performed at the time of the consultation.
What Are The Risks Involved with Lens Implantation Procedure?
The risks of lens implantation are similar to those which can arise with cataract surgery. The greatest concern is over infection inside the eye known as endophthalmitis. We use sterile techniques in an operating theatre for the procedures and have not had any infections to date. Other risks are a rise in eye pressure, clouding of the cornea and the need for removal of the implant. The risks and benefits will be discussed further with you at your consultation. These vary according to the patient and situation. Contact us for more information.
Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive lens exchange is similar to a cataract extraction and lens implant but the lens being replaced is not cloudy. With the use of laser and ultrasound the weak lens of an eye which needs glasses or contact lenses to see well is reduced to fragments and taken out of the eye. Through a micro incision a tiny folded artificial lens is implanted in its place. This small incision is so small it closes up by itself (no stitches).
Refractive lens exchange procedure can be used to correct short sightedness (myopia) or long sightedness (hypermetropia). Astigmatism may also be corrected. Multifocal lenses are used to combat presbyopia and allow patients to see well both far away and up close without glasses. These lenses are not the same as multifocal lenses that you may have in your glasses.
Patients who choose the Refractive Lens Exchange procedure are patients in their mid-40’s or older. Presbyopia is caused by the lens of the eye becoming inflexible in accommodating to focus on near targets. It is usually corrected by the use of reading glasses. The main attraction to have refractive lens exchange is that it is permanent. With only occasional exceptions, patients who have this procedure performed will be spectacle independent for the rest of their lives.
What does the Refractive Lens Exchange
Procedure Involve?
Like a cataract operation, the procedure of refractive lens Exchange is performed in a sterile environment in an accredited surgical operating theatre. Local anesthetic is all that is required but an anaesthetist is present to supplement this with some sedation using intravenous medication.
How Long does the Refractive Lens Exchange
Procedure Take?
The lens implantation procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes per eye. If both eyes are operated on the same day, there will be a gap between the two cases as the theatre staff prepare for the second eye. Over all you will spend about 2-3 hours at the accredited day theatre to ensure that you have recovered adequately to be discharged home.
Will I need Glasses after the Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure?
In the majority of cases patients gain full spectacle independence following having refractive lens exchange. Some patients notice that computer distance may not be as clear as they would like and, rather than sitting closer to the monitor, they choose to use a pair of light magnifying glasses. Laser eye surgery may also be used postoperatively to correct any residual refractive error to perfect the vision for you. This can only be done about 6 weeks post operatively allowing the eyes to settle completely.
Advancements in modern medicine bring all new possibilities for accommodating intraocular lens implants in Sydney. It’s an excellent option for people who have severe nearsightedness and farsightedness. This implantable contact lens is a very low maintenance option to correct your sight. Once the surgeon implants it, you won’t have to do anything.An implantable contact lens in Sydney is a fast and efficient way to correct your vision. You’re awake during the surgery, but the surgeon applies a numbing eye drop, so you don’t feel anything. You’ll go home the same day with care instructions. Your eye will heal by itself, and you’ll notice an improvement in your vision straight away. The intraocular lens implant will match your prescription.
Intraocular Lens Implant Risks
There are always risks with any type of surgery, but they are generally minimal. A few of the more rare risks include mild bleeding or an infection. The most common risks are minor redness and swelling, and these usually resolve on their own within a few days.
More serious risks include ending up with a detached retina. When this happens, a layer of nerve cells detaches from the back portion of your eye. Other more serious risks include vision loss or dislocation where the new implant moves out of the position the surgeon put it in.
However, the follow-up procedures help to minimise these risks and keep you on track to heal after your intraocular lens implant. You are encouraged to reach out to your surgeon’s office if you have any questions or issues as soon as they appear.
What is a Lens Implant?
A lens implant is an artificial replacement lens for your eye. It works to replace the clear protein and water portion that sits directly behind your pupil. Your lens’ job is to focus the light that enters your eye into your retina, and the retina sends it on to your brain.
The surgeon removes your lens and replaces it with an artificial one. One reason for this is due to cataracts. Your normal lens may thicken and make it difficult to see. Another reason is for severe nearsightedness or farsightedness correction. The lens gets a prescription that corrects your vision.
Can You Get Cataracts After Lens Implants?
No. Cataracts are a thickening of your natural lens, and it’s very common with age. Since an implantable contact lens involves removing your natural lens and replacing it with a fake one, there is nothing to thicken.
The artificial lens isn’t going to develop a film or thick tissue layer after your surgeon implants it. It doesn’t grow, and it ideally won’t shift once your surgeon gets it in place. So, there is no danger of developing cataracts after you have the surgery. It’s often done as a type of cataract surgery.
What is Lens Implanting Surgery?
If you have trouble with your vision because you can’t focus, you can wear traditional contacts or glasses. If you have cataracts, you can have them removed in outpatient surgery, but you typically have to wear thicker glasses after it.
Eye surgery lens implant procedures involve getting a numbing drop applied to your eye. Once your eye is numb, your surgeon will make a tiny slit in your cornea to get through to the lens. They’ll remove the lens and insert the intraocular lens. The incision will heal by itself, and you’ll most likely get medicated eye drops to put in for a few days.
How Safe is Lens Implant Surgery?
Since you stay awake during the surgery and it’s minimally invasive, it’s considered to be a relatively safe procedure. There are risks involved with the surgery just like there would be with any other surgery, but they are minimal.
Your surgeon should discuss all of the risks associated with this surgery before you have it, and you should also have a good understanding of the aftercare instructions. There is very little downtime associated with this surgery, and you can typically go home within an hour of having the procedure.