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What are Intraocular Lens Implants?
Intraocular lens implants, or implantable contact lenses, are artificial lenses inserted in the eyes. Intraocular lens implants function in a similar way to contact lenses but they are not removed. The intraocular lens implant is used to treat cataracts or to improve the optical power of the eye and correct focusing errors. Intraocular lenses are placed in the eye through an incision.
Intraocular lens implants are popular with patients that are not suitable for laser eye surgery.
What are the types of Intraocular Lens Implants?
There is a slight variation in the intraocular lens implant procedure depending on the type of lens used. The most common Intraocular Lens Implants are:
- Monofocal lenses: Monofocal intraocular lenses correct the vision at one distance. The intraocular lens implant is inserted into the eye through an incision. Sutures are added to seal the lens.
- Accommodating lenses: These intraocular lens implants, otherwise known as multifocal intraocular lenses, help with near-vision and the eye’s ability to “accommodate” different distances.
Duration of procedure/surgery:The intraocular lens implant procedure takes around 30 minutes.
Number of sessions required:Depending on the procedure, intraocular lens implants may be carried out on both eyes in one operation, or one eye at a time.
Days admitted:None. The procedure is carried out in a doctor’s office on an outpatient basis.
Anesthesia:Local anesthesia.
Recovery:Patients are usually able to return to work and light activities a day after intraocular lens implants.
Full recovery from the intraocular lens implants takes around 2 to 3 weeks.
Risks:The intraocular lens implants procedure is relatively straightforward but there are a few risks.
Risks include:
- Infection.
- Damage to the eye that can result in glaucoma, inflammation, retinal detachment or cataracts.
- Corneal edema (swelling).
- Increase in eye pressure.
- Leakage.
After care:- The eye may be bandaged following the intraocular lens implant or you may wear a protective shield for around a week.
- Immediately following the operation, you should not take part in any activity that causes your blood pressure to rise or which puts pressure on the eye.
- Make sure you don’t rub your eye following intraocular lens implants.
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