Lens Implantation Surgery Q&A
With vision correction procedures becoming more common, many people who wear glasses or contact lenses seek information, especially during long vacations or holidays. To help make informed decisions, we have selected five frequently asked questions from visitors to our clinic and provided answers. Since we have already covered topics related to SMILE surgery in previous posts, today we will focus on answering questions about lens implantation surgery.
1. What is the difference between lens implantation surgery and laser vision correction?
Lens implantation surgery corrects vision by inserting a lens with the appropriate prescription into the eye through a small incision while preserving the cornea. In contrast, laser vision correction uses a laser to precisely reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors.
Procedures like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE involve reshaping the cornea, and once the cornea is altered, it cannot be restored to its original state. However, lens implantation surgery involves placing a lens inside the eye, meaning that if necessary, the lens can be removed to revert to the eye’s original condition.
2. Why is lens implantation surgery recommended for high and extreme myopia?
Laser vision correction, such as LASIK and LASEK, corrects vision by reshaping the cornea using a laser. While only a small amount of the cornea is removed for lower prescriptions, higher prescriptions require more tissue removal. This increases the risk of side effects such as dry eyes, glare, and vision deterioration.
On the other hand, in lens implantation surgery, only the prescription of the lens changes depending on the patient’s vision, while the surgical process and tissue damage remain constant. This makes it a more suitable option for individuals with high myopia, as it minimizes corneal damage.
3. Who is a suitable candidate for lens implantation surgery?
Lens implantation surgery is available for individuals aged 18 and older, provided that their vision has remained stable for at least six months before surgery. The commonly performed posterior chamber lens implantation surgery, particularly with ICL lenses, can correct prescriptions ranging from mild myopia to as high as -18 diopters.
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▲ Research Papers on Lens Implantation Surgery |
This procedure is a good alternative not only for those with high myopia but also for individuals with irregular corneal shapes or weak corneal structures that make laser vision correction unsuitable. To determine eligibility for surgery, comprehensive preoperative tests are required, including standard vision tests, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), cycloplegic refraction tests, and glaucoma evaluations.
4. Is it safe to undergo lens implantation surgery after having had LASIK in the past?
One major advantage of lens implantation surgery is that it does not involve corneal reshaping, making it suitable even for individuals with thin corneas. This makes it a viable option not only for first-time vision correction patients but also for those who have previously undergone LASIK or LASEK and experienced myopia regression.
Additionally, lens implantation surgery is commonly performed for presbyopia correction and astigmatism correction in keratoconus patients. A study evaluating the safety of ICL lens implantation for patients with myopia regression after laser vision correction found no significant changes in vision, corneal thickness, endothelial cell count, or intraocular pressure during a three-month postoperative period. This SCI-published study confirms that lens implant surgery is a safe and effective option for vision re-correction.
5. Why is a surgeon’s expertise crucial for lens implantation surgery?
Unlike laser vision correction, where the role of laser equipment is critical, lens implantation surgery relies more on the surgeon’s skill. Therefore, if you are considering lens implantation surgery, make sure to check the following:
- Whether the clinic has extensive experience in performing lens implantation surgeries
- Whether the clinic adheres to the U.S. FDA guidelines for anterior chamber depth
- Whether the surgeon holds a reference certification for the procedure
Today, we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions regarding lens implantation surgery. Bright Eye Clinic in Gangnam is committed to providing safe and reliable vision correction and will continue to share accurate and helpful information.
Thank you!
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