Considerations for Lens Implantation Surgery

As vision correction procedures become more widespread, an increasing number of individuals who experience discomfort from wearing glasses or contact lenses are choosing to undergo surgery during holidays or school breaks. In particular, beyond traditional laser-based correction methods, lens implantation surgery—where a specialized lens is inserted into the eye without reshaping the cornea—has recently been gaining attention. This procedure is especially attracting interest as a viable alternative in cases where laser surgery has limitations, such as with high myopia.

1. What Is Lens Implantation Surgery?

As the name suggests, lens implantation surgery corrects vision by inserting an artificial lens into the eye. The most common type is the ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), which is placed in front of the eye’s natural lens (the crystalline lens) in the posterior chamber to improve vision. This method differs fundamentally from conventional corneal reshaping procedures.

While procedures such as LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE reshape the cornea using a laser to adjust the eye’s refractive power, lens implant surgery corrects refractive errors by implanting a lens without significantly altering ocular tissue. One of the key differences is that corneal reshaping is irreversible, whereas lens implant surgery offers the potential to restore the eye to its preoperative state by removing the lens if necessary.

Lens Implantation Surgery that preserves the cornea

2. For Cases of High Myopia

Lens Implantation surgery can be a more advantageous option for patients with high or extreme myopia. In procedures like LASIK, the higher the degree of myopia, the more corneal tissue must be removed, increasing the risk of potential complications.

For individuals with thin or structurally weak corneas, laser-based surgery may be either unfeasible or pose significant risks. In contrast, lens implantation surgery involves a nearly identical process regardless of the degree of myopia and does not damage the cornea, making it a safer choice in terms of tissue preservation.

However, this procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is generally considered for individuals over the age of 18 whose vision has remained stable for at least six months. A comprehensive preoperative examination is required to determine candidacy.

Research papers on Lens Implantation surgery

In deciding whether to undergo lens implant surgery, it is essential to assess not only visual acuity but also several other ocular parameters. These include anterior chamber depth, corneal endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure, and the condition of the natural lens. In particular, the UBM (ultrasound biomicroscopy) test is crucial for accurately evaluating the space available for lens implantation, and the presence of conditions such as glaucoma must also be taken into account.

Lens implantation surgery can also serve as an effective alternative for patients who have previously undergone LASIK or LASEK. In some cases, myopia may return or astigmatism may worsen over time after laser surgery. If the cornea is too thin or further reshaping is considered too risky, lens implantation becomes a viable option.

This approach has been successfully applied in numerous clinical cases where vision was re-corrected following prior refractive surgery. Notably, studies published in SCI-indexed journals have confirmed the safety of ICL procedures, showing no significant postoperative changes in corneal thickness, endothelial cell count, or intraocular pressure.

Anterior Chamber Lens Fixed to the Iris

3. The Importance of Surgeon Expertise

It is essential to understand that the success of lens implantation surgery heavily depends on the experience and skill of the medical team. While laser vision correction procedures are largely equipment-dependent, lens implantation requires highly refined surgical techniques.

Every aspect of the procedure—such as precise assessment during lens insertion, understanding of ocular anatomy, and accuracy in lens positioning—can significantly impact the outcome. Therefore, the surgeon’s expertise is directly linked to both the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.

If you are considering lens implant surgery, it is important to evaluate more than just the cost or clinic location. Be sure to carefully consider the following:

1. Does the surgeon have extensive clinical experience with lens implantation?

2. Does the clinic adhere to the anterior chamber depth guidelines recommended by the U.S. FDA?

3. Is the procedure performed by a board-certified and officially accredited medical professional?

Lens Implantation surgery is increasingly recognized as a safer and reversible alternative for vision correction, but determining whether it is right for you requires thorough preoperative evaluation. Because each individual’s eye condition and lifestyle are different, a personalized surgical plan is essential. We recommend making an informed decision based on in-depth consultation and guidance from an experienced medical team.

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