Intraocular Lens/Implantable Contact Lens

What Are Intraocular Lenses and Implantable Contact Lenses?

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) and implantable contact lenses (ICLs) are advanced optical implants used in ophthalmology surgery to treat visual issues such as cataracts, refractive defects and presbyopia.  While implanted contact lenses are similar to LASIK surgery, intraocular lens implants primarily are used to treat cataracts.

IOL and ICL insertion, whether for cataracts or refractive problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness,  provide you with a route to clearer vision. There are a variety of intraocular lens implant and implanted contact lens options available, including:

• Monofocal IOLs/ICLs. The monofocal intraocular lens provides clear vision at a single focal length, typically for distant or close vision.
• Multifocal IOLs/ICLs. The multifocal lens implant has numerous focal points and provides clear vision at a variety of distances, including near, moderate and distant.
• Toric IOLs/ICLs. Designed specifically to correct astigmatism, Toric lenses treat uneven corneal curvature and other vision abnormalities, resulting in clearer and more precise vision.

Eye Physicians in New York City near me in Downtown Manhattan has a team of ophthalmologists and optometrists who specialize in advanced IOL and ICL implantation treatments that aim to restore clarity. They also provide a wide range of other comprehensive eye care solutions such as:

• Retinal laser photocoagulation
• Pediatric eye care 
• LipiFlow 
• BlephEx 
• Lazy eye surgery
• Stye removal
• Regular contact lenses
• Emergency eye care

What Eye Conditions Can Intraocular Lens and Implantable Contact Lens Treat?

IOLs replace clouded lenses in cataracts, whereas ICLs modify focus points to rectify refractive faults, allowing for better vision without glasses or contacts. The procedures are used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including:

• Myopia (nearsightedness). Implantable contact lenses are frequently used to treat high degrees of myopia in people who are not candidates for LASIK or other refractive operations.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness). Both IOLs and ICLs can be used to treat hyperopia, helping you see objects in the distance more clearly.
• Presbyopia. Some types of intraocular lens implants such as multifocal or accommodating IOLs, are more appropriate for treating the age-related loss of close vision.
• Astigmatism. Toric IOLs and ICLs are made to fix astigmatism, which is an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens that results in impaired vision at all distances.
• Ocular hypertension High eye pressure that leads to ocular hypertension often is relieved after lenses are implanted.

Intraocular lens implants and implanted contact lenses are often considered when other forms of treatment, such as glasses, contact lenses or non-surgical treatments, don’t effectively correct your vision or aren’t the best solution for you. They’re especially useful when you have serious refractive errors or severely irregular corneal shapes. On the other hand, you may just be looking for a more permanent solution to your visual problems.

What’s the Procedure for Implanting IOLs or ICLs?

Both procedures are short, lasting less than 30 minutes, in one session for each eye. You can go home immediately afterward. You should bring someone to drive you home. Aside from one major difference, procedural steps are the same in both treatments and include:

• Pre-operative measures. Both treatments begin with a complete eye examination that usually includes a refraction eye exam and eye pressure test to determine the proper lens power and to evaluate your overall eye health.
• Anesthesia. Your doctor at Eye Physicians ensures your comfort with the use of local anesthetic to numb the eyes. You may also be given sedatives to help you relax.
• Incision. Both treatments require a tiny incision in each eye to gain access.
• Recovery. Following surgery, you’re examined and may be given eye drops to aid in healing and avoid infection. Initially, vision may be fuzzy, but it steadily improves over time.

Additionally, the technique for multifocal lens implants and monofocal intraocular lens implants involves removing the natural lens before inserting the artificial lens. ICLs differ in that the natural lens is left in place while the ICL is introduced into the eye and placed beneath the iris and in front of the natural lens. This difference in technique reflects the treatment’s separate purposes. IOL implantation treats cataracts by replacing the clouded natural lens, whereas ICL implantation corrects refractive problems without affecting the natural lens structure.

What Are the Advantages of Implanting IOLs or ICLs?

Both are safe, efficient and quick treatments for permanently correcting your vision. Healing time is extremely fast due to the procedure’s minimally invasive techniques. Most people report returning to normal activities the next day. Other advantages include:

• Once implanted, these lenses are intended to give long-term vision correction, often for the rest of your life.
• These lenses are designed to fit your specific eye anatomy, resulting in highly precise vision correction tailored to your requirements.
• Unlike LASIK, which involves reshaping the cornea, the implantable contact lens and the intraocular lens implant are implanted inside the eye to preserve the corneal tissue.
• ICLs are removable, allowing you to reverse the procedure if necessary, however, this is rarely required.
• There’s a good chance that your night vision will be improved.
• Risks are greatly reduced for developing symptoms associated with dry eyes.

While most surgeries to treat cataracts are done for people over the age of 60, younger people, typically over 45, are more likely to take advantage of implantable contact lenses, very often for the convenience of not having to clean, remove and insert the lenses every day. A thorough discussion with your NYC eye doctor can help you figure out if either of the implants is an ideal solution to help you reach your goals.

If you think you or anyone you know may benefit from an implantable contact lens or intraocular lens implant, then contact Eye Physicians at your earliest convenience for a consultation. Only an experienced specialist can correctly perform a lens implant.

Page Updated on Aug 21, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians

Eye Physicians
110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
New York, NY 10013
(212) 292-4814

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