Phakic IOL’s

Intraocular Lens Implants for Vision Correction

The natural crystalline lens of the eye is a critical structure that helps focus light to the back of the eye (the retina). If the lens becomes cloudy we call it a cataract. Cataracts can cause blur, glare, light sensitivity, and distortion of vision. If visually significant the cataract is surgically removed and a synthetic replacement lens (intraocular lens implant) is placed internally within the eye. Alternative uses of intraocular lenses include placement without removal of the natural crystalline lens or cataract. This is performed for vision correction of refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and/or presbyopia). The term “Phakic Intraocular Lens” is used in these cases.

Intraocular lens implants come in a variety of designs that are meant to correct a number of vision abnormalities. Originally intraocular lenses (IOL’s) were developed to correct simple single vision, spherical refractive error (nearsighted or farsighted correction).

The AcrySof® ReSTOR® Multifocal Intraocular Lens

The new Alcon AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) is the first and only lens to use a particular diffractive technology that achieves a range of vision for patients thus enabling it to function much like the eye’s natural lens. ReSTOR® does not rely on the eye’s ciliary muscle to change focus between near, intermediate and distance, but instead relys on the diffractive properties of the lens itself. Weakening of the ciliary muscle is the root cause of presbyopia which results in the need for reading glasses or bifocals.

In ReSTOR® clinical trials, about 80% of those participating said they never required glasses or contacts for distance or near after cataract removal.

In fact, with this new lens, it is possible that people who have worn glasses for 10, 20, 30, or even 40 or more years, may enjoy good vision for the rest of their lives without corrective lenses.

Crystalens® “Accommodating” IOL

Crystalens® “is the only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens that can help patients see near, far, and at intermediate distances, seamlessly, naturally, and without glasses.” The Crystalens® is believed to provide more natural vision because it is uniquely designed to work with the eye’s natural muscle movements (accommodation).

Clear Lens Extraction

Clear lens extraction uses the same technology that has proved so successful in cataract removal. Typically, clear lens extraction patients are middle age and beyond, need reading glasses, and are not best treated with LASIK. The actual procedure takes about 10-15 minutes, and most patients experience an improvement in vision almost immediately. Clear lens extraction patients will never develop a cataract or require cataract surgery.

Visian Implantable Collamer / Contact Lens

NSVC is proud to offer our highly myopic (nearsighted) patients the Visian Implantable Collamer / Contact Lens (ICL). This state-of-the-art implantable lens offers patients numerous benefits while providing rewarding vision correction results. The Visian ICL treats myopia in patients with or without astigmatism. Collamer is an organic material that provides a greater compatibility with the eye than an acrylic or silicone lens. The Visian ICL was used extensively abroad before receiving the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since its invention, this lens has been successfully implanted in more than 60,000 patients worldwide.

The Benefits Of Receiving A Visian ICL

The Visian ICL is often used to correct the vision of a variety of patients, including those whose myopia is so great that LASIK cannot be performed. Research from numerous resources, including the FDA, has shown the Visian ICL to be an effective vision correction alternative to other refractive surgeries such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK. One of the major benefits of the Visian ICL is that it is reversible since this implantable lens does not replace the eye’s existing lens, but rests on the eye’s lens similar to how a prescription contact lens sits on the eye’s cornea.