Accommodative Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant (Crystalens)
Most vision correction procedures attempt to change the focusing power of the cornea. An Accommodative IOL Implant, on the other hand, corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness by replacing the eye's natural lens, which has the wrong power, with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implant that has the correct power for the eye.
An accomodative IOL is a replacement lens that works naturally with your eyes' muscles to give you the quality of vision you enjoyed when you were younger. The revolutionary new design includes "hinges," which are designed to allow the lens to move, or accommodate, to focus on objects near, far and at all distances in-between seamlessly.
Intraocular Lens implants are for those who:
- want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
- may not be a good candidate for laser vision correction
- are 18+ years of age
- have no health issues affecting their eyes
Cataracts are a part of the normal aging process. People who receive an accomodative IOL now, will not have to have cataract surgery in the future.
What to expect on surgery day:
The accommodative IOL procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Only one eye will be treated at a time. After the eye is completely numbed with topical or local anesthesia, the eye's natural lens will be gently vacuumed out through a tiny incision, about one eighth of an inch wide.
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The IOL is placed inside the capsular bag of the eye.
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Next, the new intra-ocular lens will be folded and inserted through the same micro-incision. It will then be unfolded and placed into the "capsular bag" that originally surrounded the natural lens. This incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals quickly and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.
If your eye has pre-existing astigmatism, your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism. These are called LRIs or limbal relaxing incisions .
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Your surgeon may elect to make micro-incisions in the cornea to reduce your astigmatism.
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You will go home soon after the surgery and relax for the rest of the day. Everyone heals somewhat differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately after the procedure. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.
Realistic expectations:
The decision to have an accommodative IOL implantĀ is an important one that only you can make. The goal of accommodatilve IOLs is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.
Serious complications with accommodative IOL implants are extremely rare. It is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved with accommodative IOL implants.
After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if accommodative IOLSĀ are an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.
Alternatives to accommodative IOL implants
Accommodative IOL implants are not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. However, we believe that this is the best and only procedure for correcting all of the problems of the aging eye- specifically nearsightedness, farsightedness, the need for reading glasses and the eventual need for cataract surgery. To learn about other procedures and to learn if you are a candidate for exciting procedure of the accommodative IOL, we encourage you to choose to make an appointment or request additional information.
We offer a number of finance options and affordable payment plans. It is easy to schedule an appointment and receive credit approval before your surgery.
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