Do I Need Lens Implants?

• Posted on: Mar 30 2015
• By: Darren Timmerman

Intraocular Lens Implants, called IOLs, are small, flexible implants inserted into the eye to replace a damaged or dysfunctional natural lens. The IOL serves as a lens, filtering and focusing light that enters the eye.

Of the many different types of IOLs available, each focuses light in a different manner. Certain types of IOLs, like accommodative lenses, are designed to correct vision problems permanently.

Although every situation is not appropriate for lens implants, there are three common treatments that may include having an IOL implanted in the eyes.

Treatments That May Require Lens Implants

• Cataract surgery: One of the most common reasons for having an IOL implant is cataract surgery. When a person suffers from cataracts, the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This condition is most common among older adults. Surgery to correct cataracts involves breaking up the protein and matter clouding the natural lens. Often the natural lens is removed and must be replaced by a lens implant.
• Nearsightedness correction: Sometimes cataracts and nearsightedness are connected. When someone experiences severe nearsightedness, he or she might consider having lens implants. A surgeon can perform clear lens extraction and then replace the clear but poorly performing natural lens with a corrective IOL. Sometimes a surgeon might implant a special IOL on top of the natural lenses. This type of IOL is more like getting permanent contact lenses.
• Astigmatism treatment: If a person has astigmatism, caused by an abnormal curvature of the cornea, then an IOL may be a long-lasting corrective measure. The Toric IOL is the most commonly used and specifically designed type of lens implant for correcting astigmatism.

Interested In Learning More About IOLs? Contact Dr. Julia Giyaur

For more information about cataract surgery or intraocular lenses, contact ophthalmologist Dr. Julia Giyaur in Brooklyn and Rego Park. Our offices can be reached at 718.676.6464. We look forward to helping you see clearly.

Tagged with: Intraocular Lens Implants

Posted in: Vision Correction