At our laser eye surgery center in Chicago, IOLs of the highest quality are used to restore vision after the surgical removal of cataracts. The eye surgeons at Chicago Cornea Consultants™ offer a range of high-quality premium intraocular lenses, including the Tecnis IOL, PanOptix Trifocal IOL, and Crystalens®. Each of these lenses offers unique advantages, which are explained in detail to patients considering cataract surgery during their initial consultations.
The procedure for installing IOLs into the eye after the removal of the natural lens is actually quite simple and extremely safe. Modern IOLs have the ability not only to restore clarity to vision previously clouded by cataracts, but also to give patients even better vision than they had before their natural lenses had degraded.
The IOL Placement Procedure
IOLs are generally placed immediately after the removal of the eye’s clouded natural lens during cataract surgery. Modern IOLs are made of flexible materials that allow them to be placed through the same tiny incision through which the broken-up damaged lens is removed. Once inserted, the IOL is unfolded and guided into its proper position. The premium IOL replaces the natural lens to restore clear vision at a variety of distances. In many cases, patients are able to reduce their dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses following IOL placement, and some patients are able to see clearly without visual aids altogether.
There is no need for stitches, bandages, or eye patches after surgery due to the extremely small size of the incision through which the IOL is placed. The placement of IOLs takes less than 30 minutes, and the eyes are generally able to heal fully in approximately two to three weeks.
Refractive Lens Exchange
While the majority of IOL procedures are performed after the removal of cataracts, IOLs can also be used to treat presbyopia, even before the formation of cataracts. In a procedure called refractive lens exchange, the natural lenses are removed and replaced with IOLs, just as they would be during cataract surgery. In a sense, however, refractive lens exchange could be considered a pre-emptive treatment, as they will prevent the patient from ever experiencing cataracts. The procedure is an excellent alternative to laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK and PRK for older patients who wish to have clear unaided vision at all distances.
Whether a patient is undergoing refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens is removed in precisely the same fashion. The surgeon uses a probe to gently break up the lens and suction it out through a tiny incision.
Learn More about IOL Placement
Whether you are suffering from cataracts, or you simply want to be able to see clearly at all distances without having to wear glasses or contact lenses, premium intraocular lenses may be the best option for you. To find out more about IOL placement after cataract surgery or as part of a refractive lens exchange procedure, please contact Chicago Cornea Consultants™ today. We would be pleased to welcome you to our practice!
