Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
An implantable contact lens (ICL) is a miniature contact lens that is permanently implanted into the eye to correct focusing errors. An implantable contact lens can be either an additional lens implanted into the eye or a lens that is used in exchange for the natural crystalline lens of the eye. ICL eye surgery can be undertaken by our highly experienced surgeons at Accuvision.
Phakic Intra Ocular Lenses (ARTISAN Lens)
This is an additional lens placed behind the cornea and attached to the front of the iris. The ARTISAN lens is made of PMMA, an inert material commonly used for Intra Ocular Lens implants.
For more information please visit the Intra Ocular Lens page
Phakic Intra Ocular Lenses (STAAR ICLs)
Over the past few years intraocular 'implantable contact lenses' have been available. STAAR Implantable Contact Lenses are made partly from collagen - the fibre that is the basic building block of the eye. At present, there is only fairly short-term follow-up data available on patients who have had these lenses inserted, but the biocompatibilty of the Implantable Contact Lens seems good. Implantable Contact Lenses can be used to correct both short-sight (from -3D to -18D) and long-sight (from +1.5D to +18 D). A new toric Implantable Contact Lens to correct astigmatism has recently been introduced.
For more information please visit the Intra Ocular Lens page
Pseudophakic IOLs - Refractive Lens Exchange
During a refractive lens exchange the natural crystalline lens is replaced with an implanted contact lens of appropriate power. The procedure is commonly referred to as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or Clear Lens Exchange (CLE). It is essentially the same procedure as routinely performed the world over for Cataracts, where the natural crystalline lens becomes cloudy and reduces visual performance.
For more information please visit the Intra Ocular Lens page
