What is Lens Implant Surgery?
In addition to LASIK and LASEK, the University of Florida Laser Eye Center also performs lens implant surgery, typically reserved for patients who also have age-related refractive errors (or are presbyopic). Also called Natural Lens Replacement (NLR), this surgery does not reshape the cornea like LASIK and LASEK; instead, the procedure involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision.
Lens Implant Surgery Procedure
Lens implant surgery is similar to cataract surgery.
Surgical Step-by-Step Review
- First the eye is numbed.
- Then the surgeon removes the lens using ultrasound.
The surgeon completes the procedure by replacing the removed lens with an implant.
The lens implant is positioned in the same place as the previously removed natural lens.
Are You a Good Candidate for Lens Implant Surgery?
For more information about this procedure, and to discuss possible surgical candidacy, call the University of Florida Laser Eye Center for a complete evaluation. Some of the questions doctors consider:
- Are you over 18 years of age?
- Are you farsighted, nearsighted or have astigmatism?
- Has your prescription for corrective eyewear remained the same for at least two years?
- Do you understand the benefits and potential risks of Lens Implant surgery?
- Do you have problems with dry eyes?
- Are you pregnant or nursing?
- Are you taking steroids or immunosuppressant medication?
- Do you suffer from autoimmune disorders?
- Have you had ocular herpes within the last year?
- Do you have any pre-existing eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, or other conditions that threaten your vision?
- Do you have a thorough understanding about the procedure and realistic expectations about the outcome?
In addition, there is extensive pre-operative testing and evaluation that helps determine successful Lens Implant candidacy. Among other things, the doctor will:
- Take a medical history
- Determine the magnitude of visual error
- Screen for external and internal eye disease
- Map the shape of your cornea
- Measure your pupil size, the thickness of your cornea, intraocular pressure, etc.
- And more