Implantation of artificial lenses (e.g. intraocular lenses (ICL), Artisan, Artiflex)
Intraocular lenses are artificial lenses that are implanted into the eye, in addition to the natural lens of the eye, also called crystalline lens. They are made of a sheet of very thin and very flexible plastic (Collamer™), with excellent tissue compatibility. These implants are invisible and the patient does not feel them. They are implanted through a small opening of approx. 2.5 cm, before or behind the iris.
Artificial lenses have the particularity that they are also available in "toric" form, which means that in case of myopia associated with astigmatism (unequal curvature of the cornea), both defects can be corrected at the same time.
With he ICL lens, the therapeutic outcome is precisely predictable and the operation is reversible at any time. It is a non-stationary operation and lasts only a few minutes.
Lens implanted in the posterior chamber (ICL)
This implant is placed into the space between the iris and the lens. It is therefore entirely invisible from the outside.
Lens implanted in the anterior chamber (Artisan, Artiflex)
These lenses are placed before the natural lens, they either increase or decrease refraction, according to the type of defect to be corrected. If one looks closely, one can detect the presence of this type of lens from the outside.
Procedure
With all types of implants, the operation can be performed under local anesthesia with drops (no injection). An advantage is that the lens, which is implanted in addition to the natural lens of the eye, can be removed again, if necessary. Normally, the cornea is not implicated in this kind of operation. But the operation requires an experienced and skilled surgeon, and it must be performed under strictly sterile conditions
Properties and advantages of artificial lens implants:
• Out-patient treatment of both eyes with an interval of one week between operations
• Unrestricted use of the eye already after a few days
• Rubbing has no negative effects
• The operation is reversible
• The material used for the lenses has been in clinical use for over 20 years and surgeons have implanted millions of lenses worldwide
• The material is extremely well tolerated and the long-term results are excellent
Artificial lenses have the particularity that they are also available in "toric" form, which means that in case of myopia associated with astigmatism, both defects can be corrected at the same time. These lenses are fabricated individually, according to the specific requirements.
With these implants we can now achieve corrections of very pronounced visual defects, with the same precision as with the Excimer laser in the correction of less severe defects.
