Accommodative intraocular (IOL) lenses are a safe solution for obtaining clear eyesight at multiple distances – far and near. Implanted into the eyes, they are unlike traditional monofocal lenses that provide focus only on one point in space. But accommodative (IOL) simulate the mechanism of the natural eye and function of its crystalline lens.
How does it work?
This IOL complements the eye’s contracting movement when focusing on an object. By doing so, it enables the eye to focus on near, intermediate, and distant objects with precision. Gradually, the recipient’s dependence on glasses and contact lenses is reduced. The implant of this lens is done on patients with high cataracts
in both eyes and those that are affected by presbyopia.
Is accommodative IOL the same as the natural lens of the eyes?
The answer to this is — yes and no. The natural ability of the eyes to change shape and focus on an object according to its distance is a magnificent creation. As a person ages, the ability of their eyes to change shape dynamically as per the focal length requirements may change. An aging eye may lose its focusing power. Accommodative IOL helps the eyes retain this property, but with artificial support.
What are the types of accommodative IOLs?
Currently only one type is available, which is named Crystalens. More information on the available options including multifocal IOLs can be sought from a laser eye surgery specialist from a premier clinic such as Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston. Sometimes the case may not qualify for an implant and may require a LASIK surgery instead. The pros and cons of implant treatment and the realizable benefits can be discussed with an expert surgeon.
Advantages and disadvantages of accommodative lenses
The most distinguishing quality of this IOL is its potential to help the eyes’ lenses achieve its natural motion when focusing on objects. It is only the IOL that has the ability to move and change the focal length of the eyes’ lenses. A critical point of consideration is that the lens has to heal when implanted. The implant is done in the natural lens capsule, and the natural lens is removed. A patient’s healing potential and rate determines the precise positioning of the IOL.
The lens position has to heal at the correct position. A slight forward or backward healing position may produce vision changes, that are not adverse, but a slight deviation from the optimum vision. Additional refractive surgery is performed on mutual consent between patient and surgeon to correct the healing position.
Will the patient achieve 20/20 vision?
There is no guarantee, but the objective is to produce this vision optimum. The patient’s overall health, recovery time, age and underlying health conditions dictate this vision optimum. Therefore, the eye doctor always requests the patient to induct lifestyle changes. Such changes positively contribute to the patient’s overall eye health and improve their chance of unaided optimal eye vision.
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
Via: http://www.uclaser.com/LosAngeles/accommodative-intraocular-lenses-faqs.htm:
