Are Phakic IOLs Better than LASIK?

Although LASIK is the most popular refractive surgery, far more popular than the use of phakic IOLs, sometimes described as implantable contact lenses, there are some questions about whether it is the best refractive surgery for many different kinds of visual problems, including high myopia. Obviously, phakic IOLs offer many of the same benefits as LASIK: long-term vision correction, the freedom to see without using glasses or contacts, and the potential for even better vision correction than offered by traditional methods. Therefore, phakic IOLs are a natural competitor to LASIK surgery. But which one gives the best results?

Over the last few years, a number of studies have suggested that the crown for best results may go to phakic IOLs. At least two published studies and a conference lecture in the last few years suggest that phakic IOLs may give slightly better visual quality. One 2009 study looked at 46 eyes receiving STAAR's Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) and 47 eyes that underwent custom LASIK for high myopia (<= -6 diopters), comparing pre-surgical and post-surgical higher-order-aberrations and contrast sensitivity. The study showed that phakic IOLs produced significantly fewer higher-order aberrations, and improved contrast sensitivity, whereas LASIK actually reduced contrast sensitivity. Another 2009 study looking at 45 patients (20 with two different phakic IOLs and 25 with LASIK) showed that one month after surgery, phakic IOL patients had recovered much more of their visual acuity than LASIK patients.

Additional support was given to phakic IOLs by a lecture given by Dr. Pablo Artal of the Optical Laboratory of the University of Murcia in Spain. Though his research was only suggestive and had not been formulated for publication, it suggested that LASIK may increase spherical aberrations as the degree of myopia increased, while phakic IOLs maintain or reduce spherical aberrations as myopia increases. However, the actual difference in visual outcomes was not as great as would be predicted by the measured refractive errors.

If you are looking for a long-term vision correction option for high myopia, you should talk to a local ophthalmologist today to learn more about your options and which one might be right for you.

Reading Speeds Tell Us about Adaptation to Multifocal IOLs

One of the most interesting things about the multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery and presbyopia surgery is how the brain learns to select the proper image from among the multiple images these lenses cast on the retina.

Multifocal lenses allow you to see objects at different distances by having a number of focus zones, each dedicated to a particular task, some focusing on close objects, others on far objects, and often balanced for both bright and low-light conditions. Although this solution ensures that for most objects there will always be a focal zone that focuses light from the object you're looking at onto the retina. However, it also means that there will be a number of unfocused images of the same object on the retina at the same time. Your mind just learns to sort them out, the sort of visual trick it already does every day, although not everyone adapts well to the new visual system. One question people have about the process is "How long does it take for the brain to adapt?"

Recent research suggest that it may take 18 months or longer for the brain to fully adjust to using the lenses. Although people get full visual acuity (on average 20/40 vision) by 6 months after surgery, it does not mean that their eyes and brains are fully adapted at this point. Instead, it seems that their eyes are continuing to adjust. A recent study looking at 25 patients who received either the Tecnis or Acrysof ReSTOR at 6, 12, and 18 months after bilateral implantation of the IOLs. The study looked at visual acuity and reading time. Although visual acuity showed no significant deviation over the follow-up period, reading speed continued to increase over the entire follow-up period, which indicated to researchers that patients' brains were continuing to adapt to the novel visual system over the entire study period.

If you are considering a multifocal IOL for correction of presbyopia or during cataract surgery, you should talk about the adaptation period for IOLs with your ophthalmologist. Please call or email us today to contact a local ophthalmologist experienced in cataract surgery.

Many Baby-Boomers Opt for Lens Implants over Reading Glasses

The baby-boomer generation has benefitted greatly from recent advances in eye surgery technology. As a result, many baby-boomers have been able to get rid of their reading glasses once and for all.

Improvements in lens implant technology have led to a 40% increase worldwide for intraocular lens (IOL) implants to treat presbyopia. IOLs are plastic lens implants that are used to replace your eye's damaged natural lens. While IOLs are most commonly used for the treatment of cataracts, they have recently become a popular treatment option for people experiencing problems with their distance vision. By opting for a lens transplant for presbyopia, patients also eliminate the need for a cataracts procedure down the road.

The procedure only takes about a half hour to complete. Your ophthalmologist will apply a local anesthesia before making a small incision in your eye. He will then use ultrasound to break up and remove your natural lens before inserting the implant in its place.

As you age, your eye's crystalline lens begins to stiffen, leading to a degeneration of your eyesight. Changes in the curvature of your lens also contribute to the vision loss experienced with aging. Presbyopia may also be a precursor to cataracts. Therefore, by treating your presbyopia with a lens implant, you are eliminating your risk of developing cataracts in the future.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.