Refractive surgery with intraocular lenses

Refractive Surgery with Intraocular Lenses

What Does It Involve?

• Refractive surgery with intraocular lenses involves implanting phakic or pseudophakic lenses to correct refractive errors such as:
  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism
• Phakic lenses:
  • Implanted between the cornea and the crystalline lens, without removing the lens.
  • Suitable for young patients (under 40/45).
  • Reversible technique.
  • Corrects:
    • Up to 20-21 dioptres in myopia.
    • Up to 10-12 dioptres in hyperopia.
  • Types:
    • Iris support lenses (in front of the iris).
    • ICL lenses (between the iris and the crystalline lens).
• Pseudophakic lenses:
  • Replace the crystalline lens (used for cataracts or presbyopia).
  • Corrects:
    • Up to 35-40 dioptres in myopia.
    • Up to 20 dioptres in hyperopia.

When Is It Carried Out?

• Phakic IOLs:
  • Indicated for patients with:
    • High hyperopia.
    • High astigmatism.
    • High myopia or contraindications for LASIK or intracorneal rings.
• Pseudophakic IOLs:
  • Usually used in cataract surgery or for refractive errors in patients over 45 years old.

Prior Examination:

• Comprehensive eye examination.
• Measurement of the anterior chamber.
• Endothelial count.

Preoperative Guidelines:

• Avoid strenuous activities for 3 days before surgery.
• Patients can resume a normal life but must not rub their eyes.

During Surgery:

• Performed under topical anaesthesia.
• Duration: 15 to 20 minutes.
• Outpatient procedure.

Risks:

• No significant risks beyond standard surgical risks.
• Regular check-ups every 18 months to 2 years are essential to monitor endothelial count.

Associated Pathologies:

• High myopia operation
• Myopia
• Astigmatism
• Hyperopia
• Presbyopia ("Old Eyes")