If you do not have cataracts, suffer from presbyopia (loss of your reading vision), and are not a candidate for laser vision correction, then Refractive Lens Exchange with premium lens implants may be an exciting option for you.
Premium lens implants can offer you greater freedom from glasses and a wider range of vision than the standard single-vision implants covered by insurance. There are two categories of premium implants: astigmatism correcting or toric implants; and presbyopic correcting implants.
Astigmatism is caused by a variation in the curvature or shape of the cornea, the front clear window of the eye, which leads to blurring of the vision. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses and contact lenses, but now is correctable with a toric lens implant.
Presbyopia is a condition that causes loss of near or reading vision because of age associated changes in the natural lens and focusing muscle of the eye. Since the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, presbyopia is a consequence. The standard single-vision lens implants covered by insurance can be set for distance or near vision, but cannot deliver a full range of vision from distance to near. Accommodating and multifocal lens implants can yield a greater range of vision and less dependence on glasses after surgery.
Alternatively, if you have been happy with monovision contact lenses, your implants can also be set for monovision to reduce your need for glasses after cataract surgery.
The eye surgeons of Vision Surgery Consultants will discuss all of your lens implant options and help you decide which is best for your visual needs. To learn the many benefits of these revolutionary technologies, please schedule a comprehensive consultation at our office by calling 316-263-6273.
Elective Phakic Implants
If you are highly nearsighted, want to get rid of your thick glasses or contact lenses, and not a good candidate for laser vision correction, then a phakic implant may be an excellent option for you. A phakic implant goes inside the eye when the eye is still “phakic,” which means the natural lens is still in place. This technology works much like implanting the patient’s contact lens into their eye. The implant corrects the nearsighted prescription for better distance vision, while the natural lens inside the eye focuses for near vision. One advantage of this treatment is that it is reversible and the lens can be removed. It is a safe and effective alternative to laser vision correction and refractive lens exchange for certain patients.
You might be a candidate for refractive lens exchange surgery if you: wear glasses or contact lenses and are not a good candidate for laser vision correction; or have early cataracts that do not qualify for cataract surgery.
Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery is a short and safe procedure where the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial implant. The operation is performed exactly like cataract surgery. There are a variety of implant options, including premium implants that can be used to meet your unique and individual visual needs. Please contact our office today to set up a free evaluation for refractive surgery.
ICL
The ICL is the first available foldable phakic intraocular lens, which is inserted through a 3 mm clear corneal incision and placed in front of the natural crystalline lens and behind the iris. It is approved for patients between the ages of 18 – 45 with a prescription of -5D to -16D with less than 2.5D of astigmatism.
On April 6, 2006, Dr. Kingrey placed the first Visian Collamer lens in Wichita. The results have been very exciting! Some patients achieved better uncorrected acuity than with their glasses or contacts. This procedure will complement our custom LASIK with the capabilities of correcting higher prescriptions, and trating patients with thinner corneas. Please contact Vision Surgery Consultants today to discuss your candidacy for ICL surgery. Our eye surgeons look forward to meeting you!