Lens implant

Lens implant or intraocular lens (IOL) is a type of artificial lens that is implanted in the eye during cataract surgery or other types of eye surgery to replace the natural lens. The procedure is commonly performed to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia.

History

The concept of lens implantation was first introduced by Harold Ridley, an English ophthalmologist, in 1949. Ridley observed that fragments of acrylic glass from aircraft canopies, which had remained in the eyes of wounded pilots, were well tolerated. This led him to develop the first IOL, which was made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Types of Lens Implants

There are several types of lens implants, each designed to meet different visual needs and eye conditions. These include:

• Monofocal IOLs: These are the most common type of lens implant. They have one point of focus and can correct distance vision, but reading glasses are usually needed for near vision.

• Multifocal IOLs: These lenses have multiple points of focus. They can correct both distance and near vision, reducing the need for glasses.

• Accommodating IOLs: These lenses can shift focus on the eye, similar to the natural lens, allowing for distance and some near vision.

• Toric IOLs: These are used for patients with astigmatism. They have different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct the asymmetric power of the eye.

Procedure

The lens implant procedure is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea, removes the natural lens, and replaces it with the artificial lens. The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, lens implantation carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, inflammation, retinal detachment, and vision changes. However, the majority of patients experience significant improvement in vision following the procedure.

See Also

• Cataract Surgery
• Refractive Surgery
• Ophthalmology