With the development of the intraocular lens (IOL) the days of thick, coke-bottle glasses are nearly over. This now common procedure helps millions of people see more clearly with a conservative eyeglass prescription or none at all. IOL placement is a straightforward, safe procedure that you should consider to improve your vision.
What is an IOL?
IOL is a lens implanted in the eye for the treatment of cataracts or myopia (nearsightedness). During cataract surgery, the damaged natural eye lens is removed and replaced with these implants. A phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) is another, less common type of implant, used to change the eye's optical power as a treatment for myopia.
A Tried-and-True Procedure
Surgeons implant approximately six million lenses annually. This procedure is often performed under local anesthesia and recovery lasts about two–to-three weeks. After surgery, you will be asked to avoid strenuous activities that may significantly increase your blood pressure. Keeping follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist is important to monitor your new lenses for the first few months.
As with any surgery, IOL implantation carries some risks. Infection, lens rotation, loosening of the lens, inflammation, and nighttime halos can occur rarely, but several studies have shown that the procedure is safer than conventional laser eye treatment.
Times Have Changed for Eye Care Patients
Before the IOL was developed, cataract patients had to wear thick aphakic glasses or place contact lenses in their eyes every morning and remove them at night as they recovered from corrective procedures. The primary benefit of an IOL is achieving better natural vision soon after cataract surgery. These implants are a permanent solution and are appropriate for restoring near, far vision, or a combination of both ranges. Astigmatism may also be corrected through the placement of IOLs, adding to the list of positive effects these advanced treatment options have to offer for those searching for improved ocular health.
The extensive, ongoing development of IOLs and the implant procedure has made it a dependable, safe solution for many, widely considered the standard of cataract surgery today.
If you are interested in learning more about intraocular lenses and are in the Birmingham area, call Alabama Vision Center to schedule a consultation!
