IOL Surgery for Vision Correction

[johnbmaggioncalda]

I'm 28 years old, I wear corrective contact lenses with -6.5 diopters in my left eye and -6 in my right. After researching lasik being familiar with the negative outcome an Uncle of mine had with the surgery I felt that surgical vision correction wasn't something I wanted to do. My ophthalmologist mentioned IOL surgery to me. I liked the procedure better because of how long its been around for treating cataracts, but still feel like I don't know much about it. Can you tell me what some of the risks of the procedure are? How long do the lenses last and how well does the surgery work for correcting myopia? I would have to pay for the surgery out of pocket and I need to be satisfied that I am making a good choice.

[kg17]

Phakic ICLs (aka Visian or Veriseye) are not without significant risks - many of which are unknown for the long-term.  The STAAR company touts that the procedure is "reversible" should you dislike the outcome or if complications arise.  Technically this is true.  However you need to realize that no surgery is "reversible" in the sense that you can have your "virgin" eye back.  

One refractive surgeon who does Visian ICL surgery I consulted with has high myopia of a -10 diopters.  When I asked when she was going to have Visian ICLs placed in her eyes, her comment was, "Well, I cannot afford to take the risks associated with that because my life's work depends on good vision."  My thought was at the time, "And my life's work does not?"

If one wants to know whether a refractive procedure is truly safe, I believe you'll know when you see ophthalmologists opting for the procedure themselves.  

[jribe]

This isn't a bad option for you.  There are different procedures and many get confused on what one you're referring to.  

A Phakic IOL/ICL will NOT remove your natural lens- you would keep your current lens in place.  There are two brand names for this procedure:  veresye and visian; bot ICL or IOL (depending on which term the doctor uses).  

Each of these have different placements; one is affixed directly to the iris, the other between the lens.  

It is pretty expensive; typically ranges 4-5k an eye.

This procedure is removable as well.  If your vision worsens dramatically or you prefer to have them removed you can.  Lasik and the like are permenant.  

These ICL's can repair vision up to -20 diopters.  

Do a search for the procedures for more detailed info.  Just wanted to give you a heads up that some people were giving you wrong information...

BTW- the procedure one was mentioning was an RLE (refractive lens exchange) where the real lens is replaced with an artificial lens.  Typically only recommended to those over 40 ...

[ace399]

At just 28, I would try to keep my natural lenses for as long as possible.  No matter what type of IOL, none are as good as the narural lens.  You should only choose an IOL when your natural lens is worse than an IOL, e.g. cataract.

[JodieJ]

It amazes me that an ophthalmologist would recommend this procedure to a 28-year-old to correct myopia.  Are you aware that if you chose to correct both your eyes for distance vision with monofocal IOLs, you would need glasses for all intermediate and near vision tasks?  There are "premium" multifocal/accommodating IOLs currently available, but the technology isn't sufficiently developed to give you good vision at all distances.  In addition, you would be assuming all the risks of an invasive procedure as well as an increased risk of retinal detachment, not to mention the thousands of dollars involved in surgery fees not covered by your insurance.  My best advice would be to stick with contact lenses.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

For your correction I would recommend LASIK.  Phakic IOLs main complication is cataract formation.

Dr. O.