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Implantable Contact Lens Surgery in Cape Town

Until recently, Cape Town patients with extreme refractive errors have posed a problem to the ophthalmologist. Studies conducted on implantable contact lens surgery have shown that this intra-ocular surgical technique may be the solution. In the case of patients who display high degrees of short-sightedness and farsightedness implantable contact lenses are more suitable than laser eye surgery.

Vision also returns more rapidly, often within a day or so.

Lasik operations can be used to treat a wide range of vision errors. Although postoperative results may vary, most patients are able to pass a drivers license test without their glasses or contact lenses afterwards. This procedure is very successful and has been described as “magic” by both patients and surgeons.

Presbyopic Implantable Contact Lenses (IPCL)

Now available is an implantable presbyopic contact lens (IPCL) that can not only correct your myopia or hyperopia, but also presbyopia.  This new IPCL can make you independent of spectacles for both distance and near vision, while retaining your own natural crystalline lens.  It is therefore suitable for people between the age of 45 and 55 who require correction for both distance and near vision.

The IPCL is like a soft contact lens that is inserted into the eye through a 2.8mm incision and is placed behind the iris, in front of your natural crystalline lens.  It is made from reinforced hybrid acrylic material to ensure excellent long term performance and it cannot be rejected by the body.  The lens is customized according to the shape and size of each eye and is available in a wide power range.

Two tiny holes at the optical zone margin ensure continues aqueous flow from the posterior chamber to the anterior chamber. These holes are placed superiorly to avoid any glare or scattering of light due to the holes.

This safe and reversible new surgical technology provides excellent quality of vision and fast recovery.  Your natural corneal asphericity is retained and no corneal tissue is removed.  Because your natural lens remains in your eye, accommodation is preserved.  Results are very stable over time and there is no regression.

For more information about this new refractive surgery technology please contact us on 021 9100 300 or info@eyelaserclinic.co.za.

Who is suitable for ICL?

  • Individuals who have very high degrees of hyperopia or myopia
  • Those who have had previous refractive surgery and did not attain the desired results
  • Patients who are free from corneal disease and glaucoma and have healthy eyes.(Cataracts or other visual problems may influence the willingness of the surgeon to perform ICL surgery.)

The Preliminary Examination

A thorough preliminary eye examination and some specialized tests will be performed to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for implantable contact lens surgery and to allow calculation of the most appropriate lens power.

YAG laser iridotomy is necessary seven to ten days before lens implantation to prevent rising of intra-ocular pressure after surgery.

If both eyes need surgery, it can be performed on the same day in most cases. After the procedure, you will be required to stay in recovery for a couple of hours to monitor your intra-ocular pressure, after which you may go home.

During the Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

Surgery is performed under topical anaesthesia – only drops will be used to numb the eye completely. As this is a very sterile procedure you will be thoroughly prepared for surgery.

After the Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

Allow yourself about three day’s recuperation after the surgery. You will be given eye drops to use after surgery to prevent infection and to reduce swelling of the cornea.

What to Expect after the Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

  • Your vision may be a bit blurry for the first few days and you may experience some difficulty with reading. This is due to your pupils still being dilated; it takes about 48 hours before the effect wears off.
  • You may experience some problems with night glare and halo’s around lights.
  • Your eyes may feel a bit scratchy and dry during the first few days.
  • Your vision may fluctuate during the first few weeks.
  • Visual recovery is rapid and relatively painless.

All of the above mentioned symptoms are normal and any discomfort you have will become less each day as the eye heals.

If you have any further questions with regard to corrective eye surgery or implantable lenses, please do not hesitate to contact us.