Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation Surgery
“When the physician told me that I was not suitable for laser vision correction surgery, I was so disappointed.
I was really waiting for the moment where I could lose my glasses once and for all.
Fortunately for me, it turned out that an intraocular lens implantation surgery was a possible, efficient and safe solution”, tells Mika Z., 31 years old.
Jerusalem | Tel Aviv | Haifa | Be’er Sheva
“When the physician told me that I was not suitable for laser vision correction surgery, I was so disappointed.
I was really waiting for the moment where I could lose my glasses once and for all.
Fortunately for me, it turned out that an intraocular lens implantation surgery was a possible, efficient and safe solution”, tells Mika Z., 31 years old.
כל המידע על Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation Surgery
What is an intraocular lens implantation surgery?
An intraocular lens implantation surgery is a possible medical solution offered at the Dr. Levinger Eyes medical centers for those who wish to undergo vision correction but are not suitable for laser vision correction surgery.
Approximately 25% of individuals who undergo suitability testing for laser surgery are found unsuitable for laser vision correction surgery.
The reasons for unsuitability may be particularly high prescriptions (minus or plus), a thin cornea or corneal distortion.
For such individuals, advanced medical technology offers an alternative option, which involves the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens, suited to the patient’s visual disorder, which is permanently implanted in the anterior chamber of the eye.
?For whom are intraocular lens implants for vision correction suitable
An intraocular lens implantation surgery may be suitable for those who wish to correct their vision and stop wearing glasses, who were found unsuitable for laser vision correction surgery in a suitability test
This surgery is possible in the following cases:
- Very high prescriptions (minus or plus)
- High cylinder (astigmatism)
- Thin cornea
- Distorted cornea
Additionally, the treatment is intended for candidates ages 18 to 55, in good health condition, without eye diseases, and with a stable prescription that did not change for at least one year.
Available prescriptions for intraocular lenses range from -3 Diopter to -24 Diopter for nearsighted individuals, and from +1 Diopter to [1]+12 Diopter for farsighted individuals. In the suitability test, the physician will decide what the best solution for you is.
How is the suitability test for a intraocular lens implantation surgery conducted?
Comprehensive and meticulous suitability testing of the eyes is vital to the success of the operation, and it examines data such as: the structure of the eye, corneal thickness, prescription (optical condition), corneal topography, intra-ocular pressure, eye conditions and physiological issues such as dryness of the eyes, proper function of the cornea and retina, etc.
The suitability test at theDr. Levinger Eyes and Dr. Levinger medical centers involves a comprehensive diagnosis of the eye, and takes approximately 3 hours, including wait times. If you are found to be suitable for intraocular lens implantation surgery, the physician will explain the surgical process, coordinate expectations regarding its results, and explain the possible side effects and risks.
Once it had been determined that the patient is suitable for surgery of this type, we will order a suitable lens crafted in accordance with the patient’s eye and vision data.
The lens is manufactured aboard, is custom-made for the patient, and takes several weeks to manufacture.
About the Treatment
Intraocular lens (IOL) implant surgery for vision correction is performed under local anaesthesia using anaesthetic eye drops and is pain-free. The surgery is performed in a day surgery setting.
Intraocular lens implant surgery is usually performed for individuals found unsuitable for laser vision correction surgery. The surgical procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia using drops that neutralize pain, making the local anaesthesia procedure simple, quick, and painless. The surgeon creates a tiny opening in the cornea (3 mm) through which the new lens is inserted. If necessary, the lens can be removed or replaced, making it a reversible surgery. The surgery helps solve problems of high near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism (“cylinder”). The procedure is performed on one eye at a time, with at least a week interval between surgeries.
The lenses are manufactured abroad in a process specifically tailored to the patient’s data.
For patients with high prescriptions, there is a medical solution – intraocular lens implant surgery, which is sometimes the only available option for them.
What are the advantages of vision correction with intraocular lens implant surgery?
- The surgery provides a solution for high near-sightedness, high far-sightedness, and treatment of astigmatism
- The surgery provides a possible solution for candidates for whom laser vision correction surgery is not suitable.
- The patient enjoys optimal vision and a permanent solution.
- The surgery is reversible: although the lens is intended for permanent implantation, it can be replaced or removed if necessary.
- The results are almost immediate: in most cases, you can return to normal activity within a few days.
- Quick recovery and rapid return to routine.
- Excellent results for thousands of satisfied patients.
What types of lenses are implanted in the surgery?
In intraocular lens implant surgery, lenses can be implanted to correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism, as well as combined lenses to correct high prescription and astigmatism.
How is intraocular lens implant surgery performed?
Based on the results of preliminary tests, an intraocular lens is ordered for implantation to provide the necessary vision correction.
During the surgery, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes, the lens is inserted through a tiny opening in the cornea and positioned between the eye’s natural lens and the iris, or on the iris, depending on the type of lens.
The implantation is done in the anterior chamber of the eye.
In most cases, the surgery is performed without using sutures. The physician bandages the operated eye.
The surgery is performed in a day surgery setting in the operating rooms of the Dr. Levinger Eyes and Dr. Levinger Medical centers. If lens implantation is required in both eyes, the surgery is first performed on one eye, and after two weeks to a month, on the second eye.
Q&A
For whom is intraocular lens implant surgery suitable?
Intraocular lens implant surgery may be suitable for those interested in vision correction and removal of glasses who were found unsuitable in the suitability test for laser surgery. This usually involves individuals with high prescriptions.
The surgery is possible in cases where the prescriptions are very high, astigmatism is high, or the cornea is thin or distorted.
After the surgery, the patient will not feel pain. On the day of surgery, they will need to wear a transparent patch. The next day, they will feel an immediate improvement in their vision, and the transparent patch can be removed. They can return to daily routine, including driving, with no restrictions.
During the first three weeks after surgery, antibiotic drops should be used to reduce the risk of infection, and swimming should be avoided. Also, in the first week after surgery, eye make-up is prohibited.
Intraocular lens implant surgery is privately funded, without participation from HMOs and insurance companies.
All of our physicians at the Dr. Levinger Eyes chain, who perform vision correction surgeries, are corneal specialists. They are all skilled and professional, with long years of accumulated experience due to their work as department and unit managers in hospitals currently or in the past.
The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia using anaesthetic eye drops, and thus the patient does not feel pain during the surgery.
The surgery takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Recovery time and vision stabilization last up to about one month.
If lens implantation is required in both eyes, the surgery is first performed on one eye, and after two weeks to a month, on the second eye.
In principle, this is a lens intended for permanent use. However, if necessary – the lens can be replaced or removed in a surgery.
Absolutely! The Dr. Levinger Eyes chain provides a customer service call center available 24 hours per day, including on Saturdays and holidays. It is important for us to be available for you at any time and for any question.
Treatment instructions
Note! These instructions are general only and are not a substitute for the instructions of the physician and medical staff.
Intraocular lens implant surgery is a relatively short and safe surgical procedure. Nevertheless, the patient’s adherence to safety rules and the surgeon’s instructions is a necessary component in maintaining eye health before and after surgery and in expediting recovery.
What needs to be done before intraocular lens implant surgery?
- Blood tests and an ECG test must be performed.
- You must come to the surgery with an adult escort, aged 18 and above.
- On the evening before surgery, it is recommended to wash your hair.
- You must fast for 6 hours before surgery.
- Do not wear eye make-up or make-up around the eyes for 3 days before surgery.
What needs to be done after intraocular lens implant surgery on the day of surgery?
- Do not remove the bandage during the first night after surgery. At the follow-up visit the next day, the physician will remove the bandage.
- Avoid physical exertion – do not lift heavy loads and do not bend with your head down.
- It is recommended to rest. You can watch TV and read.
- Do not get the bandage wet or wash your hair.
What needs to be done after the surgery?
For one week:
- Continue medical treatment according to the physician’s instructions.
- Do not get your eyes wet.
- Do not wash your hair.
- Do not engage in sports.
- Sleep with the plastic shield over your eye.
- Do not apply make-up to your eyes or around your eyes.
For one month:
- Do not bathe in the sea or in swimming pools.
- Use sunglasses or protective glasses indoors or in the office.
Summary
Intraocular lens implant surgery is defined by those who undergo it as a life-changing surgery – literally. From a life of high dependence on glasses and contact lenses, expending energy on maintenance, dealing with eye drops, dry eyes, and spending money, the surgery allows, in the simplest way possible, to open your eyes in the morning and see well.
Intraocular lens implant surgery works wonders in people’s lives, especially for those with high prescriptions. It is a safe surgery with high success rates, quick recovery, and immediate results. Contact the ‘Dr. Levinger Eyes’ chain of medical centers, with experience of thousands of successful surgeries, to schedule a suitability appointment, towards the first step on the way to vision with high acuity and quality.
