Laser surgery procedures cannot be used for very severe vision defects or anatomical peculiarities, for instance a cornea that is too thin. In those cases lens surgery is used.
With ICL (implantable contact lens), the surgeon implants an intraocular contact lens in the posterior chamber of the eye, between the iris and the lens. (see figure) The ability of the body’s own lens to focus on nearby objects (accommodation) is maintained. Nor is the centre of the cornea affected by this procedure.
In Germany the ICL method has been successfully used since 1997.
Areas of application:
- Short-sightedness (myopia): -6 to -20 dpt
- Long-sightedness (hyperopia): +3 to +10 dpt
- Corneal astigmatism: In myopic eyes ICLs can correct astigmatism up to 6 diopters.
Artisan lens
The Artisan lens is further option for additional lens implantation. This is a special anterior chamber lens that is attached to the iris in the anterior chamber of the eye.
For implantation, the surgeon uses a small incision to open the eye at the edge of the cornea. This opening is prepared in such a way that it closes by itself at the end of the operation. Therefore, as a rule the eye does not need to be sutured. The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic.
