Presbyopia is defined as the loss of near focusing ability that appears with age, usually after 40-45 years of age. The solution for many patients is to wear glasses, but refractive surgery has provided alternative solutions such as laser or intraocular lens implantation. The new IPCL phakic lenses offer an effective surgical solution for presbyopia but without removing the crystalline lens.
What are IPCL lenses?
This type of lens is made of a high quality, stable and biocompatible hybrid acrylic material and does not cause inflammation or reaction inside the eye. The phakic lens is characterized by the fact that it does not damage any structure of the eye. This is important because it allows the surgery to be reversible and also preserves fundamental parts of the eye such as the cornea or the crystalline lens.
What do they correct and how are they implanted?
IPCL lenses can correct practically all refractive defects such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and, in their most recent and innovative version, also presbyopia. The surgery is performed under a mild anesthesia that prevents the patient from feeling discomfort, so the process is comfortable. A very small incision is made in the cornea and the lens is implanted behind the iris, in the posterior chamber. After the procedure, the lens is imperceptible and does not alter the color of the eye. The great advantage is that the patient’s quality of life improves, as well as independence from glasses.
What type of patient can undergo this procedure?
This procedure can be performed on patients between 21 and 60 years of age. By graduation, they can be implanted in any case, although it is best to assess the patient individually and determine whether it is a good candidate for surgery. The specialist in Refractive Surgery is the best person to advise you.
Do I have to wear glasses after the procedure?
The objective is to achieve total independence depending on the patient’s needs or the characteristics of the eye. In most cases, patients are able to carry out their daily activities. In some cases, a complementary correction with glasses may be necessary. The previous study of each case determines who is a good candidate, the advantages and disadvantages of surgery, and when it is recommended considering the characteristics of the eye and the patient’s needs. Generally, when analyzing the degree of independence, 95% of patients do not need glasses after refractive surgery.
What are the advantages of the new generation of IPCL lenses?
IPCL lenses are a very positive development as they allow a wider range of patients to be operated on, introducing the possibility of presbyopia correction. In addition, they do not alter healthy ocular structures and preserve the cornea and crystalline lens.
For more information, please consult the website of the Institut CatalĂ de la Reina.