2008 Woodie Awards
Permanent contacts revolutionize eye surgery
by Rebekah Scruggs
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Connections
Researchers have developed permanent, implantable contact lenses to improve people's vision. Implantable contact lenses, or ICLs, work much the same way as external contacts. However, they're placed inside a person's eye, making improved vision permanent.
According to docshop.com, ICLs are similar to intraocular lenses used during cataract surgery when the eye's natural lens is replaced. During this process, though, the natural lens stays in the eye, working with the implanted lens to correct vision.
There are two kinds of ICLs approved for use in the United States now. The first is called Verisyse and is made from a type of acrylic called polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA. It's unlike any other ICL because it's placed in front of the iris. The natural lens remains in the eye, allowing for uninterrupted focusing ability. It's the best option for patients with mild to severe myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It's also an option for those who can't have LASIK surgery.
The other type of ICL is Visian ICL. It's made by STAAR Surgical from a blend of collagen and co-polymer called Callamer. It's specially designed for biocompatibility. The Visian ICL is foldable, which makes it easy for insertion through a small incision. It's placed behind the eye and works with the existing natural lens to correct vision.
An ICL surgery is done in less than thirty minutes, the recovery time is relatively short, and the pain is minor. During the procedure, the lens is placed in front of the eye's natural lens through a small incision in the cornea. Improved vision often happens the same day as surgery and patients fully recover within a month.
Many students at Piedmont wear glasses and contacts on a daily basis. Freshman Anthony Saputo is in favor of ICLs.
"I think it's a good idea," says Saputo. "Glasses are a hassle and permanent contacts would eliminate the stress of having to put up with them all day."
The best candidates for ICL surgery are those between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe myopia. Risks of the procedure are mild but do include overcorrection, under correction and infection. Although the surgery costs a couple thousand dollars per eye, ICLs can permanently correct vision with the help of the eye's natural lens. Also, the procedure is reversible.
According to docshop.com, ICLs are similar to intraocular lenses used during cataract surgery when the eye's natural lens is replaced. During this process, though, the natural lens stays in the eye, working with the implanted lens to correct vision.
There are two kinds of ICLs approved for use in the United States now. The first is called Verisyse and is made from a type of acrylic called polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA. It's unlike any other ICL because it's placed in front of the iris. The natural lens remains in the eye, allowing for uninterrupted focusing ability. It's the best option for patients with mild to severe myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It's also an option for those who can't have LASIK surgery.
The other type of ICL is Visian ICL. It's made by STAAR Surgical from a blend of collagen and co-polymer called Callamer. It's specially designed for biocompatibility. The Visian ICL is foldable, which makes it easy for insertion through a small incision. It's placed behind the eye and works with the existing natural lens to correct vision.
An ICL surgery is done in less than thirty minutes, the recovery time is relatively short, and the pain is minor. During the procedure, the lens is placed in front of the eye's natural lens through a small incision in the cornea. Improved vision often happens the same day as surgery and patients fully recover within a month.
Many students at Piedmont wear glasses and contacts on a daily basis. Freshman Anthony Saputo is in favor of ICLs.
"I think it's a good idea," says Saputo. "Glasses are a hassle and permanent contacts would eliminate the stress of having to put up with them all day."
The best candidates for ICL surgery are those between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe myopia. Risks of the procedure are mild but do include overcorrection, under correction and infection. Although the surgery costs a couple thousand dollars per eye, ICLs can permanently correct vision with the help of the eye's natural lens. Also, the procedure is reversible.
Be the first to comment on this story