Contact lens in the eye

Dependent on the refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, anatomy of the eye), there are different types of lenses available.

The detailed preliminary examination and the following discussion of possible procedure will lead to the convenient lens.

Where a visual disorder is present, the refracted beam of light comes together either in front of or behind the retina with the result that a blurred image results on the retina. By means of an operative (refractive) intervention the path of the light beam is changed so that the focal point of the refracted rays is as close as possible to the retina, as is the case with normal-sighted persons. Here this is achieved by the implantation of an "Artisan lens” in the anterior chamber of the eye. This method can be used to treat both nearsightedness as well as farsightedness. In contrast to other refractive procedures (such as the excimer laser) lens corrections of as much as up to minus 25.0 diopters nearsightedness and even farsightedness are possible with the implantation of this type of lens, and the operation is reversible.

One of the possibilities is the implantation of an “Artisan-Iris-Claw-Lens” in the anterior chamber of the eye. This method can be used to treat both nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as astigmatism. The lens is fixed to the iris frills in front of the pupil without touching your own lens or cornea. This never causes any pain and is comparable to a boat floating between two buoys. In contrast to other refractive procedures (such as excimer-laser) lens corrections of as much as up to minus 25 diopters nearsightedness and even +10 diopters farsightedness are possible with this type of lens, and it is removable.

An other possibility ist the implantation of a PRL (Phakic Refractive Lens) or ICL (Intraocular Contact Lens) behind the pupil. According to the anatomy and constructive details of the eye, the lens fits between natural lens and backside of the iris. Using this procedure we can correct near- and farsightedness, correction of astigmatism is not possible ordinarily. This lenses are removable too.

Before the operation, measurements of the eye values must be performed to determine the power of the lens you require. Since minor inaccuracies in the measurements are normal here, the correction is rather often not as accurate as with glasses. There is however a good probability that your actual correction after the operation is within plus or minus one diopter of the target correction.

Procedure of the operation

The surgery is performed in the operating theatre of the Augentagesklinik Sursee, thus enabling absolute sterility. You will be given a brief general anesthetic and during this time an injection. You shall feel nothing during the operation. The operation itself lasts around half an hour. Depending on the lens type, different eye drops have to be used (mydriasis or miosis of the pupil).

To avoid complications, particularly elevation of eye-pressure after the operation, there has do be cut a small hole in the iris. This can be done during the surgery, but is normally performed before the operation with the help of a small laser-beam.

After the operation you receive a dressing on the eye, staying there for the first night. The day after surgery, you are able to see almost perfectly well without glasses.

Problems and possible complications

Iritis (inflammation of the iris) ca occur after the operation, which normally heals without problems (you have to put a high number of eye-drops in the eye). In addition, a rise in pressure can occur on the first day after the operation, that can cause pains during the night under certain circumstances. For this reason you will be given medication to take home with you to counteract these effects. The fixation of the lens never causes any pain, the attachment is very secure and causes no iris-defects. With atraumatic surgery technique the development of cataracts has only been observed very rarely. Any operation on the eye carries with a slight increase in the risk of retinal detachment.

The surgery trauma can result in the loss of cells from the rear surface of the cornea. If this trend continues for an extended period, removal of the lens must be considered. This complication is also very rare. Studies carried out over many years indicate a trouble-free and good outcome in the majority of cases.

The day before the operation, you should stop eating at midnight, the day of surgery, it is allowed to drink up to 3 hours before the operation, but no coffee, no milk, no alcoholics.

Leaving the clinic is recommended with an accompanying person only. In addition, we recommend a possible helping hand of a close person during the first 24 hours. It is possible that your ability of driving a car or handling machinery is lowered, do not practice sports or decide important things during recovering time. This is for your own safety.

The advantage of this method for the treatment of visual defects lies in the stability of the correction after around 2 months. With this procedure there is no tendency to regress towards nearsightedness, as is common with other methods. Furthermore, no scarring occurs in the corneal region which might result in a sensation of dazzling.