Intraocular lenses are artificial implants that are put in your eye after removing the natural lens affected by a cataract. This replacement of the lens is done during cataract surgery. Secondary intraocular lenses refer to a second surgery performed to replace the first artificial implant placed after removing the cataract. Secondary intraocular lens surgery is required for patients suffering from monocular aphakia in eyes without capsular or zonular support.
Sclera Fixated Intraocular Lens
When in-the-bag IOL implantation is not possible, scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIOL) is used. The two basic techniques are sutured and sutureless SFIOL. The most common symptoms are lens subluxation or dislocation, as well as aphakia caused by insufficient capsular support. This session examines SFIOL procedures and emphasises the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for patients undergoing this surgery.
IRIS Claw Lens
Worst et al. presented an iris-claw anterior chamber lens (Artisan aphakic, Ophtec BV) in 1972, and it has been frequently utilised in aperture correction since then. It is a non-collapsible implant made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with a 5.4 mm optical part and an 8.5 mm haptic part. The lens haptics are intended to be attached to the iris at a safe distance from the traverse angle and the endothelium of the cornea. In comparison to anterior chamber lenses, this design minimises the likelihood of endothelial cell injury and secondary glaucoma development. In addition, compared to connecting the lens to the sclera, it shortens and streamlines the procedure.
Dr Aanal Shah is one of the best intraocular lens specialists in Vadodara.
Aphakia is a condition of the eye which means that the patient is missing the lens in the eye. If lenses of both eyes are missing, it is known as bilateral aphakia. If lens from only one eye is missing, it is known as monocular aphakia.
Although, aphakia can affect anyone, it is more common in patients who have had cataract surgery before.
Types of Intraocular Lenses
Three different types of intraocular lenses are used to replace the lens in your eye. Choosing the eye lens depends on its functionality and the patient’s needs as well as preference.
Monofocal: As the name suggests, this type of lens is designed to focus at only one distance (a single range of vision). Monofocals are used to correct either near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or medium vision range. For other vision issues, the patient will have to either use glasses or contact lenses. Monofocals are not meant for people suffering from astigmatism but are beneficial for night-time vision (such as driving in the dark) since they do not give out halos or glares.
Toric: Toric lenses are most appropriate for patients suffering from astigmatism. Astigmatism refers to the incorrect curvature of the eye’s cornea or lens. Toric lenses are capable of correcting astigmatism along with treating either short-sightedness, far-sightedness or intermediate sight issues at the same time.
Multifocal: Multifocal lenses transcend monofocal and toric lenses. A multifocal lens can correct all in one go – i.e., short-sightedness, far-sightedness, and intermediate sight issues at the same time.
Consult an ophthalmologist in Vadodara to discuss which eye lens implant is best suited for you.
FAQs
What is a secondary intraocular lens?
A secondary intraocular lens is a type of lens that is implanted in the eye during cataract surgery. This lens is used to improve vision in patients who have had their natural lens removed.
Can you have a second lens implant?
Yes, you can have a second lens implant, but it is not recommended unless there are extenuating circumstances. The reason for this is that the second surgery carries with it a higher risk of complications, and the results are often not as successful as the first surgery.
Can you have a second cataract surgery on the same eye?
Cataract surgery is usually only performed once per eye, as the cataract is typically removed in its entirety during the procedure. In some cases, however, a second surgery may be necessary if the first surgery is not successful in removing the cataract or if the eye develops a new cataract.