Artificial Lens Implants

Artificial lens implants are tiny prescription lenses that correct your vision from inside the eye.  They may be used to correct distance vision, astigmatism or even combined distance and reading vision.  When your natural lens is supplemented with a Phakic artificial lens implant, your natural lens continues to adjust for reading vision.  When your natural lens is removed during Refractive Lens Exchange, however, you lose about 40% of your ability to focus distant images. For decades, artificial lens implants have been used to restore that function following cataract surgery. Artificial lenses require no ongoing maintenance. All lens implants correct distance vision, but now we offer you the latest lenses for Refractive Lens Exchange to correct astigmatism and reading (near) vision as well.

Intraocular lens implants (IOL's) have evolved in size, design and material with the goals of providing better vision and  lowering complications. For almost two decades, foldable lens implants have been the choice of leading surgeons. All artificial lenses used at our Centre are based on the Acrysof single piece acrylic design, an adaptation of the basic acrylic lens design introduced in the early 1990's.

These lenses feature:

• a high refractive index: this provides maximum prescription power within an ultrathin optic, the viewing area of the lens.  This leads to crisp images.
• a single piece design, adding strength and durability to the lens
• biocompatibility: the natural structures will not "reject" the lens
• flexibility, enabling Dr. Demong to fold the lens for insertion through a small, self-sealing incision. Once inside the eye, the lens opens and conforms to the shape of the structure surrounding it.  Small self sealing incisions promote rapid return to clear vision and activities.
• stability within the eye due to the shape of the arms (haptics) extending outward from the optic of the lens and, in the case of implants positioned inside the capsular bag, adherence to the membrane of the capsule during recovery
• in replacement lenses, a transparent yellow tint that protects the retina from ultraviolet and 40% of blue light rays

Artificial lens implants are supplied in half diopter increments but some people would benefit most if the lens power was at a quarter diopter increment. In these situations, Dr. Demong may recommend Laser Eye Surgery to fine tune vision if the lens alone does not deliver satisfactory results. This also holds true for those who need the Cachet Phakic lens but have some astigmatism. The astigmatism can be corrected with the laser once vision has stabilized. This combination of treatments is called Bioptics, and is performed several months after the initial lens surgery.

A. Implants Used for Refractive Lens Exchange (Posterior Lenses)

Although these implants were developed initially for those undergoing cataract surgery, they offer even better results for those undergoing Refractive Lens Exchange due to the younger, generally healthier age group involved. Dr. Demong will recommend the best lens for your needs and condition of your eyes, offering you choices when possible.

Acrysof IQ

The IQ is a single prescription lens, calculated according to your distance vision needs. It delivers high quality vision with minimal glare or haloes under both bright and dim lighting conditions. Because its thickness cannot adjust for near vision, close vision is compromised. Near vision glasses are required in 95% who have this lens. However, this is an excellent choice for those who frequently drive at night or who view their work at consistent intermediate or near distances and are comfortable wearing glasses under those conditions.

The IQ is available in a wide range of both nearsighted and farsighted corrections. Your ideal strength will be selected using the IOL Master diagnostic device.

Acrysof ReSTOR

The ReSTOR is a multifocal prescription lens with 9 different strengths arranged in concentric rings. It delivers high quality vision over a range of distances from near to far, simulating some of the accommodative benefits of the natural lens. However, the lens thickness cannot change inside the capsular bag and therefore it is not a perfect imitation of the natural lens. It is particularly suitable for people who have begun to notice changes in their accommodative function, most often after the age of 45. Near vision glasses may be required in 5% of those with ReSTOR lenses and 15% may wear glasses to work at a computer. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a full range of distance correction, from near to far.

The ReSTOR is available in a wide range of both nearsighted and farsighted corrections, with corresponding near vision corrections. Your ideal strength will be selected using the IOL Master diagnostic device.

More about the Acrysof ReSTOR: www.acrysofrestor.com

Acrysof Toric

While the IQ and ReSTOR do not compensate for astigmatism, the Toric lens is specially designed to correct astigmatism while also correcting distance vision. It delivers high quality vision with minimal glare or haloes under both bright and dim lighting conditions. Its thickness cannot adjust for near vision requirements, however, meaning near vision is compromised. Near vision glasses are required in 95% who have these lenses. This is an excellent choice for those who have astigmatism in addition to a distance error and who do not object to wearing reading glasses afterward.

The Toric lens is available in a wide range of nearsighted and farsighted corrections combined with low to moderate amounts of astigmatism. Your ideal strength will be selected using the IOL Master diagnostic device.

Acrysof ReSTOR Toric (the ART lens)

The ART lens combines the best of both the multifocal ReSTOR lens and the Toric capabilities of the Toric lens.  Now, if you're looking for an option that provides high quality vision over a range of distances from near to far and you have astigmatism as well, the ART lens is an excellent choice.

The ReSTOR Toric (ART) Lens is available in a wide range of both nearsighted and farsighted corrections combined with low to moderate amounts of astigmatism, with corresponding near vision corrections. Your ideal strength will be selected using the IOL Master diagnostic device.

B. Implants Used for Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

At his Calgary Centre, Dr. Demong was the first surgeon in Canada to offer the Acrysof Cachet Phakic Lens Implant. This lens is designed to help those who have high degrees of nearsighted correction who are not good candidates for Laser Surgery because of compromised corneal thickness.  

Acrysof Cachet Phakic Lens 

The Cachet Lens is specially designed to supplement the strength of your natural lens, leaving all accommodative function of the natural lens intact.  Because of this, it is particularly suitable for those who are under the age of 45, who have not yet experienced a change in the accommodative function of the natural lens. The lens is placed in front of the iris, reducing the risks associated with elevated eye pressures and cataract development commonly associated with implantable contact lenses placed behind the iris. It delivers high quality vision and is no more noticeable to the onlooker than a regular surface contact lens.  The lens cannot be felt and requires no special care.  If desired or required, the lens can be removed and therefore the surgery is considered reversible.

The Cachet lens is available in a  range of high nearsighted corrections without astigmatism.  Your ideal strength will be selected using the  IOL Master diagnostic device.

More about the Cachet Lens: http://www.acrysofcachet.ca/