Extra lens implants

Corrections for near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism can be treated by means of an extra lens implant. Also, when the cornea is too thin or in cases of dry eyes, it is better to implant an extra lens. The patient's own natural lens is preserved in this case, as opposed to the procedure for a regular lens replacement. The body does not produce a rejection response, because the elastic material of the lens is ‘recognised’ by the body. You cannot see the lens implant nor can anyone else.

Important to know: this treatment may completely eliminate your need for reading glasses. That means that people older than 45 who have an extra lens implanted go through life without glasses for many years.

What happens when an extra lens is implanted?

Before any treatment, an in-depth examination must take place. After that, the lens implant can be scheduled. The treatment takes approximately 10 minutes per eye and is performed under local anaesthesia using eye drops. In other words, there are no needles involved.

Types of implant lenses

Here is an overview of the different types of implant lenses.

  • Visian ICL: This extra lens is implanted between the natural lens and the iris. In cases of astigmatism or refractive errors, a toric lens (TICL = toric implantable contact lens) is implanted.
  • Visian ICL with reading correction: This lens is identical to the previous lens with the addition of a reading correction.