Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant abroad

An intraocular lens, or an IOL, is an acrylic or silicone lens that is inserted into the eye to treat conditions such as myopia (shortsightedness), presbyopia, astigmatism, and cataracts. There are different types of IOL but the most common are pseudophakic lenses. Pseudophakic IOLs are inserted into the eye once the cataract has been removed and they act as a replacement for the natural crystalline lens. They are used to fix refractive errors by focusing light properly. Other types of lenses are phakic IOLs, which are placed over the patient's original crystalline lens, and aphakic lenses, which are usually inserted to replace an already missing crystalline lens. IOLs can either be adaptive (also known as accommodating) or multifocal lenses.

This means that they either provide for both distance vision and midrange near vision (adaptive), or they let the patient see using both distance vision and near vision simultansly (multifocal). Ophthalmologists usually recommend the "mix and match" approach - combining a multifocal lens in one eye with an adaptive lens in the other. This means that the patient's vision is enhanced whereas their distance vision is not affected.

After the ophthalmologist has surgically removed the cataract from the eye, an IOL is used to supersede the eye's original, natural crystalline lens. IOLs are very small, flexible, silicone or acrylic lenses which are rolled up and carefully inserted into the eye using a small incision. This means that stitches are not needed. The lens is supported and held in place by haptics, which are very tiny plastic props. The patient is awake during the whole procedure and as such only a local anesthesia is required.

Where can I find ophthalmology abroad?

Ophthalmology Clinics in Spain Spain is one of Europe's top destinations for patients seeking quality ophthalmology treatment. There are many clinics across Spain offering intraocular lens (IOtment, in cities such as Alicante, Sevilla, and Madrid. Ophthalmology Clinics in Turkey Turkey has a reputation as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology, and has a number of renowned clinics providing quality, affordable intraocular lens implant procedures. Ophthalmology Clinics in Thailand Thailand is another destination popular with patients traveling for intraocular lens implants, with accredited clinics in cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Many Australian patients travel to Thailand for ophthalmology treatment to cut down on waiting times.,