Intraocular Lens Implant or IOL is a synthetic artificial lends that is placed inside the eye to replace the focusing power of a natural lens that is surgically removed as part of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery, which is also called lens replacement surgery, is the removal of the natural lens of the human eye that has developed a cataract, an opaque or cloudy area, whereas the eye's natural lens is usually replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
Made of clear plastic with a small size; Intraocular Lens Implants include several types; namely: monofocal IOL, multifocal implant, accommodating IOL and Toric IOL.
The procedure consists of removing the lens by a process called phacoemulsification; whereas a small incision is made in the edge of the cornea, then the lens is broken into small pieces and rinsed from the eye. The IOL is folded and inserted through the small incision to rest in the same capsule of the natural lens.
Advantages of Intraocular Lens Implant include offering the best chance to see near and far without the need for glasses, clear distance vision, quick recovery and long-lasting results; while the cons include the risks of complications such as infection, inflammation and bleeding, limited visual range and in some cases vision problems that may be temporary or permanent.
The Department of Ophthalmology at Al Salam Hospital is operated by highly experienced physicians who provide outpatient, diagnostics, treatments, and emergency services for a broad spectrum of eye conditions, while spending every effort to provide an individualized approach to patients in order to meet their requirements. The Department aims to play a prominent role in developing the field of ophthalmology both in the Eastern Province and in the entire Kingdom, through staying up-to-date with the latest advances in ophthalmology research and technology, let alone the team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians offering a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options.
References:
- WebMD, August 2022
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, November 2022
- Cleveland Clinic, July 2023
