Aphakia treatment with Secondary IOL Implantation
What is aphakia?
Aphakia is the absence of the lens of the eye, due to surgical removal, a perforating wound or ulcer, or congenital anomaly. It causes a loss of accommodation, far sightedness (hyperopia), and a deep anterior chamber.
How is aphakia treated?
Without the focusing power of the lens, the eye becomes very farsighted. This can be corrected by wearing glasses, contact lenses, or by implant of an artificial lens. Artificial lenses are described as “pseudophakic.” Also, since the lens is responsible for adjusting the focus of vision to different lengths, patients with aphakia have a total loss of accommodation.
What is an Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL)?
An IOL is a manufactured artificial lens made from silicone, acrylic, or plastic. IOLs are available in different powers, just like contact lenses. The power is chosen specifically for each eye based on measurements by your doctor. IOL’s are made of safe, durable materials and you can expect that the implant will last your lifetime without need for replacement or maintenance.
How is IOL implantation performed?
A micro-incision is made into the eye using precision blades, your eye surgeon carefully frees up the cataract/lens, and it is gently broken and softened into tiny pieces before being removed. The IOL is then gently inserted which unfolds slowly into the eye.
What is the difference between primary and secondary Intraocular lens implantation?
Primary IOL implantation is performed after removing the cataract with phacoemulsification these days. Secondary Intraocular lens implantation is carried out as a secondary separate procedure. It is indicated in aphakic eyes in which primary IOL could not be implanted because of surgical, traumatic or congenital problem with that particular eye.
What are the types of secondary IOL implantation?
Classification of secondary IOL implantation actually depends on status of the aphakic eye itself. It can be divided mainly in three groups:
- Aphakia with intact anterior capsule is managed by simple straight forward IOL implantation.
- Aphakia with absent posterior capsule is preferably managed by scleral fixation of IOL at our centre.
- Complicated aphakia may need additional procedures along with scleral fixation of IOLs
