Refractive error
Surgical treatments
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| A Verisyse phakic intraocular lens |
Many people now choose to have their refractive error treated surgically. There are three main types of surgery:
- Laser refractive surgery - Lasik and PRK
- Refractive lens exchange
- Phakic intraocular lenses
Laser refractive surgery
The eximer laser is used to reshape the cornea to reduce or eliminate refractive error. Dr McKellar performs laser refractive surgery at the LaserVision eye centre.
Refractive lens exchange
Some refractive errors are best treated by what is essentially cataract surgery in patients with little or no cataract. The natural lens of the eye is replaced with an intraocular lens of an appropriate power in order to change the overall focus of the eye.
Ideal candidates for refractive lens exchange include:
- Patients with eye conditions or refractive errors that cannot be safely treated by laser
- Older patients who are likely to develop cataract in the near future
Phakic intraocular lenses
Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are also known as implantable contact lenses. They are small lenses placed within the eye, either in front of or behind the pupil. Phakic IOLs can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
The most popular lens placed in front of the pupil is the Verisyse intraocular lens. Dr McKellar was the first eye specialist in New Zealand to implant a Verisyse lens. The surgical procedure takes about half an hour and is performed under local anaesthesia.
The advantages of phakic IOLs are:
- Large refractive errors not amenable to laser surgery can be treated
- The procedure is reversible
Disadvantages of phakic IOLs include:
- Greater cost than laser surgery
- Risks of intraocular surgery
- Glare and halos
- Potential, though rare, complications such as lens dislocation, cataract, iritis and glaucoma
For more information on the Verisyse phakic IOL see the Verisyse website