Lens Based Surgery

Although most patients who desire to eliminate or reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses can opt for laser vision correction, usually by LASIK, some patients are not able to have laser surgery for a number of reasons, and until recently had no surgical options. While LASER BASED VISION CORRECTION (REFRACTIVE) SURGERY will remain the most commonly used method over the next several years, LENS BASED REFRACTIVE SURGERY is now a viable option for those patients who cannot benefit from laser surgery.

Laser surgery alters the shape of the cornea, the very front surface of the eye, whereas in one method of LENS BASED REFRACTIVE surgery an artificial new lens is added to the inside of the eye, leaving both the cornea and the natural lens of the eye unchanged. In another form of LENS BASED SURGERY, the natural lens of the eye is removed and exchanged for a man-made artificial lens which may also free the patient from the need for corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. Generally, the type and amount of optical (eyeglass or contact lens prescription) error, the age of the patient, and the individual characteristics of the patientseyes are used to determine which type of procedure offers the best opportunity for the patient.

One example of these new lenses include the VERISYSE lens which is attached to the iris of the eye, leaving the patients natural lens in place; most often, this device is considered for patients who are too nearsighted to allow for Lasik. Another new lens implant is the ReSTOR lens, which replaces the eyes natural lens and acts much like a bifocal, giving BOTH near and far clear vision for the patient without glasses. In one recent study, 80% of patients with the ReSTOR lens implant NEVER wore eyeglasses after surgery.

The ReSTOR lens implant may also be used in patients who require cataract surgery. Until very recently, because of governmental rules and regulations, Medicare beneficiaries could not consider the ReSTOR lens implant under any circumstances, as the cost of the product greatly exceeds the allowable Medicare charges. However, in a May 2005 landmark ruling, Medicare changed regulations and now allows patients to pay a premium for the ReSTOR lens and similar devices. As a result, many patients may now take advantage of these products, although out of pocket expense is added to the procedure.

Treatment Options