Premium Lens Implants
Visian ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens)
The Visian ICL™ Implantable Collamer® Lens is a good option for people who are unable or unwilling to have LASIK. Some studies have shown that patients can achieve clearer and sharper image quality with the Visian ICL™ than with LASIK. The Visian ICL™ is an implantable contact lens that is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye. The procedure is very similar to implanting an IOL after cataract surgery, except the natural lens is not removed. This procedure treats nearsightedness and can free patients from their glasses or contacts.
Intacs Prescription Inserts
For patients who are mildly nearsighted or suffer from Keratoconus and cannot wear glasses or contacts, Intacs can provide clear maintenance-free vision. Intacs prescription inserts are clear, thin prescription inserts that allow light rays to focus properly on the retina by gently reshaping the curvature of the cornea. There is no cutting or permanent removal of tissue involved, and Intacs can be removed and replaced if your vision changes. Intacs require no maintenance. They cannot be felt and are no more visible than contact lenses. Best of all, most people can see better than 20/20 with Intacs inserts.
To determine if you are a good candidate for Intacs or the Visian ICL, you will need to have a comprehensive eye exam by Dr. Cutarelli, or your referring doctor.
To schedule your exam or to learn more about these procedures from one of our vision specialist call Cutarelli Vision today at 303-486-2020.
Verisyse™ Phakic IOLs
Verisyse™ Phakic intraocular lenses are micro lenses that are placed behind the cornea on top of the iris. This provides the eye with another focusing lens and gives patients high quality, high definition vision. Phakic IOLs can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia and cataracts. This procedure is more involved than LASIK but is less invasive than cataract surgery.
Refractive Lens Exchange
RLE, or Refractive Lens Exchange, while almost identical to cataract surgery, is used exclusively for refractive purposes. For people with presbyopia, which is not treatable with laser vision correction, it can be a great alternative. It can also be used for people who do not qualify for laser vision correction due to dry eye, thin corneas, or other minor problems of the cornea. During RLE, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a silicone or plastic intraocular lens (IOL). With the use of advanced multi-focal IOLs you can achieve clear vision near, far, and in between, and because the natural lens of the eye has been removed there is no longer any risk of developing cataracts later in life.
Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
For people who have cataracts, extreme prescriptions, or thin corneas and are therefore not eligible for laser vision correction, the implantation of an intraocular lens may be the answer.
What are intraocular lenses?
Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are implantable lenses that are used to replace the natural crystalline lens of the eye. The first intraocular lenses were monofocal, meaning they could only correct for one type of vision, near, far, or immediate. Today, however, IOLs are multifocal and can therefore improve vision for various distances at once.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Multifocal IOLs, designed to provide for both near and distance vision, are a revolutionary new option for patients. Several types of these lenses, including ReSTOR® and ReZoom™, are available. With these lenses many patients do not require any corrective eyewear for reading or distance vision after their procedure. While the surgical process is quite similar to that used with tradition IOLs, these lenses do cost more. Most patients, however, feel that it is well worth it given the results.
ReSTOR® IOLs
During FDA trials of the ReSTOR® intraocular lenses it was found that 80% of patients no longer required any glasses or spectacles after surgery, and impressively, 94% of patients could read the newspaper without the help of corrective lenses. ReSTOR® intraocular lenses have a surface that rises in concentric rings, allowing for an even gathering and distribution of light. This design, called diffractive apodization, provides better vision at both near and far distances.
ReZoom™ IOLs
ReZoom™ intraocular lenses provide revolutionary multifocal abilities by providing many focus points, which allow for good vision across a range of distances and light conditions. Each lens contains 5 different zones, and each zone is designed to handle different distances and light conditions. The traditional monofocal lens corrects vision for only one focal point,either near or far. Patients receiving these lenses are normally corrected for distance vision and are then required to wear glasses to see near objects. The ReZoom lens allows patients to see near, far, and in between without the need for additional corrective lenses.
Crystalens® IOLs
CrystalensHD® intraocular lenses differ from other IOLs because they allow for natural focusing by working with the ciliary muscles. These muscles are used by the natural lens of the eye to accommodate for near, intermediate, and distance vision. The CrystalensHD® IOLs have flexible hinges within the lens, a revolutionary mechanism that uses the movement of the muscles to move the lens forward and backward. This technology mimics the eye's natural ability to focus and can restore a full range of functional vision, from reading to distance.
Over the last 30 years, IOL implants have been performed in increasing numbers. Almost all cataract surgery patients now receive implants. With today's advanced surgical techniques and the revolutionary IOLs that are now available, most patients can attain excellent visual results.
To learn more about ReSTOR®, ReZoom™, CrystalensHD®, intraocular lenses contact Cutarelli Vision. We will be happy to answer your questions over the phone or you can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to find out which options will work best with your individual needs.
To talk to one of our vision specialists or to schedule an exam at either of our Denver or Fort Collins offices call 303-486-2020.
