At Bonner Eye Clinic, our staff is dedicated to helping all patients achieve clearer vision. Over the years, Doctors Bonner and Mariano have gained tremendous experience in a variety of LASIK-alternative procedures to help patients who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery still experience an improvement in vision.
- LASIK Alternatives Information
Individuals who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery can take advantage of the alternative treatments we offer, including IOLs, ICLs, and Natural Lens Exchange. Our surgeons offer free consultations so we can thoroughly evaluate your vision and help you choose the best treatment option for your needs.
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are contact lenses that are surgically implanted in the eye to replace a damaged natural lens. IOLs are used for patients who suffer from cataracts or presbyopia to help them see more clearly. At Bonner Eye Clinic, we use state-of-the-art ReZoom™ multifocal IOLs, which enable patients to experience better vision at various distances and in a variety of lighting conditions, all without dependence on glasses and contact lenses. ReZoom™ IOLs create five proportioned focal points so patients can see more clearly whether they are reading a book, viewing distant objects, or driving at night. Experience what it is like to see young again. Contact our practice for more information on ReZoom™ IOLs.
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An Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL), also known as Implantable Contact Lens, is a type of intra ocular lens (IOL) used for refractive surgery. ICLs differ significantly from other refractive methods in that they do not involve changing the shape and/or structure of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye). ICLs are placed over the natural lens of the eye and can correct significant refractive errors.
ICLs are ideally suited for individuals who are poor candidates for other refractive options, such as LASIK. This includes those with high refractive errors. In addition, ICLs are also an excellent choice for those with keratoconus. At Bonner Eye Clinic, we use the Visian ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens) for the ultimate vision correction results.
ICL Procedure
Before your procedure, an extensive set of eye tests is taken to determine the proper power of the lens to be inserted. The procedure is typically performed with a general or topical anesthetic. A small incision is made in the cornea, and the Visian ICL™ is implanted. Once inside the eye visual recovery is generally fast.
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Natural Lens Exchange is similar to cataract surgery, except that the crystalline lens is still clear, not cloudy with a cataract.
Natural Lens Exchange
Before your procedure, an extensive set of eye tests are taken to determine the proper power of the lens to be inserted. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthetic. The crystalline lens is then extracted and replaced with a multifocal lens (IOL) often allowing you to see both up close and in the distance.
Natural Lens Exchange is best suited for patients in their 40s or 50s who have begun to lose the ability to focus on objects up close. It is important to remember that the procedure is not reversible. ReZoom™
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Our surgeons are committed to helping patients understand how their vision works and what their corrective surgery treatment options are. We believe that the more patients know about our procedures, the better able they are to make good decisions regarding vision correction.
At Bonner Eye Clinic, we offer free consultations for individuals interested in ICLs and Natural Lens Exchange. Together with our surgeons, patients can determine if these procedures are appropriate for them. However, there are a few general requirements for each procedure:
Am I a Candidate for ICLs?
Patients who are leery of laser surgery are often good candidates for intraocular contact lenses (ICLs). Since ICLs are reversible, the patient has the option to have them removed if they are unhappy with the results. Ideal candidates for ICLs include:
- Patients who have had stable vision for at least one year prior to evaluation
- Patients whose eyes have been free from injury or disease for at least one year
- Patients who are at least 21 years of age
- Patients who do not suffer from an autoimmune disease such as Lupus
- Patients who are not pregnant or nursing
Am I a Candidate for Natural Lens Exchange?
Natural Lens Exchange is often a good procedure for patients who are not candidates for LASIK or other laser refractive surgeries. This includes:
- Patients previously unable to have LASIK.
- Patients with a high degree of myopia or hyperopia
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In order to understand how refractive surgery helps to correct vision, patients must understand how vision works. There are many factors that affect how clear or blurry an object appears to be. If an image is out of focus, it is usually due to a misshapen cornea.
Emmetropia - When the shape of the cornea is normal, visual images are focused directly on the retina. This condition is called emmetropia. A patient with emmetropia will not have difficulties focusing on objects at any distance. Emmetropia does not require refractive treatment in any form.
Myopia - When the cornea is too steep, visual images are focused in front of the retina. This condition is called nearsightedness or myopia. A patient with myopia will be unable to see objects at a distance, such as street signs, chalkboards, and television. Treatments for nearsightedness include glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Hyperopia - When the cornea is too flat, visual images are focused behind the retina. This condition is called farsightedness or hyperopia. A patient with hyperopia will be able to see objects at a distance, but will have trouble focusing on objects up close, like books or newspapers. Treatments for farsightedness include glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Astigmatism - When the cornea is curved more in one direction than another, visual images will not be focused properly on the retina. This condition is called astigmatism. A patient with astigmatism will have difficulties focusing on objects at any distance. In addition, astigmatism may cause eye strain and headaches. Treatments for astigmatism include glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Presbyopia - When the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, visual images will not be focused properly on the retina. This condition occurs around the age of 40 and is called presbyopia. A patient with presbyopia will have difficulty focusing on objects up close, like books or newspapers. Treatments for presbyopia include glasses (bifocals), contact lenses (bifocal or monovision), or monovision refractive surgery.
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If you wish to have vision correction surgery but are not a good candidate for LASIK, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation for ICLs or Natural Lens Exchange surgery.
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