IOL


This stands for ‘implantable ocular lens’ or 'intraocular lens,' and is a general term that is used to describe the implantation of a lens into the eye.  A lens may be implanted to improve vision or for medical reasons.  There are three main types of IOL’s:

Cataract Surgery

If your eyes natural crystalline lens becomes clouded due to a build up of protein, associated with age, it can be removed and replaced with an IOL.  Modern IOL’s can have a refractive correction so that in cataract surgery not only is the clouded lens removed but refractive errors such as long sightedness, are corrected at the same time.  See the Cataract Guide.

Clear Lens Exchange

CLE is the term used to describe the removal of the eyes natural lens and the placement of an IOL to improve vision, which is unclear due to short or long sightedness.  See the Lens Implants Guide.

Phakic IOLs

An IOL may be placed in the eye in addition to your natural lens in order to improve vision.  Here, the lens is placed in front of or behind the natural lens.  See the Lens Replacement (CLE) Guide.


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

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