Intraocular & Implantable Contact Lens Techniques in Bakersfield, California

Dr. Stainer and the staff of Southwest Eye Care and Laser have made a name for themselves as pioneers in the advancement of eye care. Dr. Stainer has been in private practice for over 20 years and is a proud member of his community. He was the first to perform LASIK eye surgery in Bakersfield, and has continued to pursue new developments in quality eye care, such as the intraocular and implantable contact lens. Learn more about intraocular and implantable contact lens treatments, or contact our Bakersfield, California practice to schedule an appointment.

• Implantable Contact Lens Developments
• Intraocular Lens Advancements

Implantable Contact Lens Developments – A Future Alternative to LASIK

IOL materials and technology have become so advanced that they may no longer be used simply for cataract treatment. A new application, referred to as a Phakic IOL or ICL, should soon be approved by the FDA and can improve vision in healthy eyes that are not afflicted with cataracts or at risk for diseases such as glaucoma. Implantable contact lenses are considered an alternative to LASIK and other laser eye surgeries. The implantable contact lens available at our Bakersfield, California office is an implant that is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.

Extensive research and testing is currently being conducted by the FDA, which is expected to make its decision for approval in the near future. The advent of this type of lens implant is an exciting option for those in need of vision correction. Implantable contact lenses are custom shaped to correct inconsistencies in vision including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Like IOL's, ICL's are injected into the eye through a tiny, 3 mm incision and do not require stitches for recovery. In clinical studies, the Implantable contact lens produces predictable optical results and exciting improvements in visual quality.

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Intraocular Lens Advancements

Due to recent developments in intraocular and implantable contact lens technology, many physicians believe that they may be the future of vision correction. In time, implantable contact lens systems could replace the need for prescription glasses or traditional contact lenses.

Intraocular lenses, or IOL's, have already been used for many years to treat cataracts. A cataract is the clouded lens that naturally develops in most people with age. Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes this cloudy lens from the eye and replaces it with a new artificial lens implant. Today, this procedure can be accomplished very quickly and without stitches. A local anesthetic is used and the surgeon makes a small incision in the outer covering of the eye. Then, a technique called phacoemulsification is used, removing the aged lens through the small incision and replacing it with a new one. The new lens is foldable, allowing it to be injected into place through the tiny incision.

IOL's are beneficial because they are permanent in the eye. They do not get lost, like glasses, or have to be replaced like contact lenses. Also, many times the focusing power of the IOL can be determined so that it closely matches your eye. With an IOL, glasses for distance vision may not be needed.

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To find out if intraocular lenses or implantable contact lens treatments are right for you, contact our Bakersfield, California practice today.