Columbus Implantable Contact Lenses : A New Freedom

Historically, contact lenses have been an extremely convenient alternative to glasses, for people who need vision correction. However, many people with severe vision problems have learned that contact lenses are not an option for them, and they have often been left with having to wear "coke bottle" glasses which are extremely thick and burdensome. Without their glasses, such people are legally blind. Fortunately, for persons with such extreme vision problems, a new invention has come on the market in recent history which can offer the convenience of clear vision without glasses for them, too. This new invention is known as Columbus Implantable Lenses, sometimes also referred to as Ohio Implantable Contact Lenses or Phakic intraocular lenses.

Procedure - The problem for persons with acute vision problems has been that a contact lens that rests on the front of the cornea simply cannot be adapted in a practical way to correct extreme vision problems. In seeking an answer to this problem, researchers decided to see if they could place the lens on the inside of the eye instead, which would allow thicker, larger lenses that are necessary to correct extreme vision problems. The procedure has been proven to be successful, and has been approved for use in the general public. The way an implantable lens works is, a tiny incision is made in the eye, the flexible lens is rolled up in a tube shape, and it's inserted into the eye through the small incision. Once in the eye, it unrolls in front of your natural lens. It then works in conjunction with your natural lens to provide excellent vision.

Different Than Cataract Surgery - Some people may think this is the same old procedure used with cataract surgery, when a clouded natural lens (a "cataract") is totally removed, and an intraocular lens is inserted in its place. However, this is not the case with Phakic implants. Phakic intraocular lenses are different than regular intraocular lenses. As described above, a Phakic lens, or Columbus Implantable Lens, is simply positioned in front of your natural lens to help with vision correction, and there's no need to remove your natural lens. Of course, this procedure is not possible if you have cataracts which require removal. Also, the procedure is usually limited to correcting severe near-sightedness.

Pros and Cons - The obvious benefit of lenses like the Ohio Implantable Contact Lens is that the benefits that contact lens wearers have had for years, are now also available to people who have acute myopia. As a matter of fact, one extra benefit of implantable lenses is that they don't have to be removed and cleaned, like regular contact lenses. In fact, implantable lenses are really designed to be permanent. An obvious downside of implantable lenses is that surgery is required, which is not necessary with traditional contact lenses; as with any surgery, this raises the possibility of complications. This is something you will want to be sure to discuss with your doctor before deciding to take advantage of implantable lenses.

When you weigh the pros and cons, you may find that Columbus Implantable Contact Lenses are the "way to go" for yourself. After the surgery, and an adjustment period, many people find that the vision results are amazing, and the freedom is wonderful. You can actually throw away the old "coke bottle" glasses, and you don't have to keep cleaning lenses every night like your friends with regular contact lenses. If this sounds enticing to you, make an appointment with your doctor and ask about implantable lenses. They may just change your life, and you'll soon forget what suffering with poor vision was like.