After many years of study in the United States and in Europe, insertable contact lenses are now FDA-approved to correct nearsightedness. Astigmatism can also be corrected based on surgical technique. A specific lens is selected to correct vision for the individual eye, then it is slid behind the cornea (windshield) and secured in place inside the eye. The 10-15 minute, outpatient procedure is painless because numbing drops are used. Patients typically describe the procedure as quick and easy. Vision is immediately improved.

Regular contact lenses need to be frequently removed, cleaned, and reinserted. Insertable contact lenses do not require any such routine maintenance. They do not cause the irritation and blood shot appearance that may occur from regular contact lenses. When you blink, you cannot feel the lenses. Insertable contact lenses have the advantage that if vision changes at some time in the future, the lenses can be easily updated with a new prescription.

It is important to have proper preoperative testing to determine who is a candidate for the procedure. Dr. Boxer Wachler is an FDA investigator for the insertable contact lens procedures and is experienced in three different types of such lenses.

It is important to make sure that you are properly evaluated for the procedure. Preoperative tests include: 1) endothelial cell count (verifies enough cells in the cornea), 2) anterior chamber depth (confirms enough space inside the eye for the lens), and 3) pupil size (assesses risk for glare/halos at night). During an evaluation, Dr. Boxer Wachler can recommend which lens type is best suited for each individual patient.

The lens is not visible to the naked eye.

Listen to Jennifer's story about LASIK and the Insertable Contact Lens

 

		Dilva Henry covers patients with myopia and keratoconus who were treated after FDA approval of the lens.
		Insertable contact lens corrects vision immediately.