Laser works well for most people, but there are exceptions. It does not work for very strong glasses and may not be ideal if your main problem is dependence on reading glasses. Some eye disorders or general health problems preclude laser and in a few cases the cornea of the eye is too thin.

If you are not suitable for laser, lens implants may help you. There are two lens implant technologies - lensectomy and phakic intraocular lenses.

This is the removal of the natural lens of the eye and its replacement by an artificial focusing lens. The new lens is about the same size as a contact lens and is made of plastic. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery and may be performed under local or general anaesthetic.

Lensectomy may correct any degree of short or long sight or astigmatism no matter how severe as well as presbyopia (reading glasses dependence) and some wavefront abnormalities. It is appropriate for persons older than about forty five whose prescriptions are too strong for laser or who require freedom from reading glasses. Reading glasses dependence is treated with high-tech 'multifocal' lens implants. Lensectomy may sometimes also be used for very long sighted persons younger than forty five who are not suitable for other technologies. The correction is permanent and the new lens is normally invisible inside the eye.

As with all refractive surgery there is a small risk. This subject will be discussed in detail at your initial consultation.

Phakic Intraocular Lens

Daily Mail article ‘intraocular spectacles….’

This is a tiny artificial lens made from plastic that is inserted into the eye through a keyhole incision and held permanently in place by special attachments. It works together with the eye's natural lens which is not removed.

The phakic intraocular lens alters the focus of the eye and may correct even the most severe short or long sight or astigmatism. It is most appropriate for persons under the age of about forty five whose prescription is too great for laser treatment. The procedure may be done under local or general anaesthetic. The correction is permanent. The phakic intraocular lens is normally invisible inside the eye.

As with all refractive surgery there is a small risk. This subject will be discussed in detail at your initial consultation. Long term follow-up by a suitably qualified person is required after phakic intraocular lens insertion.

Video of phakic intraocular lens insertion