Permanent Vision Correction Now Available at Angelo Laser Eye Center

A new opportunity for permanent vision correction now available at Angelo Laser Eye Center is allowing patients who before had no other options the freedom to see without glasses or contact lenses. The procedure allows for the permanent implantation of contact lenses within the eye, and it is seeing some remarkable results.

“I have been performing vision correction procedures for more than 12 years, but I am excited to now be able to offer implantable contact lenses to our area,” said Daniel Wilson, M.D., ophthalmologist at Shannon Clinic and Angelo Laser Eye Center. “It gives new hope to patients who previously had no other solution. They can now enjoy life and go to the beach or swim without having to worry about glasses or contacts.”

Dr. Wilson is the first and only ophthalmologist to offer the new implantable lenses in this part of the Concho Valley. Although it has been performed successfully worldwide for more than 15 years, the FDA approved it in the U.S. just about a year ago.

“There are some individuals who cannot have LASIK or other vision correction procedures because they are either too nearsighted, their corneas are thinner than normal, or their corneas have an abnormal shape.”

Dr. Wilson adds that most patients pursuing the procedure have vision that is worse than 20/1000 before surgery.

The thin, pliable lenses are made from Collamer, which is an organic protein material containing collagen, so they are easily accepted by the body. They are invisible and undetectable

“The lenses actually give better sight than traditional contact lenses or LASIK surgery,” said Dr. Wilson. “They are maintenance free since they are not on the surface of the eye and also reduce the risk of infection that traditional contacts can introduce to the eye.”

For individuals interested in the procedure, Dr. Wilson first sets up an initial consultation to examine their eyes and ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure.

“We do several things in that first visit including a specular microscopy test where we measure and count the cells on the back or inside layer of the cornea to be sure it is healthy and functional. We also look inside the eye with special technology called gonioscopy to be sure there is adequate space for the implantable lens.”

The outpatient procedure for inserting the lenses takes less than 30 minutes and is similar to cataract surgery except it does not require removing the eye’s natural lens. The patient remains awake, the eye is numbed with a topical or local anesthetic, and a mild sedative may be given if necessary. An opening, just three millimeters wide is made in the cornea, and the implantable lens is inserted placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. The opening is self healing and does not require stitches.

“The patient’s vision is checked two hours later, and at that time, most patients can already pass their driver’s test,” said Dr. Wilson.

Patients are able to return to work the following day, and use prescribed eye drops for about three weeks afterward. Patients heal fully within a month.

Although the lenses are intended to be permanent, they are removable and can be changed later if needed. And unlike other corrective vision procedures, there is no alteration to the cornea.

“The procedure is very quick, safe, and effective, and I hope it will be able to help many individuals and enhance their lives,” said Dr. Wilson.

To learn more about implantable contact lenses, call the Angelo Laser Eye Center at (325) 481-2020.