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Remove the Cloud and Regain Your Vision

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Rapid City

Intraocular LensAn intraocular lens (IOL) is an implantable artificial lens, designed to replace the natural lens of the eye. A typical intraocular lens is monofocal, meaning that it has a fixed, single viewing distance. Therefore, individuals with an intraocular lens may still require corrective lenses in order to read or drive following treatment. However, some patients may be candidates for premium multifocal lenses, which greatly reduce dependence on corrective lenses. During a personal consultation at the Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, one of our physicians will be able to evaluate your case and determine if implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) at our Rapid City or one of our satellite locations meets your individual needs.

Intraocular Lens Candidates

Anyone who is a candidate for cataract surgery is also a potential candidate for an intraocular lens. Insertion of an intraocular lens for the treatment of cataracts is one of the most commonly performed eye surgical procedures. Once the clouded cataract is removed, the intraocular lens will be implanted to replace the natural lens of the eye. With the cataract removed and the new IOL in place, almost all patients regain good if not superior vision. And there is no chance of the cataract returning, since the natural lens has been removed.

While the use of IOLs in cataract surgery is quite common, intraocular lenses also serve another purpose. For patients looking to correct severe refractive errors, the implantation of intraocular lenses can permanently correct their vision. Individuals with serious vision problems will not be viable candidates for LASIK, iLASIK, or LASEK; fortunately, the implantation of an intraocular lens can correct dramatic refractive errors that these other procedures cannot.

Intraocular Lens Implantation

At the Black Hills Regional Eye Institute, we use only flexible intraocular lenses. The flexible IOLs enable the lens to be folded, thus reducing the size of the incision needed for implantation. And since the Eye Institute utilizes only laser technology, there is no blade required for the procedure, and therefore no stitches needed.

The implantation is conducted under local anesthesia, and the patient remains conscious for the entire procedure. Once the patient has been anesthetized, one of our physicians makes a small incision that allows the placement of the flexible IOL. The entire procedure usually takes between thirty minutes and a few hours depending on the case, with complete recovery taking two to three weeks. If the implantation is being performed in conjunction with cataract surgery, the intraocular lens will be placed following the removal of the cataract, through the same small incision.

Learn More about Intraocular Lens Technology

If you are suffering from serious vision problems, especially clouded vision from cataracts, it may be time to consider IOL implantation. Please contact the Eye Institute today to schedule a personal consultation to discuss the intraocular lens and its implantation at our Rapid City location.