In some cases, other surgical methods can be used to solve the refractory problem when LASIK technology is not indicated.

When Excimer laser cannot eliminate a refractive problem entirely, as in the case of high myopias (more than 12 dioptres), high hyperopias (more than 5 dioptres) and some high astigmatisms, intraocular lenses may be implanted.

Intraocular lenses can be placed in the anterior chamber, consisting in an angle-fixated or iris-fixated lens (Figures 1 and 2); in the posterior chamber, placed over the crystalline (natural lens), which are epicapsular lenses (Figures 3-4); or by removing the crystalline by phacoemulsification and replacing it with a lens implanted in the capsular sac (Figure 5).

Sometimes two techniques (such as LASIK and intraocular lens implants) need to be combined to completely correct a patient’s refractive error and improve visual acuity.

Choosing one technique or the other will depend on the surgeon’s criteria and the patient’s characteristics (number of dioptres, eye condition, and age).

Currently, due to advances in technology and the wide experience of ophthalmologists and their teams, the majority of refractive errors can be successfully solved.

Intraocular lens surgery is performed ambulatory, without admission, and anaesthesia is with eye drops, not with injections. Recovery of visual acuity begins immediately after the operation.

Figure 01 - Anterior chamber lens to correct nearsightedness..	Figure 02 - Anterior chamber lens 24 hours after the operation.
Figure 03 - Epicrystalline lens to correct nearsightedness.	Figure 04 - Anterior chamber lens 24 hours after the operation.
Figure 05 – A foldable lens is introduced into the capsular sac.