Lens Implants & Scuba Diving

Question: I had cataract surgery at the VA and asked the cataract surgeon if the lens implant was gas permeable. I scuba dive and needed to know. The surgeon had no idea and said to call the company. So, I did. Alcon AcrySof® IQ Toric is the info on my card. Model SN6AT5. I called and they said they have no idea either. Can you help me with this?

Answer: Whether or not the Lens Implant after Cataract Surgery is gas permeable should be immaterial to going scuba diving. Unlike a contact lens that is placed on the surface of the cornea and requires oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide permeability in order to sustain corneal transparency and integrity-an intraocular lens implant or IOL is within the eye and does not in any way impact corneal physiology. When scuba diving and wearing contact lenses this is an important feature-but not for lens implants. Thus, it is doubtful that the manufacturer or anyone would take the time to conduct oxygen permeability studies of the acrylic lens material used for this type of Lens Implant.

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