Phakic IOL
What is Phakic IOL ?
Phakic intraocular lenses, or phakic IOL lenses, are lenses made of plastic or silicone that are implanted into the eye permanently to reduce a person’s need for glasses or contact lenses.
Phakic IOLs (intraocular lenses) is an alternative to LASIK and PRK eye surgery for correcting moderate to severe myopia (near-sightedness), and in some cases produce better and more predictable vision outcomes than laser refractive surgery.
Phakic IOL refers to the fact that the lens is implanted into the eye without removing the eye’s natural lens.
During phakic lens implantation surgery, a small incision is made in the front of the eye.
The phakic lens is inserted through the incision and placed just in front of or just behind the iris.
This phakic IOL lens combines plastic and collagen to create a more natural and flexible lens. These lenses are lighter than other types of lenses and hydrophilic (they can mix with water and become wet). A Collamer lens is better than some other types of lenses at letting gas and nutrients pass through.
Benefits of Phakic IOL
1. Vision Quality and Range
- Provides excellent visual acuity for high refractive errors
- Maintains natural accommodation (ability to focus at different distances)
- Can correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness
- May help patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK
2. Reversibility
- The procedure is reversible, unlike laser vision correction
- The lens can be removed or replaced if needed
- Preserves future treatment options
3. Safety Features
- Preserves the natural crystalline lens
- No removal of corneal tissue
- Lower risk of night vision problems compared to some laser procedures
- Stable and predictable results
4. Quick Recovery
- Rapid visual recovery
- Minimal downtime
- Each eye can be operated separately
Phakic IOL Vs Others
Phakic IOL Surgery Explained
- Your phakic IOL procedure will be performed at a Day Procedure Centre
- Once a patient is admitted, an anaesthetist shall discuss the general health aspects and the details of the procedure
- With sedation administered, patients will feel more relaxed during the procedure. The anaesthetist will be available to take care of you and make you feel comfortable
- Eyes shall be numbed with anaesthetic eye drops, and the doctor will place a small instrument between your eyelids. This step is to prevent you from blinking. You will not see the procedure happening as a patient but may notice visual cues like a microscope’s bright lights
- The customised lens is folded into a special injector, and the doctor will insert the phakic IOL by making a small opening. Now, the phakic IOL will be unfolded and be positioned by the doctor. Opening seals heal automatically without the need for any stitches
- After 20-30 minutes inside the theatre, you will have to be collected by someone who stays with you at home post-surgery and during recovery. The entire duration at the centre shall be of around 2-3 hours
- Usually, the eyes are treated at a minimum of 1 to 2 days apart
Eligibility Criteria For Phakic IOL
Not Ideal For:
Dr. Palak Agrawal
MBBS, DNB (Gold medalist), FICO, FRS, MNAMS , MRCS (Ed)
Cataract & Refractive surgeon
