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What is Phakic IOL?

Phakic IOL procedure is being used on severely nearsighted and farsighted patients or thin corneal patients who may not be good candidates for laser procedure such as PRK, and LASIK. If  you are tired of depending on thick, and clunky glasses, but you are not a good candidate for LASIK, Phakic IOL may be a perfect option for you. Laser Vision International LASIK Center is proud to present..Phakic IOL..a safe and effective method of treating moderate to severe refractive errors.

Benefits of Phakic IOL

  • unlimited potential to correct refractive errors
  • no influence on corneal thickness
  • short recovery time and very clear vision
  • removability, if desired.

Phakic IOL Treatment

In the Phakic IOL procedure, an implantable contact lens (ICL) is permanently placed inside the eye to restore vision problems. ICL is made from Collamer, which is flexible and biocompatible, therefore, there are no negative reaction from body and are able to permanently stay in the eye.

Phakic IOL treatment is divided into 2 steps.

  • Laser Iridotomy
  • Phakic IOL Surgery Process

Laser Iridotomy

About 2 weeks before the Phakic IOL surgery, patient has to undergo a laser iridotomy performed for each of your eyes. It is a very quick procedure done in the office to create a tiny opening in the iris to allow fluid to circulate around the lens implant. It is very important to have this done to prevent a possible rise in the eye pressure after the Phakic IOL is implanted.

Phakic IOL Surgery Process

On the day of the surgery, the surgeon will use an instrument to comfortably hold your eyelids open during the procedure. A local anesthetic is given, so the procedure would not be painful. A micro incision is made in the cornea for inserting the IOL inside the eye without any suture. The lens will slowly unfold and permanently stay in your eye.

Phakic IOL is an outpatient procedure. It takes around 20-30 minutes. One eye is treated at a time. The other eye can be treated within a few days. The results of the surgery are almost immediate, however your vision will probably be a little blurry due to the anesthesia. You should relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some discomfort, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.

 

 

PREOPERATIVE Phakic IOL PREPARATION

There are a few steps that preoperative patients need to complete before surgery can be done, such as preliminary preoperative examination and an eye evaluation, which will be performed by our refractive surgery specialists.

  • A Good Candidate for Phakic IOL Treatment
  • Preoperative Phakic IOL Preparation
  • Step of Phakic IOL Treatment
  • Post Operative Phakic IOL Treatment

A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PHAKIC IOL TREATMENT

1. Patients who desire to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but are not candidates for LASIK or PRK.

2. Patients must be 18 years old or above and have a stable prescription for at least 1 year.

3. Patients who have

  • Nearsightedness between -3.00 to -23.00 Diopters
  • Farsightedness between +3.00 to +19.00 Diopters
  • Astigmatism between -1.00 to -6.00 Diopters

4. Patients who have good ocular health and have no eye diseases such like glaucoma, cataract or retinal degeneration.

5. Patients who have adequate understanding  and realistic expectations of the benefits and limitations of Phakic IOL. 

 

PREOPERATIVE PHAKIC IOL PREPARATION

Patients who are interested in Phakic IOL surgery need to undergo a thorough preoperative eye examination. It will take 2-3 hours for the Phakic IOL assessment for the detail data of

  • Refraction by Auto Refractometer
  • Wavefront Measurement by OPDScan
  • Corneal curvature and the corneal thickness measurement by Orbscan&Topography
  • Intra Ocular Pressure measurement by the Non-Contact Tonometer
  • Manifest refraction before pupil dilatation by Optometrist
  • Dilation of pupils (that will cause light sensitivity)
  • Cycloplegic refraction after the pupil dilatation by Optometrist
  • Eye axial length measurement
  • Work up examination and discussion with the surgeon

The preoperative examination includes

1. Taking off the contact lens before the preoperative examination

  • For soft contact lenses, the contact lenses need to be taken off 3 days ahead of the day of consultation.
  • For hard contact lenses, the contact lenses need to be taken off 7 days ahead of time.

The reason is that wearing contacts lenses, for a long time, could change the curvature of the cornea, therefore the refraction have changed as well. Not wearing contact lens, for a while, will cause the shape and the curvature of eye to revert back to its natural shape, enabling us to get more precise data of the cornea.

Note: For the mean time wear your prescription glasses instead.

2. Due to the blurry vision that results after the dilatation of the pupil, it is recommended that the patient be accompanied by a relative or close friend. Dilation causes the eyes to become extremely light sensitive and the patient might not be able to drive a vehicle after dilating the pupil.

3. Bring sunglasses is recommended.

STEP OF PHAKIC IOL TREATMENT

If you decide to undergo Phakic IOL treatment, here are the things on how to prepare yourself for the surgery. If you have any inquiries, feel free to ask our staff.

  • Send us an email or call us to make an appointment for the surgery
  • Remove the contact lens prior to the appointment date.

-    at least 3 days for soft contact lens

-    at least 7 days for hard, semi hard or rigid gas permeable contact lens

  • Take a blood test for Anti-HIV or bring test results with you when you come arrive.
  • Avoid wearing make-up, especially around the eye.
  • Please do not wear any perfume, lotions or body-spray
  • Please wash your hair, take a bath, cut your nails, clean and observe good hygiene.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing, preferably with buttons or zip.
  • Make an arrangement with a friend or relative to accompany you on the surgery day and to escort you home after the surgery.
  • Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the appointment time.
  • It will take about 2 hours for the operation process.
  • Plan for a leave of absence from work at least 1 day.

POST OPERATIVE PHAKIC IOL TREATMENT

The first 2 weeks after the operation. You should to avoid complications and to ensure the rapid healing process of the eyes, please comply with the following guidelines.

  • Avoid getting water and dust into your eyes and do not rub your eyes.
  • Cover your eyes with the eye shields nightly to prevent accidental contact.
  • Instill the medications as prescribed.
  • You may take a shower or bath but do not allow the water from the shower head to strike you directly in the face. You may shave and wash your face, but again wipe your eyes gently and do not allow water to get into the eye.
  • Avoid any smoky or dusty environments to prevent eyes irritation.
  • Avoid any eye makeup for 1 week. This includes mascara, eye shadow, eye liner or any other type of makeup around the eyes. Lotions and lipsticks are allowed to be worn.
  • Avoid getting your hair into your eyes to prevent scratching the cornea.
  • Please take enough rest as much as you can. Try to keep your eyes closed and try not to compare which eye sees better.
  • Wear sun glasses outside at all times to alleviate eye irritation and/or a burning sensation in the eyes.
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs and whirlpools.
  • Avoid diving for 1 month.
  • Please come to check your eyes as scheduled.

Post operative check up

Every patient is asked to return one day after the surgery for your first follow-up visit, then one week after the surgery, one month, three months, and then one year. However many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, therefore we recommend to have a yearly eye check up for maintaining good vision and healthy eye always.