Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implantable contact lenses that treat myopia and provide better results than corrective laser surgeries. They direct light to center on the retina, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, they come with risks such as vision loss, infection, and inflammation. Patients must consider insurance coverage, medical issues, and existing eye conditions before opting for the procedure. The implants are meant to be permanent, and their removal is risky.
Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implantable contact lenses that are surgically incorporated into the eye for the treatment of myopia. These lenses are painless and require no special maintenance or maintenance and eliminate the need to wear glasses or regular disposable contact lenses. Phakic lenses, sometimes called ICLs (implantable contact lenses) or phakic intraocular lenses, are known to provide better results than the more common corrective laser surgeries.
The purpose of phakic IOLs is to eradicate nearsightedness or myopia. Phakic lenses direct light entering the eye to center it on the retina. This provides clarity of vision when viewing at long distances. Nearsightedness, however, can also be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, which is a much cheaper way to deal with the condition. An eye doctor typically considers implantable lenses when a patient has thin corneas or a particularly severe case of nearsightedness.
Composed of silicone or plastic, phakic IOLs are inserted into the eye without removing the eye’s biological lens. After making a small incision on the surface of the eye, the phakic lens is inserted through the incision and secured in front or behind the iris. The incision can then be stitched up, depending on the severity of the cut. The whole surgical process takes about 30 minutes and is an outpatient procedure.
The risks with these implantable lenses are numerous and potential implant candidates do not take them lightly. Some of the potential pitfalls include vision loss or erosion, retinal detachment, infection, and inflammation. Night driving can also become a problem. While the risks are serious and deserve serious thought, the actual chances of contracting any of these problems are relatively small.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to receive phakic IOLs. Many insurance companies, for example, do not cover refractive surgery, so the patient may have to foot the bill for the procedure. There are some medical issues, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases and the use of medications that can affect the eye’s ability to heal after surgery. Existing eye conditions such as large pupils, atypically shaped irises, glaucoma, or eye injury or inflammation can also have a negative effect on phakic lens surgery and the subsequent healing process.
Patients weighing the options, risks, and considerations of phakic lenses are often reminded of the fact that implants are meant to be a permanent solution. While they can be removed with surgery, the removal process is inherently risky. You cannot promise a patient that her level of vision will remain strong after the removal procedure.
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