The phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) procedure is an advanced treatment designed to correct vision issues like high myopia (nearsightedness) and hypermetropia (farsightedness). FDA-approved in 2004, unlike traditional corrective surgeries, this procedure employs an intraocular lens implanted within the eye without removing the existing natural lens.
It is called "phakic" (meaning "having a lens") because the eye's natural lens is left untouched. This differs from refractive lens replacement (RLE) or cataract surgery, where a special type of lens replaces the eyes' natural lens that is no longer performing well.
First, your eye will be fully numbed using topical anesthesia. A small incision is made on the cornea's surface, through which the Intraocular Lens is inserted. Once in place, the lens works with your natural eye lens to correct the detoured light path caused by vision issues. The treatment requires no stitches as the incision made is self-sealing.
The two primary options for phakic IOLs are Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) and Verisyse.
The Visian ICL, made of a flexible biocompatible Collamer, is placed behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. It's known for its exceptional quality of vision and UV protection.
The EVO Visian Toric ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a type of phakic intraocular lens designed to correct not only myopia, but also astigmatism. Toric ICL treats myopia and astigmatism simultaneously and eliminates the standard of correcting the two with separate procedures, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Click here to learn more about the Visian ICL lens.
Verisyse is an acrylic lens placed in front of the iris. With a long track record of success, it's a sturdy and reliable option.
Ideal candidates for phakic IOL are individuals aged 21-45 with moderate to high nearsightedness. Often, candidates consider this procedure when they learn they are unsuitable for surgeries like Eagle Vision LASIK, PRK, or RLE.
Those with unstable vision or unsuitable eye anatomy (e.g., shallow anterior chamber depth, insufficient endothelial cell density) may not qualify for the procedure. Also, individuals suffering from cataracts, glaucoma, or corneal diseases might not be good candidates either. Our ophthalmologists determine your suitability for this procedure after a detailed in-person examination.
Entomologist Phil Torres explains why Visian ICL was the best choice for his eyes and career.
The phakic IOL procedure, like all medical procedures, does come with some potential risks, including:
We welcome you to request your complimentary phakic intraocular lens exam or to call us at (866) 945-2745. Then, our eye surgeons will see if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Our surgeons and OD’s will closely examine your eyes and tell you if you and your lifestyle are good candidates for a phakic Intraocular Lens. We will also explain how we perform the surgery and answer all your questions.
Assil Gaur Eye Institute's nationally recognized ophthalmologists are internationally known experts in vision correction and refractive surgery. Be it LASIK, PRK, LASEK, ICLs, refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery, or phakic Intraocular lens implantation, we have you covered at our Beverly Hills and Santa Monica eye centers.
We are California’s premier eye institute treating conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye conditions, dry eye, and many others, with the best patient care available anywhere.
Assil Gaur Eye Institute team of ophthalmological surgeons is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area with locations in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
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Phakic intraocular lenses are implanted in the eye without removing the natural lens. This is in contrast to intraocular lenses that are implanted into the eyes after the eye's cloudy natural lens (cataract) has been removed during cataract surgery.
A good candidate for an ICL is between 21 and 45 years of age and is myopic (nearsighted). It is preferable that the patient has not undergone any ophthalmic surgery and has no history of eye diseases such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have an ICL implanted. Those without a large enough anterior chamber depth or endothelial cell density may not be good candidates.
The ICL is surgically inserted through a small micro-incision just behind the iris in front of the eye’s natural lens. The ICL does not touch any internal eye structures and stays in place without maintenance.
The Visian ICL used by the Assil Gaur Eye Institute was approved by the FDA in December 2005 and, more recently, underwent a design update to lessen complications with surgery. The manufacturer reports that over 99 percent of patients in clinical trials were satisfied with their implants. The lens has been available internationally before approval in the US.
The Visian ICL is made of Collamer®, a highly biocompatible advanced lens material that contains a small amount of purified collagen. Collamer does not cause a reaction inside the eye, and it contains an ultraviolet filter that provides protection to the eye.
If your vision changes dramatically after receiving the implant, your ophthalmologist can remove and replace it. If necessary, another procedure can be performed at any time.
Patients can wear glasses or contact lenses as needed following treatment with the Visian ICL. The implant does not treat presbyopia (difficulty with reading in people 40 years of age and older), so some patients may need reading glasses.
In some select patients, your ophthalmologist will use a laser to create a small opening between the lens and the front chamber of your eye one week before the surgical procedure. This allows fluid to pass between the two areas, thereby avoiding the buildup of intraocular pressure following the surgery in patients who may be at risk.
The implantation procedure itself takes about 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, though you will have to make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure.
Most patients experience very little discomfort during the ICL implantation. You will undergo treatment under a light topical or local anesthetic, perhaps with a mild sedative. Post-operative, you may use prescription eye drops or oral medication. You will return to your surgeon the day after surgery for a follow-up visit. You also will have follow-up visits one month and six months following the procedure.
Although the ICL requires no special maintenance, you should visit your eye doctor annually for check-ups following the procedure.
Although the ICL is intended to remain in place permanently, a certified ophthalmologist can remove the implant if necessary.
No. The ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), which is invisible to both you and the observers. Only your ophthalmologist will be able to tell that vision correction has taken place.
A. The ICL is designed to be completely unobtrusive after being implemented. It stays in position by itself and does not interact with any of the eye’s structures.
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Phakic Intraocular Lenses and their Special Indications - PMC
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