Phakic Intraocular Lens

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Last updated 10/2/2023
Dr. Assil discusses phakic IOLs.

What is the phakic intraocular lens procedure?

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.

How is phakic intraocular lens surgery performed?

 

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.

What are the lens options for phakic intraocular lens surgery?

The two primary options for phakic IOLs are Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) and Verisyse.

 

Visian ICL 

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.

 

Benefits of Visian ICL

      • Retains your eye’s natural lens.
      • The procedure is reversible.
      • Offers UV protection.

 

Risks of Visian ICL

      • Some degree of shortsightedness can remain after the procedure.
      • Potential interferences with eye pressure measurements.

 

EVO Visian Toric ICL 

 

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  

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.

 

Benefits of Verisyse

      • Proven record of safety and effectiveness.
      • Long-term stability.

 

Risks of Verisyse

      • Some possible night vision issues due to glare or halos.
      • Slightly more invasive, as it involves attaching the lens to the front of the iris.

 

Who's a good candidate for the phakic intraocular lens procedure?

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.

 

Who is not a good candidate for a phakic intraocular lens procedure?

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.

What are the possible risks of phakic intraocular lens procedures?

The phakic IOL procedure, like all medical procedures, does come with some potential risks, including:

 

  • Temporary discomfort or blurry vision post-surgery.
  • Light sensitivity.
  • Glare or halos around lights.
  • Night vision problems.

 

You owe it to yourself to talk with the vision correction experts at AGEI

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.

 

Stay informed, stay healthy!

 

Schedule your consultation today with our internationally recognized doctors 

 

 

Phakic intraocular lens procedure FAQs

What is the difference between IOL and phakic IOL?

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.

How do I know if I am a candidate for the implantable contact lens?

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.

Where is the ICL placed?

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.

What is the history of the ICL?

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.

What is the ICL made of?

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.

What if my vision changes after I receive the ICL?

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.

What happens during phakic IOL implantation?

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.

Can the ICL be removed from my eye?

Although the ICL is intended to remain in place permanently, a certified ophthalmologist can remove the implant if necessary.

Is the lens visible to others?

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.

Will I be able to feel the Visian ICL once it is in 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.

 

 

Sources

Safety and Efficacy of a New Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens | OPTH

https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S270690

 

Cystoid macular edema related to cataract surgery and topical prostaglandin analogs: Mechanism, diagnosis, and management - Survey of Ophthalmology

https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.survophthal.2020.02.004

 

Phakic Intraocular Lenses and their Special Indications - PMC

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5139554/

 

Flitcroft DI. Emmetropisation and the aetiology of refractive errors. Eye (Lond). 2014 Feb; 28 (2):169-79. [PMC free article : PMC3930278 ] [PubMed : 24406411 ]

 

Timur M. Yildirim - Search Results - PubMed

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=search&term=Timur%20M.%20Yildirim

 

JJ, Secheyron P. Angle-fixated anterior chamber phakic intraocular lens for myopia of -7 to -19 diopters. J Refract Surg. 1998 May-Jun; 14 (3):282-93. [PubMed : 9641419 ]

 

Moshirfar, M., et al., Incidence rate and occurrence of visually significant cataract formation and corneal decompensation after implantation of Verisyse/Artisan phakic intraocular lens. Clin Ophthalmol, 2014. 8: p. 711-6.

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