Phakic lenses

Phakic lens implantation is a quick, safe and reversible method for the correction of high nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

The implantation of a phakic lens, i.e. an intraocular lens that corrects refractive errors, is primarily dedicated for patients with a high nearsightedness, high farsightedness and astigmatism.

This innovative technique involves the implantation of a thin artificial lens through a small incision to the posterior chamber of the eye into the space between the iris and the natural lens (which is not removed). The procedure takes several minutes and is performed in outpatient settings using local anaesthesia, with the patient remaining fully conscious.

Visual recovery time depends on the individual. In the majority of cases, vision is markedly improved immediately after surgery.

You may be a candidate for refractive surgery with a phakic lens if:

• you are at least 21 years old
• your refractory error has been stable for at least a year
• your nearsightedness is within the range of -0.5 D to -20 D
• your farsightedness is within the range of +0.5 D to +10 D
• your astigmatism is up to 6

However, the ultimate decision on whether you can undergo the procedure will be based on a thorough comprehensive examination of your eyes.

• taking your history (regarding, for example, your refractive error stability and your age)
• visual acuity assessment
• anterior eye segment examination
• anterior chamber depth determination
• pupil diameter measurement
• dilated pupil fundus examination
• corneal topography
• biometry (IOLMaster)
• pachymetry

• UV radiation protection
• no dry eye syndrome
• treatment flexibility: the lens can be removed at any time
• safe implantation procedure
• possibility to operate on both eyes on the same day

You cannot be a candidate for refractive surgery using a phakic lens if:

• you are less than 21 years old
• you are already 21 years old, but your refractive error is still changing (you need to wait until the error stabilises)
• you have astigmatism of more than 6.0 D
• you have an eye infection
• you have only one eye
• you have cataract (clouding of the lens), glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure), detached retina, keratoconus (bulging cornea) and congenital or acquired degenerative eye diseases

A phakic lens does not correct presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, which is associated with physiological loss of ability to focus one’s eyes on objects caused by gradual hardening and decreasing elasticity of the natural lens. Therefore, in individuals over 45 years of age, indications for phakic lens implantation are considered on an individual basis and the option of multifocal lens implantation in place of the natural lens is taken into account (learn more).

A VISIAN ICL lens is dedicated for the correction of nearsightedness from +10 D to -20 D. It is placed behind the iris, which provides the best protection of the endothelium among all phakic lenses available.

One or two small openings will be created in the iris in order to ensure the right flow of fluid inside the eye after the procedure. This may be done one or two weeks before surgery or during the procedure itself. You should contact your doctor earlier to discuss the details.

As with any procedure, it is important that you have someone who could drive you home after the surgery. You receive anaesthesia for the procedure. You should contact your doctor earlier to discuss the details of the anaesthesia.

After an anaesthetic has been administered, the surgeon will open the edge of the cornea in a number of places in order to insert the lens. The lens is soft and foldable. It is gently placed in the eyeball below the iris. The whole procedure takes about 15 minutes. The incision is microscopic in size, which allows it to heal in a very short time with no need for stitches. You will be able to leave our centre a few hours after the procedure. You will no longer need glasses or contact lenses.

After the procedure, you may be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. You should use the drops at home for a few days. You will be instructed to attend follow-up eye examinations.

lek. Andrzej Dmitriew

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