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Phakic intra-ocular lenses (IOLs) also known
as implantable contact lenses, hold promise as potentially
powerful refractive tools with almost unlimited potential
to correct nearsightedness and far-sightedness. The clear,
oblong implants are about the size of the tip of your pinky
and are made of the same plastic used in replacement lenses
for patients with cataracts. With phakic IOLs, the eye surgeon
doesn’t have to reshape the cornea. Instead, the eye surgeon
cuts a tiny slit in it and injects a lens that can completely
correct the vision problem.
During a phakic IOL procedure, a thin intraocular
lens implant is placed in the eye without removing the natural
lens of the eye. The lens unfolds inside the eye in one of
three places, either in front of the iris, behind it or secured
to it. Given that the natural lens of the eye is not removed,
the patient retains the natural focusing capability of the
eye for near focusing tasks.
Candidates for Phakic IOL procedures are those
who have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
and have no health issues affecting their eyes. Phakic IOL
procedures are being used on severely nearsighted and farsighted
patients who may not be candidates for the more common laser
procedures such as PRK and LASIK. Unlike laser vision correction
procedures that permanently change your vision, it is possible
to remove phakic IOLs.
The decision to have a Phakic IOL is an important
one that only you can make. The goal of any vision correction
procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses,
however, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you
desire. Phakic IOL is considered a relatively new procedure.
It is currently being investigated is clinical trials around
the world. Serious complications from Phakic IOLs are extremely
rare, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks.
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