La Phakic lens is a type of intraocular lens designed to be added to the optical system of the eye without the need to remove any existing structure.. This implant allows precise focusing of light rays on the retina, significantly improving vision. It is especially effective for correcting high diopters in cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, where traditional options may be limited.
Intraocular lens implants that preserve the natural lens have been established as a preferred option for those patients in whom visual correction through corneal laser surgery is not feasible. This surgical procedure is an outpatient procedure, performed under local anesthesia, which allows patients to return home the same day as the intervention. This technique not only preserves the original eye structure, but also offers rapid recovery and improved visual results.
What is intraocular lens surgery and how does it work?
Intraocular lens surgery involves the implantation of an artificial lens inside the eye to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and/or cataracts. This procedure replaces the eye's natural lens that has lost its clarity or flexibility, restoring or improving the patient's vision.
Who are ideal candidates for intraocular lens surgery?
The ideal candidates for this type of surgery are those patients who suffer from cataracts, or those who are looking for an alternative to laser vision correction and who do not have significant contraindications such as extremely thin corneas or active eye diseases.
What are the different types of intraocular lenses available?
There are several types of intraocular lenses, such as monofocals, which correct vision at a single distance, and multifocals or trifocals, which allow you to see at various distances. Toric lenses, designed to correct astigmatism, are also available.
Is the intraocular lens implantation procedure painful?
Intraocular lens surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia, making it virtually painless. Patients may experience mild postoperative discomfort, which is manageable with medication.
What is the recovery time after intraocular lens surgery?
Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision almost immediately after surgery, although vision may completely stabilize within a few weeks. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and follow your doctor's instructions for optimal recovery.
What risks are associated with intraocular lens surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, intraocular lens implantation carries risks, including infection, inflammation, lens displacement, and changes in eye pressure. However, these risks are low and are further minimized with proper care and postoperative follow-up.
How is the most appropriate type of intraocular lens selected for each patient?
Selection of the type of intraocular lens is based on several factors, including the patient's lifestyle, visual needs, and general eye health. At Clínica Nivaria, we conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the best option for each individual.
How long does an intraocular lens last once implanted?
Intraocular lenses are designed to stay in the eye for life. They are manufactured with biocompatible materials that do not cause rejection and are stable in the long term.
Can intraocular lens surgery be performed on both eyes at the same time?
Typically, surgery is performed on one eye at a time to minimize risks and allow the operated eye to recover before proceeding with the second eye. However, the two procedures can be scheduled a few days apart.
What guarantees does Clínica Nivaria offer for patients who undergo intraocular lens surgery?
At Clínica Nivaria, we guarantee that all our procedures are performed by highly qualified ophthalmologists with cutting-edge technology. We offer detailed post-surgery follow-up to ensure patient satisfaction and long-term success of the procedure.
What is the cost of intraocular lens surgery at Clínica Nivaria?
At Clínica Nivaria, we offer an initial consultation to discuss options, costs, and financing possibilities. We have a promotion of Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism Operation with Phakic Intraocular Lens specially designed for you
Indications
Phakic lenses are used when diopters are moderate or high (myopia greater than 10 D and farsightedness greater than 5 D). The laser corrects well the low and moderate defects but when they are high it is better to resort to phakic lenses since from the point of view of visual quality the result is superior. They are also used when diopters are low but for different reasons the laser technique cannot be applied (fine cornea or irregularity). Finally, phakic lenses are indicated when there is a significant dryness in the eye.
Presurgical Consultation
For the Nivaria Clinic, direct contact with each patient who trusts us with their visual health is of vital importance. This is why the entire pre- and post-surgical process is carried out by the same ophthalmic surgeon who will perform the intervention.
If you are interested in this type of surgery, the first step is to request a pre-surgical consultation. This query is essential to be able to make a correct indication. Below we inform you what they consist of.
BEFORE THE PREQUIRURGICAL CONSULTATION:
IMPORTANT: It is very important that when you book your appointment by phone (822 027 777) you indicate that you want to have a pre-surgical consultation or general pre-surgical exam.
If you are a user of contact lenses, you must do without them at least ONE WEEK in advance, so that the results of the tests performed are as reliable as necessary.
We advise you to come accompanied, since during the tests the pupil will dilate and this will make it look blurry for a few hours. It is not advisable to drive after the tests for the same reason.
PRIOR GENERAL EXAM:
In addition to the consultation, a series of ophthalmological and optometric tests will be carried out to determine whether or not to perform the intervention, as well as the most appropriate type of surgical technique for each particular case. These tests are:
- Refraction with and without pupil dilation.
- Corneal study.
- Retinography / retinal OCT.
The desirability of performing some other test on special occasions according to optional criteria is not ruled out.
If you would like more information on the General Exam tests, we invite you to consult the following information collected in our BLOG: GENERAL EXAMINATION FOR REFRACTIVE SURGERY.
AFTER THE CONSULTATION AND THE TESTS:
The results of all these tests allow the ophthalmologist to determine whether a patient is an optimal candidate or not to perform this type of intervention, or a different surgical technique must be proposed to solve his refractive problem.
When booking an appointment for the intervention, in addition to indicating the budget for your treatment, as well as the financing possibilities, the following documentation will be delivered:
- Informed consent.
- Instructions and recommendations prior to the intervention.
The intervention
To ensure that the procedure is painless, the surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to the eye, which means that you will probably be awake during the procedure; You may also be given something to help you relax.
During phakic surgery, the doctor makes a small incision in the eye, and the lens is inserted with a special injector, which allows it to unfold smoothly. The incision is so small that it does not require stitches.
Postoperative recovery
To date, there is no preventive or curative treatment capable of completely restoring the properties of the natural lens, but there are different surgical options that help you see at different distances without the need to use glasses again.
The most effective is the replacement of the crystalline lens with multifocal intraocular lenses (they can even provide focus at up to three distances: far, intermediate and near), allowing us to correct presbyopia and any other associated prescription defect such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
At Clínica Nivaria we personalize each case, offering the patient the best alternative.
FAQ
- Since when do phakic lenses exist? The first models were those of Iridian support in the decade of the 60 and later the epicapsular (ICL) at the beginning of the 90. Therefore there is a proven experience worldwide of this type of lens.
- Do you see phakic lenses from outside? Phakic lenses are very small in size and transparent, so they cannot be seen in normal conditions.
- Do the lenses break down or become dirty? Phakic lenses are made of materials so biocompatible that their composition does not change over the years.
- Do phakic lenses inside the eye cause discomfort? No, phakic lenses do not feel or bother inside the eye. They are not sutured to any ocular structure or move inside the eye.
- How long can a phakic lens in the eye last? They can last a lifetime. However, the patient's eyes due to natural causes and evolution can change and develop new situations, for example cataracts. The lenses can be explanted and the new problem treated.
