A phakic lens is a type of intraocular lens designed to be added to the eye's optical system without removing any existing structures . This implant allows for precise focusing of light rays onto the retina, significantly improving vision. It is especially effective for correcting high diopters in cases of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, where traditional options may be limited.
Intraocular lens implants that preserve the natural lens have become a preferred option for patients for whom laser corneal surgery is not a viable option for vision correction. This surgical procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day. This technique not only preserves the original eye structure but also offers a rapid recovery and improved visual outcomes.
What is intraocular lens surgery and how does it work?
Intraocular lens surgery involves implanting an artificial lens inside the eye to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and/or cataracts. This procedure replaces the eye's natural lens, which has lost its clarity or flexibility, restoring or improving the patient's vision.
Who are ideal candidates for intraocular lens surgery?
Ideal candidates for this type of surgery are patients suffering from cataracts, or those seeking an alternative to laser vision correction 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 monofocal lenses, which correct vision at a single distance, and multifocal or trifocal lenses, which allow vision at multiple 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 fully stabilize within a few weeks. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activities and follow the 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 postoperative care and follow-up.
How is the most suitable type of intraocular lens selected for each patient?
The selection of the type of intraocular lens is based on several factors, including the patient's lifestyle, visual needs, and overall eye health. At Clínica Nivaria, we perform 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 remain in the eye for life. They are made of biocompatible materials that do not cause rejection and are stable long-term.
Can intraocular lens surgery be performed on both eyes at the same time?
Surgery is usually 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 just a few days apart.
What guarantees does Clínica Nivaria offer to patients undergoing intraocular lens surgery?
At Clínica Nivaria, we guarantee that all our procedures are performed by highly qualified ophthalmologists using state-of-the-art technology. We offer detailed post-surgery follow-up to ensure patient satisfaction and the 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 your options, costs, and financing possibilities. We have a special promotion for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism surgery with phakic intraocular lenses, designed especially for you.
Instructions
Phakic lenses are used when refractive errors are moderate to high (myopia greater than 10 D and hyperopia greater than 5 D). Laser surgery corrects low and moderate refractive errors well, but when they are high, phakic lenses are preferable because they offer superior visual quality. They are also used when refractive errors are low but laser surgery is not suitable for various reasons (such as a thin or irregular cornea). Finally, phakic lenses are indicated when there is significant dry eye.
Pre-surgical consultation
At Clínica Nivaria, we believe direct contact with each patient who entrusts us with their eye health is of paramount importance. Therefore, the entire pre- and post-surgical process is carried out by the same ophthalmologist who will perform the procedure.
If you are interested in this type of surgery, the first step is to request a pre-surgical consultation. This consultation is essential for determining the correct procedure. Below, we explain what it involves.
BEFORE THE PRE-SURGICAL CONSULTATION:
IMPORTANT: It is very important that when you book your appointment by phone (822 027 777) you indicate that you want a pre-surgical consultation or general pre-surgical examination.
If you wear contact lenses, you must stop wearing them at least ONE WEEK in advance, so that the test results are as reliable as necessary.
We advise you to come accompanied, as your pupils will dilate during the tests, causing blurred vision for a few hours. Driving after the tests is not recommended for the same reason.
PRELIMINARY GENERAL EXAM:
In addition to the consultation, a series of ophthalmological and optometric tests will be performed to determine both whether or not the procedure is advisable and the most appropriate surgical technique for each individual case. These tests are:
- Refraction with and without pupillary dilation.
- Corneal Study.
- Retinography/ OCT retinal.
The possibility of carrying out some other test on special occasions, according to medical criteria, is not ruled out.
If you would like more information about the General Examination tests, we invite you to consult the following information collected in our BLOG: GENERAL EXAMINATION FOR REFRACTIVE SURGERY.
AFTER THE CONSULTATION AND TESTS:
The results of all these tests allow the ophthalmologist to determine whether a patient is an optimal candidate for this type of intervention, or whether a different surgical technique should be proposed to solve their refractive problem.
When booking an appointment for the procedure, in addition to providing you with the cost of your treatment and the financing options available, you will be given the following documentation:
- Informed Consent.
- Instructions and recommendations prior to the intervention.
The intervention
To ensure the procedure is painless, the surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to your eye, which means 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 inserts the lens using a special injector, which allows it to deploy smoothly. The incision is so small that it does not require stitches.
Postoperative recovery
Currently, there is no preventative 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 wear 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 refractive error such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
At Clínica Nivaria we personalize each case, offering the patient the best alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long have phakic lenses existed? The first models were iris-supported lenses in the 1960s, and later epicapsular lenses (ICL) in the early 1990s. Therefore, there is a proven track record worldwide with this type of lens.
- Are phakic lenses visible from the outside? Phakic lenses are very small and transparent, so they are not visible under normal conditions.
- Do the lenses deteriorate or get dirty? Phakic lenses are made of such biocompatible materials that their composition does not change over the years.
- Do phakic lenses cause discomfort inside the eye? No, phakic lenses are not felt or bothersome inside the eye. They are not sutured to any ocular structure nor do they move within the eye.
- How long can a phakic contact lens last in the eye? They can last a lifetime. However, due to natural causes and natural aging, the patient's eyes may change and develop new conditions, such as cataracts. The lenses can be removed, and the new problem treated.
