 Phakic refers to an eye that still has its
natural
lens in place. Aphakic refers to an
eye that has had its natural lens removed.
Therefore, a Phakic IOL is an artificial
Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) that is implanted
inside the eye without removing the eyes
natural lens.
Both the
cornea and the lens are responsible
for focusing light images on the
retina. The
most common forms of refractive surgery, PRK
and LASIK, change the focusing power of the
eye by removing tissue from the cornea. For
those who were too
nearsighted or
farsighted
to have their corneas reshaped, an
intra-ocular procedure that replaced the
natural lens with an IOL was the only viable
alternative - until now.
When we are young, the natural lens inside
the eye changes shape to help us see clearly
in the distance and up close. This is called
"accommodation." Usually, around age 40, the
natural lens loses its ability to change
shape. This condition is called "presbyopia."
Phakic IOLs are ideal for younger patients
whose natural lens can still change shape.
Phakic IOLs can be thought of as implantable
contact lenses. Some Phakic IOLs are
designed to be placed in front of the
iris
(colored part of the eye) while others are
designed to be placed behind the iris.
Performed as an outpatient procedure, the
IOL is placed inside the eye through a very
small, self-sealing incision. You will
remain comfortable as the eye is completely
anesthetized. Everyone heals differently,
but many patients report improvement in
their vision almost immediately, and most
resume their normal activities within a day
or tow. One eye is done at a time, and the
second eye is usually done in a week or two.
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