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What is Phakic Lens?
Phakic lenses are lenses that are as thin as the contact lenses we use. They are placed in the front of our natural lens in our eye and take over the function of the natural lens and correct the vision.
Phakic lenses are used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. These lenses improve quality of life by eliminating the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. These lenses, which remain safely in your eye, can be removed during the day like contact lenses; there is absolutely no special care or feeling of these lenses in the eye.
Phakic lenses were first designed in 1977. These lenses, which are used by placing them in the iris, that is, in the coloured layer of the eye, have been further developed today and have a much more modern design. In eyes with phakic lenses, it is not possible to notice the lens when viewed from the outside.
Phakic Lens Types
Phakic lenses come in several types and each has special advantages:
- Phakic Intraocular Lenses (PIOLs): These lenses are placed in front of or behind the natural lens. It remains permanently in the eye and corrects vision. Intraocular phakic lenses are an ideal option, especially for people who are not suitable for laser surgery.
- Artisan Lenses:These lenses are placed between the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and the cornea. It is an effective solution for correcting eye defects.
- Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens):These lenses are placed behind the iris, in front of the natural lens, and correct vision. They are made of a flexible material and can remain in the eye for many years.
To whom can phakic lenses be applied?
Many treatment methods are currently used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. These include excimer laser (iLASIK, LASEK, PRK), astigmatic keratotomy and clear lens extraction. Among these methods, excimer laser (iLASIK, LASEK, PRK), also known as laser treatment, is the most preferred method. However, it is necessary to have an ideal corneal thickness, corneal map and a certain number for laser treatment. Excimer laser treatment may not always be the ideal treatment for your eyes, so other alternative treatment methods have been developed for these eyes. Among these, one of the safest, permanent and stable treatment methods is the phakic lens method.
What are the Advantages of Phakic Lens?
Phakic lenses have many advantages:
- Glasses-free Vision: Phakic lenses provide freedom by eliminating the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
- Permanent Solution: Phakic lenses are permanently implanted in the eye and can work effectively for many years.
- High Success Rate:Phakic lens operations are generally successful and most of the patients are satisfied with the results.
- No Harm to Eye Health:Phakic lenses do not harm eye health and preserve the natural eye structure.
Phakic lenses are a product of modern eye health technology and offer an effective vision correction solution for many people. However, phakic lens operation may not be suitable for everyone and therefore it is important to consult a specialist. Anyone who cares about eye health can make the most appropriate decision by evaluating the advantages and risks of phakic lenses.
What is the Evaluation Before Phakic Lens Operation?
Your doctor will first evaluate your vision level and determine your spectacle numbers. After this evaluation, whether the eye cavity (anterior chamber depth) where the phakic lens will be placed is sufficient or not will be measured with special devices. After the evaluation of the number of cells in the cornea, it will be decided whether your eye is suitable for phakic lens.
What should be considered before the operation?
It is useful to stop aspirin, coumadin etc. days before the operation. Our anaesthesia doctor will inform you about the fasting period by consulting with our patients who will receive general anaesthesia. There is no harm for our patients who will receive local anaesthesia to have a light breakfast or meal.
How is phakic lens operation performed?
You will be given sedative medication in your room before the operation. The operation can be performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. In other words, your doctor will instill local anaesthetic drops so that you do not move your eye and do not feel pain. Generally, no pain is felt during the operation, only a slight touching sensation may be felt.
Patients under local anaesthesia will be awake and can communicate with the doctor. In some patients, general anaesthesia may be given if your doctor deems it appropriate. After your eye is sterilised, a small device will be inserted to keep the eyelids open. After the operation, a short incision is made in the cornea of your eye.
Your doctor injects a viscoelastic substance behind the cornea, in front of the coloured iris layer, in order not to damage the cells at the back of the cornea (endothelial layer) during the phakic lens implantation. Through a small corneal incision, the phakic lens is placed in such a way that it does not come into contact with your own lens. The operation time is approximately 30 minutes.
How Will I Feel During Intraocular Lens Operation?
After the operation, you will be taken to your room for rest. There is no harm in going home after a few hours of rest. Your eye will remain closed on the day of the operation.
There may be pain and stinging sensation during the time your eye is closed, it is normal. There is no harm in taking painkillers. One day after the operation, you will come for a follow-up visit and the drops you need to use will be described to you.
After the operation, redness, watering and sensitivity to light may develop especially in the first days. Blurred vision may continue for a few weeks.
When you use your drops, these symptoms will disappear in the following days. Never rub your eyes by pressing, be careful not to miss water and soap in the first days.
Is there any harm in having a laser operation or cataract operation that may be required in the following years after phakic lens implantation?
There is no harm in having a laser operation or cataract operation in eyes with phakic lens.
If cataract develops, the phakic lens will be removed and another lens will be placed again after your cataractous lens is removed.
How Much is Phakic Lens Price?
Phakic Lens prices vary depending on the underlying cause. The treatment plan that our specialist ophthalmologist will create depending on the lens after a detailed examination may vary from person to person.
Please click here to read our article with the list of intraocular lens surgery 2025 prices.
The above information is for informational purposes. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please make an appointment with our ophthalmologists.
