Phakic IOL is a relatively safe procedure but some possible complications following phakic IOL that may occur are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Redness of the eyes
- Decreased vision or loss of vision
- Glares, halos, and double vision
- Under correction or overcorrection of the refractive error
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Clouding of the cornea
- Post-operative cataract
- Retinal detachment (separation of the retina from the blood vessels supplying it)
What is phakic IOL?
The phakic intraocular lens (IOL) is an alternate procedure to other refractive error procedures like LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) eye surgery. Phakic IOL also replaces the need to use eyeglasses and contact lenses, since it is permanent. It is used to correct severe myopia (nearsightedness). Phakic IOLs (PIOLs) are implantable intraocular lenses made of clear silicone or plastic, which is surgically placed in the eye that still contains a natural human crystalline lens. Hence, PIOLs are sometimes also called 'implantable contact lenses' (ICLs). The PIOLs function is similar to contact lenses worn on the surface of the eyes to correct nearsightedness. In some cases, PIOLs produce better and more predictable results compared to other laser refractive surgeries.
What are the two types of phakic IOL?
There are two FDA approved phakic IOLs currently available for the use in severe myopia and myopic astigmatism, the choice of which is made by the eye surgeon depending on the extent of the condition:
Visian ICL: The Visian ICL is positioned in the posterior chamber, meaning it is placed behind the iris (the colored tissue in the front of the eye that contains the pupil in the center) ) and in front of the natural lens. It is made of a soft, biocompatible collagen copolymer, making it flexible and easily foldable for implantation, hence requiring a very small surgical incision.
Verisyse: The Verisyse is positioned in the anterior chamber, meaning it is placed in front of the iris. It is made of medical-grade plastic (polymethylmethacrylate) and is rigid.
What are the uses of phakic IOL?
Phakic IOLs are used to correct refractive errors which cannot be corrected by other refractive surgeries
The cornea and natural lens of the eye bend and focus light on the retina and create images on the retina for vision. This bending and focusing of light is also known as refraction. Refraction is affected in refractive errors, causing blurred or distorted vision. People who have myopia or nearsightedness have difficulty seeing distant objects and near vision is normal. In myopia, the light focuses in front of the retina and not on the retina. Eyeglasses and contact lenses correct this problem when used. Phakic IOLs is a permanent solution, causing the light to focus on the retina and replacing the need to use eyeglasses or lenses.
QUESTION
What causes dry eyes? See AnswerWhat is the difference between phakic intraocular lenses and intraocular lenses in cataract surgery?
Phakic intraocular lenses are implanted in the eye without removing the natural lens. Intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery replace the cloudy, opacified natural lens that occurs in cataract. The natural lens is generally removed in cataract surgery.
How is phakic IOL done?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Intravenous sedation may be given as well. A flap is made, following which the phakic IOLs are surgically placed either between the cornea and the iris or just behind the iris, depending on the type of phakic IOL used. The natural lens is not removed. Phakic IOL is permanent and does not require any specific post-operative care besides the routine eye exams with the ophthalmologist (eye surgeon).
Health News
- What Is Avascular Necrosis and How Does It Affect Bones?
- The Arch of the Human Foot Was Key to Upright Walking, Scientists Say
- Worried About Cataracts? Here's What You Need to Know
- FDA Issues Warning About Compounded Versions of Wegovy, Ozempic
- Sick Restaurant Workers Fuel Many Foodborne Illness Outbreaks
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.aao.org/course/phakic-iols-3
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/phakic-intraocular-lenses
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/phakic-intraocular-lenses/what-are-phakic-lenses
Top Is Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) Safe Related Articles
Can PRK Surgery Correct Astigmatism?
PRK surgery may be done to correct one of these refractive errors: nearsightedness (myopia), difficulty seeing distant objects, farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism - curvature of the cornea or lens is uneven, leading to distorted or blurred vision.
Eye Problems and Diabetes
Diabetes and eye problems are generally caused by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Types of eye problems in a person with diabetes include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy. Examples of symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye aches, pain, halos around lights, loss of vision, watering eyes. Treatment for eye problems in people with diabetes depend on the type of eye problem. Prevention of eye problems include reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and maintaining proper blood glucose levels.
Dry Eye Quiz
What causes dry eye? Take this quiz to learn about dry eye syndrome and what can be done about it.
Eye Allergy
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
Common Eye Problems
Eye diseases can cause damage and blindness if not treated soon enough. Learn the warning signs and symptoms of common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, pink eye, macular degeneration and more.
Eye Symptom Meanings
Will your eye condition clear up, or is it a warning sign of a critical eye health issue? Learn about common eye symptoms, what they could mean, what you can do about them, and when to see your eye doctor.
Watery Eyes
Always tearing up? Everyday things can make your eyes water, but so can some medical conditions.
Eye Picture
The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic nerve, choroid and vitreous. See a picture of the Eye and learn more about the health topic.
Eye Conditions Quiz
What do you know about your eyes? Take this quick quiz to learn about a range of eye diseases and conditions.
Eye Herpes (Ocular Herpes)
Herpes of the eye occurs due to herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Symptoms of herpes of the eye include pain in and around the eye, rash or sores on the eyelids, redness, swelling, and cloudiness of the cornea.How long after PRK does vision improve?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser surgery used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction. LASIK was introduced after PRK and became more popular than PRK.
How Much Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the eyelid in which excessive eyelid skin is removed with or without the removal or addition of eyelid fat. Blepharoplasty typically costs a little over $3,000 for the surgery alone, not counting anesthesia and related hospital expenses, according to the latest data.
Keratoplasty Eye Surgery (ALK)
Automated lamellar keratoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects vision for severe and mild nearsightedness and farsightedness. Check out the center below for more medical references on eye conditions, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
Laser Eye Surgery
How does LASIK work? Get information on this popular laser eye surgery, the procedure, success rates, and possible vision side effects from LASIK eye surgery.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) eye surgery is a procedure in which a laser is used beneath the corneal flap to reshape the cornea. This process is used to treat refractive errors, improve vision, and eliminate or reduce the need for contact lenses or glasses. LASIK eye surgery comes in three main types: conventional LASIK, wavefront-optimized LASIK, and wavefront-guided LASIK.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
Sty (Stye)
A sty is a bump that forms on the eyelid as a result of a blocked gland. Styes may be caused by infections, burns, or trauma to the eyelid. Most styes resolve on their own. The application of warm compresses can speed healing. In some cases, steroid injection or incision and drainage may be necessary. Keeping the area clean and consuming a diet high in omega-3-fatty acids may help prevent the formation of styes.