Phakic IOL’s
Phakic IOLs can be an effective alternative for patients who would like to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses but are not candidates for LASIK, PRK laser vision correction treatment. Also known as intraocular lenses, or lens implants, phakic IOLs can help patients who are near-sighted see objects more clearly at far distances, giving them more freedom from corrective eyewear.
The following information will give you an idea of how the phakic IOL treatment process works and how intraocular lenses may benefit you. Please contact Dr. Steven Schallhorn to schedule a consultation for phakic IOLs here at our San Diego and La Jolla, California-area practice.
Phakic IOL Candidates
Candidates for phakic IOLs include:
- Patients who have moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness)
- Patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction procedures LASIK or PRK
- Patients who would like to see more clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses
Phakic IOL Procedure
Phakic IOL treatment is a surgical procedure that can be performed as an outpatient. A tiny incision in the cornea to hold the lens implant. The lens will be centered on the pupil either behind the iris of the eye or in front of it, depending on the type of phakic IOL used in the procedure. In some cases, microscopic stitches will be necessary after the lens has been placed; but in many instances, the incision is so small that it will heal itself.
The entire phakic IOL procedure typically lasts only 15 to 20 minutes. Local anesthetic plus a mild sedative is usually all that’s needed to make sure the experience is as comfortable as possible. Phakic IOLs are performed one eye at a time. After the first eye is treated, our office can make an appointment with you to treat the second eye about one to two weeks later.
Phakic IOL Recovery
Recovery from phakic IOL procedures is typically, with most patients being able to resume normal daily routines after one to two days. Patients will likely need to come back to our office the day after surgery so that we can examine your eyes and ensure that you are healing properly. Our eye care team will go over all of your post-operative instructions and give you medicinal eye drops for use after the procedure.
If you have any questions about phakic IOLs, presbyopia, or treatment with implantable contact lenses, please contact our San Diego, and La Jolla, California-area practice. Our team at Schallhorn Vision will be happy to meet with you and discuss options for treatment.