Phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs) are a technology first designed to restore vision in myopia. They offer a great solution for patients who suffer from very high myopia. In selected cases, they are also suitable for patients with hyperopia and astigmatism.
Phakic IOLs have a unique advantage – they are implanted in front of the natural eye lens, without the need to remove it. That is why they are called phakic (in Greek, the term «phacos» means «lens»). During the surgical procedure, the PIOL is positioned either behind or in front of the iris. When positioned behind the iris, it stays very close to the natural lens, like a contact lens on the cornea. In addition to preserving the natural lens, PIOL makes it possible to preserve the accommodative ability of the eye, especially important in younger patients. The accommodative ability of the eye is the function that allows a person to focus on either near or far objects by changing the shape of the natural lens.
PIOL implantation not only helps solve vision problems, but also represents an excellent alternative to laser vision correction. For example, in patients with a thin cornea, further thinning with the laser is undesirable. Patients with high myopia do not benefit from the therapeutic effects of laser vision correction.
When is the PIOL procedure recommended?
- In high myopia with or without astigmatism (more often).
- In high hyperopia with or without astigmatism (less commonly).
- In cases when laser vision correction is contraindicated due to low corneal thickness.
Before surgical treatment, careful examination is necessary. A comprehensive examination helps determine the state of eye health and identify any possible pathologies incompatible with surgical vision correction.
You can make an appointment by phone from 8:30 to 19:30 (daily).
In the following cases, PIOL implantation is contraindicated:
- Ocular co-morbidity (cornea, iris, retina, etc.).
- Ocular hypertension (increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma).
- Insufficient size of the anterior or posterior eye chambers.
- Natural lens clouding.
Surgery time takes no longer than half an hour, but a successful result requires careful preparation:
- Thoughtful diagnostics.
- Examination by an ophthalmologist.
- Calculation of optical power, ordering, and manufacturing of an individual lens model (if necessary).
The surgical procedure includes the following steps:
- The patient is prepared for surgery.
- Local anaesthesia with drops is performed.
- A small incision is made on the cornea (~3 mm).
- The phakic lens in the folded state is injected into the eye; then it unfolds and sets into place.
