Phakic intraocular lenses are artificial lens implants that are placed inside the eye while the patient’s natural lens remains intact. Although the first type of this technology was only FDA approved for the treatment of myopia or nearsightedness on September 4th, 2004, the physicians and surgeons at Minnesota Eye Consultants have been implanting these lenses for the treatment of high degrees of nearsightedness and farsightedness since 1998 as part of the multi-center, national research studies.
Patients who would benefit from a phakic intraocular lens implant are those who have a strong glasses prescription, thin corneas or prefer a non-laser vision correction. The surgical technique is similar to that used in cataract surgery, the major difference being that the natural lens is not removed and remains functional. Using topical or local anesthetic, the surgeon creates a small incision in the eye and inserts the lens using specialized instruments. The exact technique and placement of the implant will differ depending on the type of lens implant chosen.
While an increase in vision may be noticed soon after the procedure, the patient will not fully realize the visual benefits of the implant for 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure, during which time the eye is healing. In some individuals another type of vision correction may be chosen to further enhance the patient’s vision.
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