Phakic IOL's
If you are not a good candidate for Lasik / Lasek surgery due to the cornea being too thin or refractive error too high we can offer you the option of phakic IOLs.
Phakic IOLs are lenses that are surgically implanted in the eye. These implants, which resemble contact lenses, are placed between the clear front covering of the eye (the cornea) and the iris (this space is called the anterior chamber) or just behind the iris (the posterior chamber).
There are two types of anterior chamber phakic IOLs: Iris Fixated or angle fixated. The iris fixated IOL is attached to the iris while the angle fixated IOL is held in position within the anterior chamber angle.
The Posterior chamber phakic IOLs sit in close proximity to the natural lens behind the iris.
Several factors dictate whether phakic IOLs can be used:
There must be sufficient physical space within the eye to safely place the lens in the relevant chamber. This is measured preoperatively.
It is also important to carefully assess the level and health of the cells on the back of the cornea using a special type of microscope. These cells (called endothelial cells) are delicate cells required to keep the cornea clear and healthy. If these cells are not sufficiently numerous or they are not appropriately shaped then phakic IOL’s should not be used.
When you choose to undergo any surgical procedure, it is important for you to understand the potential risks as well as the benefits of the treatment so that you are able to make an informed decision as to whether to proceed.
IOL Types
The Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs have one single focus, this means that near object may not be completely focused without the possible need for reading spectacles. To enable a person to see over a greater range without the need for glasses or contact lenses there are several other types of intraocular lenses.
The Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOLs work by having various fixed areas of focus within the one lens. This means that a person can choose to concentrate on either a distant object or a near object. The brain has to learn to select the visual information it needs to make an image for either near or distant objects. This means that multifocal IOLs do require some adjustment. A person may adjust better to multifocal IOLs if they are placed in both eyes. These types of intraocular contact lenses work in a similar way to multifocal glasses.
The Accommodating IOL
Accommodating IOLs work by using the natural focusing mechanism of the eye. There are various designs but they all tend to work on the principal that as a person tries to focus on a near object the ciliary muscle in the eye contracts and causes the accommodating IOL to either shift forwards or change shape allowing the eye to change its focus.
