A lens implantation is particularly suitable for people with extreme visual impairment, as they are not suitable for correction with laser eye surgery.
A phakic lens is an artificial lens that is inserted in addition to the lens in the eye to correct the visual impairment. The great advantage of such a phakic lens is its reversibility, which means that it can be removed without any problems.
What types of artificial lenses are there?
Basically, a distinction is made between two different types of phakic lenses, which are implanted in addition to the body’s own lens. On the one hand, there are anterior chamber lenses (ACL), which are inserted in front of the iris, and on the other hand, there are posterior chamber lenses (HCL), which are implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. In addition to phakic lenses for farsightedness and nearsightedness, there are also different types of lenses that also compensate for any astigmatism.
How does the operation work?
The implantation of an artificial lens is carried out on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. The procedure itself only takes about 20 minutes. First, a fine, tunnel-like incision is made on the edge of the cornea so that the lens can be inserted later. A tiny instrument is then used to position the still folded lens through the opening in front of or behind the iris. There, the artificial lens unfolds and finds a hold on the iris. Since the small incision normally closes on its own and the wound heals, stitches are not required.
Healing process after the procedure?
As a rule, you can see well again just one day after treatment, with vision improving week by week and full visual acuity and stability being achieved after about 2-3 months. The first follow-up examinations are carried out immediately after the lens implantation and one day afterward. Further follow-up examinations should follow over the next few weeks.
Who are phakic lenses suitable for?
Lens implantation is often used for high farsightedness (from approx. +5 dpt) and extreme nearsightedness (from approx. -8 dpt). Possible astigmatism can also be taken into account.
A phakic lens, in addition to the body’s own lens, is often used in younger people who do not yet need reading glasses.
Lens replacement is often carried out in people from around the age of 45 who already suffer from presbyopia and wear reading glasses.
For whom are phakic lenses not suitable?
Patients suffering from eye or retinal disease and persons under 18 years of age are generally not suitable.
Advantages of phakic lenses:
- reversible (removable)
- good predictability of results
- The inside of the eye is not destroyed or changed
- Fast healing process
- Follow-up correction is possible by replacing the artificial lens
- The procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis (approx. 20 minutes)
- Quickly able to return to work
- Pain-free treatment