Phakic IOLs and Cataract Surgery

A cataract is any opacity of your eye’s lens or its capsule that prevents you from seeing clearly. When your normally-transparent lens becomes cloudy with the presence of a cataract, it may feel like you are looking at objects from behind a waterfall. In fact, “cataract” literally means waterfall. Cataracts can be removed through surgery, by replacing your eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.

At Eyes.com, we are committed to providing accurate information about cataract surgery and IOLs so you can make the best decision about your refractive needs.

About Phakic IOLs

Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are relatively new devices used to correct nearsightedness. These thin lenses are made of plastic or silicone and are permanently implanted in front of or behind your iris. By altering the way light bends as it enters your eye, phakic IOLs can decrease your dependence on contacts and glasses.

Benefits of Phakic IOLs for Cataract Surgery

Normally, during cataract surgery your eye’s natural lens must be completely removed when an IOL is implanted to restore your vision. However, phakic IOLs work in conjunction with your eye’s natural lens, meaning that your natural lens does not have to be removed in order to have phakic IOLs implanted.

The two phakic IOLs approved for use in the United States are:

The Visian ICL (implantable contact lens) made by Staar Surgical.
The Verisyse Phakic IOL made by AMO (Advanced Medical Optics)

Additional Benefits of Phakic IOLs

Aside from correcting cataracts without requiring the removal of your eye’s natural lens, phakic IOLs provide additional refractive benefits, such as:

Allowing you to enjoy significant vision improvements immediately after lens placement
The ability to successfully correct nearsightedness (high myopia) for patients with or without astigmatism
Providing predictable and stable results, as the implantation procedure does not require any structural alteration of your eye

If you would like to learn more about cataract surgery or want to schedule a consultation, please visit our Eye Doctor Directory to find an experienced eye surgeon in your area.