Phaco and IOL - Eye/Lasik Care

Phaco + IOL  Vision Treatment Abroad

Overview

hakic IOL vision treatments are a technology that utilizes a lens that can be implanted in front of or behind the lens of the eye to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness. This procedure enables an individual to return to normal daily activities relatively quickly. The procedure, and the phakic intraocular lens, known as an IOL, drastically reduces the necessity for either contact lessons or glasses by correcting the vision from the inside of the eye. In this procedure, the eyes and natural lens is not removed.

Another type of procedure that is similar to phakic IOL is called clear lensectomy, or refractive lensectomy or, clear lens extraction. This is another similar procedure that is often beneficial to individuals who find that their glasses or contact lens prescriptions are outside of acceptable ranges for other laser refractive procedures. This technique is also beneficial to those experiencing extreme farsightedness or nearsightedness. The clear lensectomy procedure removes the natural lens of the eye and replaces it with an intraocular lens or IOL, resulting in immediate improvement of distance and near vision capabilities.

How does the IOL Function?

The intraocular lens is inserted directly into the eye, and is able to correct a variety of refractive errors. This is done through its ability to correctly focus light on the retina. The retina is found at the back of the eye, and provides the sensory tissues through which data and information is transmitted to the brain. An individual who is nearsighted experiences difficulty focusing images and light properly, and distant or far objects focus on the front of the retina rather than on it. This causes distant objects to appear out of focus or blurry.

The phakic intraocular lens corrects this by properly bending and focusing light directly on the retina. This restores the ability to focus clearly.

Preparing for the Phakic IOL Procedure

Prior to phakic IOL surgery or any vision correction surgical procedure, the LASIK surgeon and or ophthalmologist will conduct a complete and comprehensive examination of the eye. Prospective patients for this type of surgery are advised that they may need to discontinue wearing contacts for up to three weeks before this eye examination so that accurate readings can be achieved.

Phakic IOL surgery is done on an outpatient basis, with no overnight hospital stay required. Before the procedure, injections or eye drops will be initiated to numb the eye as well is prevent movement of the eye. Then, an incision will be made that allows the surgeon to insert the phakic intraocular lens directly in front of (anterior chamber) or just behind (posterior chamber) the iris (the colored part of the eye).

The procedure is a minimally invasive technique and doesn't take long. The incision is extremely small, so sutures are not typically required. The procedure produces minimal post-op discomfort, although individuals are cautioned to realize that their vision may be blurry or hazy with some sensitivity to light immediately following the procedure.

How Much does Phakic IOL Cost?

LASIK surgery costs average between $2,000 and $4,500 for both eyes in the United States.  However, intraocular lands procedures and costs are naturally higher due to the technology. Costs also depend on the type of laser technology utilized, the type of surgical instrument used, costs for medications, for pre-op testing and post-op exams and follow-up visits, and the geographic location of the facility.

Who Performs Phakic IOL Procedures?

Phakic IOL procedures are performed by an ophthalmologist. This person should be licensed and trained and certified to perform this procedure and have training in the use of all technologies and/or equipment used in such procedures.

If you want to know more, you can always contact us and ask for more info.