Phakic Intraocular Lenses

Phakic intraocular lenses are additional lenses that are implanted inside the eye to act as additional focusing power on top of the focusing power of the eye. As nothing is taken away, unlike the other refractive procedures, this procedure is reversible. In general, these are used when there is a high refractive error but can be used for any refractive error.

All phakic lenses require a surgeon experienced with intraocular surgery (surgery inside the eye) as the technique can be somewhat complex. Results and quality of vision can be outstanding especially given the size of the prescription that is corrected.

There are three types of phakic intraocular lenses:
Angle supported. These sit in the front part of the eye in front of the iris. Examples include the I-Care lens from Corneal Laboratories.  Iris supported. These are attached to the front surface of the pupil. Examples include the Verisyse lens from AMO and the Artisan lens from Ophtec.  Posterior chamber. These float freely in the space behind the pupil and in front of the natural lens. Examples include the Implantable contact lens from Staar.