Phakic intraocular lenses or IOLs are basically clear implant lenses that can be placed between your iris and cornea, or behind your iris. The primary use of these lenses is to allow light to focus on your retina accurately for clearer vision and without the use of corrective eyewear. Implantation of phakic IOLs usually takes place during surgery for cataracts.
Do You Need Phakic IOLs?
Cataracts cause blurring or clouding of your eyes’ lenses and are one of the most common vision issues associated with aging. Not all people who undergo cataract surgery will need phakic IOLs. In general, however, you may need cataract extraction with IOL implantation if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
Blurred or cloudy vision
- Seeing things with a yellowish or brownish tint to them
- Difficulty seeing things at night or in dim or poor lighting
- Double vision
- Colors seem less vibrant or faded, particularly blue and purple shades
- Difficulty focusing on or seeing things up close or far away
- Needing additional light to see things up close, particularly when reading
- Seeing light sources with a halo ring around them
- Being extra sensitive to harsh lighting
- Needing to adjust contacts or eyeglass prescriptions more regularly
Commonly, symptoms are more severe in people with bigger cataracts.
What is Cataract Surgery with IOL Implantation Like?
The primary treatment for cataracts is a surgery that involves extracting the cataract and then replacing the cloudy lens. Prior to the procedure, your ophthalmologist will first measure your eye’s shape and size to determine the most appropriately sized lens for you. Eye drops to dilate your pupil will be applied, and your eye area cleaned.
You will also be given medicine to numb the affected eye so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. During the surgery, your ophthalmologist will first extract the clouded lens using laser, phacoemulsification, or extracapsular cataract incision. He or she will then implant the IOL in place of the natural lens that was taken out. When the surgery is done, an eye shield or patch will be placed over your eye in order to safeguard it as it heals.
How Do I Know For Sure If I Need Phakic IOLs?
You will need to undergo several eye tests under your ophthalmologist’s guidance. With the visual acuity exam, you will read letters on the eye chart. With the slit-lamp test, your ophthalmologist will utilize a lighted device for checking your lens, iris, and other parts of your eye. And with the retinal test, your ophthalmologist will apply drops to your eyes to widen or dilate your pupils so that he can examine your eyes easier. He will then inspect your lens and retina for indications of cataract and other vision issues.
Cataracts are very common among the older population that the National Eye Institute, NEI, estimates that the majority of people will have cataracts by the age of 80. Fortunately, cataract surgery and phakic IOL implantation could help improve vision and get rid of the cloudy lenses that have been ravaged by cataracts. Talk to your ophthalmologist to determine the best option for you.