Phakic intraocular lens ICL
The phakic intraocular lens (ICL) is a suitable solution for patients who want to eliminate glasses and contact lenses but cannot undergo laser surgery.
Who is it suitable for
The implantation of a phakic intraocular lens is performed on patients aged 18 to 40 who cannot undergo laser vision correction due to a too-thin cornea or high diopter levels (making the procedure too risky or ineffective for these patients). Phakic lenses can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
What is a phakic intraocular lens
A phakic lens is a thin intraocular contact lens (Implantable Contact Lens - ICL) that fully replaces glasses and standard contact lenses. From the patient’s perspective, the phakic lens requires no special care or attention. The lens is imperceptible to the patient, and if needed, it can be surgically removed or replaced with another lens.
Surgery (implantation of phakic lens)
Phakic intraocular lenses are implanted in front of the natural lens, which remains intact in the eye. After the surgery, the patient has a combination of two lenses:
- an artificial phakic lens that adjusts the desired diopters.
- the natural human lens that allows for accommodation (focusing).
The implantation of the phakic lens is performed on an outpatient basis in the operating room under local anesthesia (the eye is numbed with drops). The surgery is completely painless, lasts approximately 15 minutes, and the patient goes home afterward. Surgery on the second eye is typically performed 1-2 weeks later.
