Intraocular lenses are transparent artificial lenses that are implanted in the eye to correct different vision problems. There are two main types depending on the patient’s needs: phakic and pseudophakic.
On the one hand, phakic lenses are placed in the eye behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens (the eye’s natural lens), in a space called the posterior chamber. These maintain the original anatomy of the eyeball, without replacing or altering any of the eye’s structures and maintaining the crystalline lens. They are especially indicated for young patients who have a refractive problem (myopia -poor distance vision-, hyperopia -poor near vision- or astigmatism -blurred vision at all distances-) and who are not eligible for laser surgery because their cornea is too thin or their prescriptions are too high.
Pseudophakic lenses, on the other hand, are generally used in patients from 40-45 years of age to replace the crystalline lens that has aged over the years, causing the patient to suffer from presbyopia and not being able to see nearby objects (the lack of elasticity of the crystalline lens causes it to lose its ability to focus). They are also used in older patients, from 60-65 years of age, suffering from cataracts caused by opacification of the crystalline lens with symptoms such as blurred vision, halos or loss of intensity in colour vision.
Characteristics of phakic lenses
They are made of a biocompatible material called collamer. They are custom-made for each patient and can correct several visual defects at the same time. They perform a similar function to a contact lens, but since they are placed inside the eye, they have the advantage of not causing discomfort and are invisible to everyone.
They are placed in the patient’s eye through incisions as small as 2 millimetres. They are inserted rolled up, then unfolded inside the eye. Being so small, the incisions self-seal meaning stitches are not required.
The operation takes around 10 minutes and it is usual for one eye to be operated on first and then the other eye the following week. The patient can go home with the eye uncovered and visual recovery is very quick.
Advantages of the operation
Refractive surgery with phakic lenses is effective, safe and predictable. Moreover, as it does not modify any of the eye’s structure, it is reversible.
The operations are simple for the patient, as they are usually performed on an outpatient basis (without hospitalisation), with topical anaesthesia (drops) and the recovery time is usually short, with a generally very comfortable and bearable postoperative period.
This operation is a good option to solve vision problems if, due to the patient’s circumstances, laser surgery cannot be performed, allowing patients to experience a great improvement in their quality of life.
Dr José Luis Ramos
Ophthalmologist
Medical Director of Clínica Baviera Málaga
