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Phakic IOLs (Implantable Contact Lenses) provide alternative to LASIK

According to the American Optometric Association, 30 percent of Americans suffer from nearsightedness. People who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses and who do not want to undergo laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery, implantable phakic intraocular lenses (Phakic IOLs) are an option. These lenses are made of plastic or silicone and are implanted permanently into the eye to correct refractive errors, or errors in the eye's focusing ability. Phakic IOLs may be advantageous for people who need vision correction that exceeds the safe range of laser surgery. The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center advises that "nearsighted individuals between the ages of 21 and 45 are the best candidates for the 30-minute procedure. Additionally, patients that have not undergone previous ophthalmic surgery, and do not have a history of eye disease including iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy are preferred.

Phakic IOL surgery doesn't alter the cornea as LASIK does and so may be suitable for patients with thin corneas. Should a patient have a change of prescription or a change of heart, the lenses can be replaced or even removed. Moreover, recovery from implant surgery is quick. Most patients resume regular activities the next day. These lenses have been used on cataracts patients for many years, but have only recently been approved for correcting myopia and hyperopia. Phakic IOLs received FDA approval in 2004.

BENEFITS: Besides the convenience of independence from glasses or contact lenses, Phakic IOLs are advantageous for people who need vision correction that exceeds the safe range of laser surgery. In addition, Phakic IOLs are removable if they don't work out for the patient.

RISKS: Like LASIK, this surgery carries risks. Potential complications include permanent vision loss, visual symptoms like glare and halos, cataract development, increased intraocular pressure, cornea cloudiness and retinal detachment. According to the FDA, since they only recently approved the procedure, there may be other risks not yet discovered.

PROCEDURE: After local anaesthetic is administered to numb the eye's surface, an incision is made in the eye. The phakic IOL is then inserted either in front of or behind the iris. If necessary, the incision is closed with tiny stitches. The surgery takes about 30 minutes. After resting the day of surgery, most people can return to work the next day; however, eyesight may not stabilize completely for several weeks.