Eye care has come a long way in recent years and with these advancements come new solutions to age old problems. Problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness, glaucoma, and many other issues can be slowed, prevented or even cured. One of these procedures created for the improvement of vision is known as Phakic IOL. A procedure designed to make vision better, Phakic IOL is otherwise known as ICL or implantable contact lens. Phakos meaning lens of the eye in Greek and IOL which is an abbreviation which stands for intraocular lens, was designed to be permanently implanted into the patients eye to correct high amounts of nearsightedness. Often used after the removal of the natural lens during cataract surgery, the intraocular lens was first successfully implanted in 1949. Through the years advances have been made and currently two types of Phakic IOLs are approved by the FDA
What they are and how they work
Phakic lenses are made of plastic or silicone and are implanted in the eye to permanently reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. Removal of the lens of the eye is not required for Phakic IOLs and for implementation, only a small incision is required to the front of the eye. The lens is inserted into the incision and is place just in front or behind the iris.
The lenses are used to correct refractive errors or the eye’s focusing power. With the addition of the lenses, the light entering the eye can be focused on the retina providing clear distance vision without the further need for glasses or contacts.
Intended to be permanent, they are not right for everyone. As with all surgeries and procedures, especially the elective, it is important that you spend time reviewing the procedure, any risks and whether it is right for you. Your optometrist in Grayling will talk to you about your concerns and whether you are good candidate for ICL’s.
Knowing and understanding what your options are when it comes to your eyes is important and Alpine Eye Care is there to help. An optometrist in Grayling MI, Alpine Eye Care specializes in a wide variety of services including basic optometry as well as cosmetic surgery, senior eye care and many other procedures. If you are looking for an optometrist in Grayling MI, contact Alpine Eye Care today and schedule your appointment. Call us at 1.877.SEE.2020 or online here.