A phakic intraocular lens implant can be used to correct either extreme farsightedness or extreme nearsightedness. Unlike other eye surgery procedures, your natural lens is not altered. Instead, an implantable lens is positioned in front of your natural lens, essentially making the new implant a permanent contact lens.

This technique was developed from a similar procedure used in cataract surgery. Using modern, sophisticated equipment, doctors can insert a new, flexible intraocular lens to provide the necessary corrections to your natural lens. The lens are usually flexible enough to be folded for insertion thru a tiny incision.

Because there is an increased risk of serious complications arising from this procedure, it's usually recommended only to patients who have extreme cases of nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Some of the Complications of Intraocular Lens Implant Procedures

Although many reports boast of the favorable results obtained with intraocular lens implant procedures, there still remain real risks you should consider. Some studies indicate that some patients develop cataracts soon after completing the implant procedure. There's also the risk of endophthalmitis, which is a serious infection of the eye, due to the fact that the surgical incision penetrates the eye.

The intraocular lens implant procedure can be done under local anesthesia, so the patient remains awake throughout the entire operation. The implantable lens is rolled up prior to insertion so that only a tiny incision is required. The small size of the incision means that stitches are not required. The entire procedure usually takes 30 minutes or less to complete.

The recovery time is longer than with LASIK eye surgery, generally lasting two to three weeks. During this recovery period, it's important to avoid any strenuous exercise or other activities that could cause a significant increase in blood pressure.

In addition to the possibility of eye infections, other complications may arise, such as inflammation, loosening of the lens or lens rotation. You may also experience a halo effect at night when viewing lights. Due to the likelihood of these various issues, patients are urged to visit their doctors regularly for several months to monitor the implants.

Is the Intraocular Lens Implant Procedure Right for You?

In most cases, intraocular lens implant is recommended to people that have severe nearsightedness or far sightedness, with emphasis on the word severe. If your case is not considered to be severe, you'll probably be better choosing another type of procedure, such as LASIK or PRK, due to the high risks associated with this procedure.