Can Phakic IOLs Help You? Tips From Your Katy Optometrist

Are you considering LASIK, but worry that the procedure may not be the right one for you? Phakic Intraocular Lenses (PIOLs) may be another option to dicuss with your Katy optometrist, particularly for people with high myopia. 

Many people are familiar with intraocular implants given to that undergo cataract surgery. Phakic IOLs differ in that the patient's natural lenses remain untouched, allowing these implants to be used to treat severe nearsightedness even in situations where laser eye surgery isn't an option.

Types of PIOLs

A PIOL consists of an artificial lens that is placed in the eye through a tiny incision. There are three different types of IOLs currently on the market: implanted collamer lenses, iris-fixated lenses, and angle-supported lenses. These are all situated slightly different within the eye. Angle-supported lenses rest in the irido-corneal angle, iris-fixated lenses hold on to the iris, and implanted collamer lenses have small structures (haptics) that fit under the iris to hold them in place.<

Phakic IOLs v.s. LASIK Eye Surgery

There are a few reasons why someone might choose to opt for PIOLs versus laser treatments:

• LASIK is able to treat nearsightedness up to around -12 to -14 diopters, and some experts are pushing to have those limits lowered to around -10. Even in patients that are eligible for this procedure, side effects aren't unheard of. Some patients can develop corneal forward bulging and a loss of vision quality. With Phakic lenses, even patients with nearsightedness as high as -20 diopters can find relief.
• Patients with thin corneas cannot undergo laser surgery, since these surgeries require the removal of some corneal tissue. If too little corneal tissue is left behind, there is a much higher risk of side effects. PIOL implantation surgery doesn't remove any corneal tissue, so even people who can't have LASIK can still get implanted lenses.
• PIOLs can be removed. The effects of laser surgery are irreversible.

Both implantable lenses and laser vision correction give people freedom from relying on glasses or contact lenses. If you suffer from high myopia, and worry about the potential risks of laser procedures, talk to your eye care professional about whether implantable lenses are the right option for you. Call us today to learn more!