Treatment Services

Phakik IOL Treatment for Those Unsuitable for Excimer Laser Treatment

What is Phakic IOL (Intraocular Lens) Treatment?

If refractive errors such as hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism are too high to be corrected with Excimer Laser (LASIK or No-touch) treatment, or if the corneal structure/thickness is insufficient for LASIK treatment, phakic intraocular lens implantation is an alternative method that can be preferred.

It is a good option for correcting the need for glasses, especially in patients with refractive errors above approximately 8-10 diopters of myopia, 5-6 diopters of hyperopia, and astigmatism.

However, it can also be applied to patients whose need for glasses is lower than the above-mentioned numbers but whose corneal structure/thickness is insufficient for Excimer Laser treatment. It can also be applied to suitable keratoconus patients. However, the aim here is not to completely correct the need for glasses, but to minimize it to the extent that will ease the patient's life.

The Basic Principle of Phakic IOL

The patient's own natural lens is left in place without surgical intervention and/or removal. Instead, in the commonly used phakic IOL model, a thin, transparent lens is placed behind the pupil, the colored part of the eye – the iris – and just in front of the natural lens. In the less commonly used model, it is attached to the iris, the colored part of the eye, in front of the pupil with clamps. Advantages

• The natural lens remains in place.
• It can be removed if necessary.
• It can be more effective than laser for high refractive errors.
• Provides good quality vision.
• Problems that can occur after laser surgery, such as dry eye syndrome, are less common.

What is the Application Process?

Examination and Preliminary Assessment

An examination and some tests are performed to thoroughly examine the eyeglass prescription, the structure of the front of the eye, the health of the cornea and retina, and the condition of the natural lens. Certain criteria are required for application.

• Individuals over 18 years of age (generally over 20 years of age is preferred) and whose eye prescription has been stable for the last year.
• Intraocular structure (intraocular depth - anterior chamber, angle between the cornea and iris, number of endothelial cells, etc.)
• Those suitable for Phakic IOL

If your eye meets these criteria, Phakic IOL treatment can be performed surgically. Phakic IOL can be planned and produced specifically for each individual.

Who is not suitable for Phakic IOL?

• Individuals with cataracts
• Individuals with a very shallow anterior chamber of the eye
• Individuals with a narrow angle between the cornea and iris
• Individuals with insufficient corneal endothelial cell count
• Individuals with unsuitable corneal health and structure
• Individuals with severe retinal diseases (such as diabetic retinopathy, previous major retinal surgery)
• Individuals with severe glaucoma
• Individuals who have previously had intraocular inflammation (such as uveitis)

Surgical Procedure is Short

Since intraocular surgery is performed in an area as narrow as 3mm and without touching the natural intraocular lens, it is usually completed with a short procedure (average 10-15 minutes) under general anesthesia. Each eye is operated on separately at different times. This time may vary depending on the patient's eye structure and some additional procedures required during the surgery. In phakic IOL surgery, after a small incision is made in the eye, the natural intraocular lens is not touched, and the IOL is placed on top of it according to the conditions, and the surgery is finished. Since it is only a lens placement procedure, it is a surgery that carries less risk than a standard cataract surgery. After the surgery, the patient is kept under observation for a while and is sent home after it is ensured that there are no complications. Protective glasses are used on the day of the surgery. An eye bandage may also be applied depending on the patient's condition. Antibiotic, corticosteroid eye drops and artificial tears are given. They will be used according to your doctor's recommendations.

Recovery

Because the surgery is short, requires fewer procedures than a standard cataract surgery, and is performed without touching the natural intraocular lens, recovery is usually fast, and patients can return to their daily lives within a few days. The recovery time may vary depending on the patient's general health and the course of the surgery.

Within the first 24 hours, there may be a slight discomfort or blurring in the eye, but this is usually temporary and resolves on its own. Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within the first week after surgery. It may take up to several weeks to achieve full recovery and final visual clarity.

Routine check-ups are on day 1, week 3, and month 3 post-operatively, but your doctor may change the frequency and timing of check-ups if deemed appropriate.

Rare Problems That Can Occur After Intraocular Lens Surgery

Remaining refractive error: If there is a remaining refractive error, it can be removed with Excimer Laser if there are no contraindications. Corneal edema: This can develop if the innermost layer of the cornea is damaged during surgery. It will usually resolve with eye drops prescribed by your doctor.

High intraocular pressure (glaucoma): This is a condition that can occur after intraocular surgeries. It causes eye pain. It will usually resolve with eye drops prescribed by your doctor. Very rarely, it may be necessary to remove the phakic IOL.

Eye infection: Infections can occur after intraocular surgeries, although very rare. It is a serious condition and requires early intervention. It can be treated with eye drops and medication.

Bleeding: Bleeding can occur in the blood vessels of the iris tissue. It is usually easily controlled. It can be treated with eye drops and medication.

Retinal tear: This is a rare condition that can occur after intraocular surgeries. It should be treated by a retinal specialist.

Cataract may develop: By removing the phakic IOL and performing cataract surgery, a suitable lens can be implanted, reducing or almost eliminating your need for glasses. Halos and glare: These are quite rare. They become almost imperceptible within about 3 months.

Also: Phakic IOL is a removable lens. The surgery is reversible. *Since every surgery has its own risks, the risks written above, although rare, must be explained to the patient.

 *HOWEVER, IT ENDS WITHOUT PROBLEMS IN A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF TIMES.

Success Rates and Patient Satisfaction

Current studies and clinical observations show that Phakic IOL applications:

• Increase the rate of glasses-free life
• Improve visual quality
• Significantly increase patient satisfaction

Your second chance could be a Phakic IOL lens.

Conclusion

Phakik IOL treatment is an effective and safe method that offers quality and stable vision, especially in high-grade refractive errors. However, it is not suitable for every patient.

“The results of any surgical or interventional procedure can vary from person to person. It is recommended that you get a detailed consultation with your doctor before the procedure.”

Publication Date: 20.01.2026

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