Download Phakic Lens Implant - Saint James Hospital Eye Clinic

Phakic Lens Implant
This information will help you in your decision process towards this surgery. You will be required to sign a
consent form prior the surgery so it is very important that you fully understand what will happen to you prior,
during and after the surgery.
If you have any questions, write them down so you can discuss them with your doctor.
The Phakic Lens Implant
This type of surgery is recommended to those with high myopia and would like to get rid of their glasses or
contaact lenses. This surgery can also be recommended for those patients who are not eligible for Excimer
Laser Surgery due to thin corneas or high myopia.
Preparation for the surgery
This is a day case procedure and you will spend around 3 hours in our clinic. This is the reason why on the
day of the surgery you need to come prepared and fit for the surgery. You may be asked to present a
medical report that you are physically fit to undergo the procedure and you may also be asked to do some
laboratory tests, and an ECG. Any chronic conditions should be well under control.
It is also important that you present an accurate written list of the medication you are currently taking.
A day prior the surgery do not use any eye make- up, face make up or creams and on the day of the surgery
make sure that you clean your face well before coming to the clinic.
You will be informed about the post -operative appointments on the day of the surgery prior to your
discharge.
The examination
This type of implant is recommended for patients between 21 and 40 years of age with a medium to high
degree of myopia. It is important that your eyesight did not change in the past year.
Special tests are carried out to take measurements that allow us to choose the best lens power for you.
We will put some dilating eye drops in your eyes, so if possible avoid driving for around 4 hours.
Contraindications:
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Previous severe eye infections such as endophthalmitis
Pupils greater than 7mm, since visual disturbances may occur with larger pupils
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Less than required density of endothelial cells (as determined by your
doctor). Endothelial cells line the inside of your cornea and help keep it clear for light to
pass through.
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Exiting astigmatism greater than 2.0D, since this may affect the quality of the outcome
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Pregnant or nursing mothers
SJH-EC-PI/frm 010 v1.0
Authors: Tanya Costa
Date: August 2016
Saint James Hospital – Eye Clinic
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Family history of glaucoma
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Diabetes
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Excessive rubbing of the eye
The procedure
Drops will be instilled into your eyes to numb them. The doctor will make a tiny incision in the sclera. The
incision required for the Phakic lens implant is so tiny that it typically does not require any sutures. A fluid
will then be injected in your eye to protect the back of the cornea. Next the Phakic lens will be inserted with
a special injector that allows the lens to unfold precisely in the eye so that the tiny supports rest in the
natural angle where your iris meets your cornea. After the lens is in place, the doctor will remove any
excess fluid, place some antibiotic drops or ointment in your eye, and then cover it with a protective
transparent shield.
You may experience some minor discomfort after the procedure. If this is an issue for you, please ask your
doctor. In most cases the healing time takes 2-6 weeks.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops in order to prevent infection and steroid drops to minimize
any swelling. You will be given instructions on how to use the eye drops and follow up appointments will
be scheduled.
After the surgery
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Do not rub your eyes
Protect your eye from any pressure
Avoid water from your eye for the first few days
Wash your hands with soap and water before using eye drops
Avoid close contact with animals at least for 2 weeks
Avoid strenuous sports and contact sports for 4 weeks
Immediately contact us if you perceive the folllowing:
-Strong pain
-Loss your visual acuity
-Your eye gets very red
Your vision improvement
After the surgery you can read, watch TV. Your vision will keep improving during the first few days.
Benefits and risks of surgery
The greatest advantage of the surgery is the very quick vision recovery and that you can live without
glasses.
You should be aware that complications can occur during and after surgery, but thanks to improving
technologies, nowadays complications are rare.
SJH-EC-PI/frm 010 v1.0
Authors: Tanya Costa
Date: August 2016
Saint James Hospital – Eye Clinic
Some possible complications during the surgery:
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Iris and pupil deformation
Touching the cornea and subsequent edema
Damages of the own lens and consequential cataract
Some possible complications after the surgery:
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Over or Under Correction that can be treated with Excimer Laser
Corneal haze
Damage of ocular surroundings
Retinal detachment
Inflammation or infection
Loss of Endothelial Cell count in which case, the lens will be removed
Nowadays, these complications are very rare and most of them can be treated successfully. It is extremely
rare to lose your vision, or decrease your vision.
Following this surgery it is mandatory that you attend yearly appointment to measure you endothelial cell
count.
Do not hesitate to ask any questions should you require further clarifications.
SJH-EC-PI/frm 010 v1.0
Authors: Tanya Costa
Date: August 2016
Saint James Hospital – Eye Clinic