What steps are involved in the procedure?

           Phakic IOL surgery is an outpatient procedure which means that it is not necessary to stay overnight at the clinic or a hospital because there are minimal risks involved. Implanting the Phakic IOL is actually a two-part process.

          First, YAG laser is applied to make two to three small openings in the peripheral iris, the colored portion of the eye. The openings guard against possible elevation of intraocular pressure immediately following the implantation of the new lens. This is done 2 weeks prior to the Phakic IOL implantation, and is often done around the time of the preoperative examination.  The YAG peripheral iridotomy is not performed in the operating room and no special care for the eye is required, aside from a 1 week follow-up with the doctor.
          Second, the Phakic IOL is implanted inside the eye.  Because this is an intraocular surgery, it will be performed in the sterile operating room.  This is a unilateral procedure, meaning the first eye must heal before surgery is performed on the second eye, which normally takes approximately 1 week.  The entire surgery itself takes about 30 minutes, however please expect to be at the clinic for at least a few hours due to preparation time, dilation of the eyes, and postoperative monitoring.  It is advised to have someone drive you home after completion of the procedure.

Immediately before your surgery

            - Twenty minutes before the surgery, your eyes are prepared with antibiotic and anesthetic eye drops.
            - Before entering the operating room, you will have another discussion with your surgeon about your treatment, the operation, and to answer any questions you may have.

During the surgery

            - Once inside the sterile operating room, the surgical team disinfects the area around the eyes. A speculum is applied to keep the eye open during the surgery.  Additional topical or local anesthesia is applied to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
            - The surgeon will make a small (3 to 3.5mm) incision in the cornea, the outer surface of the eye.  This incision is self-sealing and does not require any sutures.  As the Phakic IOL is inserted, it slowly unfolds and is then carefully placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.  The placement makes the lens invisible to the naked eye.
            - Immediately after the surgery, the eye is covered with a plastic eye shield, which is held in place by adhesive tape and has perforations for the patient to see through. The purpose of the eye shield is to prevent inadvertent rubbing or scratching of the eye.  The intraocular pressure will then be re-checked before the patient can return home. The shield is left on until the patient comes back to TRSC on the next day to have it removed.