Imagine a life without limitations – no searching for glasses in the morning, no hassle with contact lenses at the pool or while traveling. At Swisslaser, both in the heart of Warsaw and in picturesque Krakow, we understand perfectly what people with high refractive errors feel. Sometimes, traditional laser vision correction is simply not an option. And that’s when salvation appears: phakic lenses. This is an innovation that gives you the chance for lasting, excellent visual acuity. Our task is to tell you about it honestly, step by step, building your trust in this method. Let’s begin the journey to better vision!
What will you learn from the text below?
- What characterizes phakic lenses and how do they work? These are special, flexible lenses that we gently implant without disturbing your natural lens, allowing the eye to continue to naturally “zoom” (accommodate).
- Who is an ideal candidate for phakic lens implantation? We are primarily thinking of people with truly significant refractive errors who do not qualify for laser surgery – this could be your second and best chance.
- What are the most important qualification criteria for the procedure at Swisslaser? We look at your age (ideally $18$-$55$ years), check if the refractive error is stable, and ensure there are no serious health contraindications.
- What advanced diagnostic tests are performed in our clinics? We use cutting-edge technology, such as $text{ANTERION®}$ and $text{Retina Scan Duo ™}$, to measure every millimeter of the eye and plan the procedure with pharmaceutical precision.
- What emotional and practical benefits does this change bring? It’s simple: you gain freedom. The daily burden disappears, and comfort, self-confidence, and incredible quality of vision emerge.
Phakic Lenses – A Modern Method of Vision Correction
What Are Phakic Lenses?
Think of phakic lenses (ICL) as internal, permanently implanted contact lenses. These are clever, flexible intraocular implants that we place in the eye, but – importantly – we preserve your natural lens.
- Structure and composition: What are they made of? From a material called Collamer. It sounds futuristic, but it’s a biocompatible collagen-based material that your eye will love and tolerate perfectly.
- Preservation of the eye’s natural abilities: This is key! Because we do not remove the natural lens, your eye still accommodates excellently, meaning it easily “switches” from distance to near vision.
- Common name: We often call them “implantable contact lenses” – and that pretty much hits the nail on the head. The difference is that you don’t remove them. But remember, if the need arises, we can remove or replace them!
Qualification for Phakic Lens Implantation
At Swisslaser, we prioritize safety, which means we take the qualification process extremely seriously. We want you to be sure that this is the best option for you.
Indications for the Procedure
When do we consider phakic lenses at all? Mainly when the refractive error is so significant that laser vision correction is too risky or impossible due to corneal parameters.
- Range of corrected refractive errors:
- Are you myopic? We correct errors from $-0.5$ up to $-18.0$ diopters.
- Do you have hyperopia? We can manage from $+0.5$ to $+10.0$ diopters.
- Astigmatism? Yes, up to $+6.0$ or $-6.0$ diopters.
- Age criterion: We are interested in the range from $18$ to $55$ years.
- Other key conditions: Is your refractive error stable? We must check that! And if you have presbyopia, we have multifocal lenses/$text{EDOF}$ for you that will help you see excellently both near and far.
Contraindications for Phakic Lens Implantation
Let’s remember about health. Unfortunately, in certain situations, we must say “stop”:
- Eye anatomy (e.g., too shallow anterior chamber depth).
- Serious diseases: Unstabilized autoimmune diseases, active eye diseases (such as advanced glaucoma or retinal detachment), or infections.
- Life stage: Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Give yourselves and us time after this special period.
Qualification Procedure and Pre-operative Examinations
“Implantation of phakic lenses requires surgical precision, but the success of the procedure relies on thorough pre-operative diagnostics. It is precise measurements, often using advanced biometry, that determine safety and final visual acuity. At Swisslaser, we make no compromises on technology” – says Dr. Victor Derhartunian. He and our team take care of every detail!
Initial and Qualification Examinations
At this stage, crucial for excluding contraindications, we perform:
- Patient interview
- Computerized vision examination (Autorefractometry)
- Keratometry and Corneal Topography
- Pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement)
Detailed Pre-operative Examinations
Now, high-tech comes into play. We need to collect data to perfectly select the lens:
- Tonometry: We check intraocular pressure.
- Ocular biometry: We measure your eye in centimeters, and even micrometers, including anterior chamber depth.
- Dynamic pupillography
- Visual acuity examination, subjective refraction, binocular vision parameters.
- Cycloplegia: We dilate the pupils and “paralyze” accommodation to determine your actual refractive error.
Technologies Used in Diagnostics
We are proud of our machines. Without them, this precision would not be possible:
- $text{ANTERION®}$ Platform: This is our command center! It combines tomography, corneal topography, and most importantly – super-precisely calculates the power of the implanted lens ($text{IOL}$ calculation).
- $text{Retina Scan Duo ™}$ Device: This is both a $text{OCT}$ scanner and a fundus camera. We use it to examine the posterior segment of the eye and ensure it is healthy.
Patient Preparation for Examinations
If you want the measurements to be perfect, you must help us. These are simple rules, but crucial:
- Necessity of discontinuing contact lenses: Why? Because contact lenses temporarily change the shape of the cornea. You must give it time to return to its natural form. Discontinue soft lenses for 2 weeks, hard lenses for 4 weeks.
- Effect of pupil-dilating drops: After the examination, your eyes will be very sensitive to light, and vision will be poorer. We implore you, come with someone who will drive you home safely!
Benefits of Phakic Lens Implantation
This procedure is an investment in the future, offering:
- Freedom from external correction: No more buying glasses and lenses!
- Preservation of the eye’s natural accommodation: You see sharply everywhere, without losing natural “power.”
- Reversibility of the procedure: If something changes, we can always intervene. This is a safe option for years to come.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is phakic lens implantation safe?
Absolutely. Remember that this is a procedure supported by years of research. Our precise qualification and premium equipment minimize risk to virtually zero.
How long does the procedure take and when will I see clearly?
The procedure itself is really short – typically $15-30$ minutes per eye. And clarity? Many people see fantastically the very next day!
Will I feel the lens in my eye?
No, not at all! The lens is placed deep inside the eye. It is made of a material that is completely neutral to the body – it is imperceptible.
What if my vision deteriorates after the procedure?
Phakic lenses are reversible. If the refractive error changes, we will simply replace the lens with a new one of a different power.
Do phakic lenses correct presbyopia (reading difficulties)?
Yes. Special multifocal models of phakic lenses are designed so that you see excellently both far and near. We will tell you about this in detail during the consultation.
Related topics: ICL phakic lenses at SwissLaser
- ICL phakic lenses – compendium: qualification, procedure, price
- ICL phakic lenses in Warsaw
- ICL phakic lenses in Krakow
- Price list for phakic lenses and installments
- Laser vs. phakic lens – comparison
- Anterior and posterior chamber lenses
- Preliminary online qualification
The procedure is performed in Warsaw (ul. Kolejowa 1) and Krakow (ul. Kluczborska 15/U3). The price is PLN 11,000 per eye, also for toric versions. Book an appointment or complete the preliminary qualification.
