If you are in your 20s, 30s or 40s and have extreme myopia, thin or relatively unhealthy corneas, Phakic lens implant surgery may be your best alternative – because LASIK or PRK laser eye surgery may not be safe for your eyes.
The first centre in British Columbia and one of the few centres in Western Canada to perform this procedure, VLEC is also one of the first to offer the vaulted Cachet™ lens implants, the latest advancement in Phakic lens implant surgery.
It is a simple treatment that produces miraculous results, which we may sometimes further enhance with iLASIK or Custom PRK for even more astonishing outcomes.
Another appealing factor is that the Phakic (IOL) treatment is also reversible.
What your surgeon will do
Your eye surgeon makes a 3mm incision in the cornea using a micro- keratome. Then, the Cachet lens is placed in the eye, in front of the iris and behind the cornea to correct high to extreme myopia (-6 to -16 diopters).
Phakic Intra Ocular Lenses (IOL) FAQs
 |
Why opt for Phakic IOL? |
|
|
With capability to treat a broader range of severity than laser surgery, Phakic lens implant surgery is an excellent option if you have extreme myopia or simply do not have a thick enough cornea to allow for safe iLASIK™, LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Furthermore, it can be performed under general anaesthetic if you are frightened by local anaesthetic. |
|
|
|
|
How long does it take? |
|
|
The procedure usually takes about 35 minutes for both eyes. |
|
|
|
|
Does it hurt? |
|
|
The Phakic IOL procedure is painless and you should experience little to no discomfort following surgery. |
|
|
|
|
How long do I have to stay after surgery? |
|
|
Following surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area for about 30 minutes or until are feeling well and comfortable you may leave. You can then leave, but have to come back to VLEC 2 hours later for an assessment. |
|
|
|
|
Do I need to be accompanied? |
|
|
Yes, you need to be accompanied on the day of surgery – including the follow-up appointment 2 hours later – and for your follow-up exam 24 hours after surgery. We kindly ask that your companion wait for you in the comfortable downstairs reception area. |
|
|
|
|
Do I need follow-up exams? |
|
|
Yes, you will come back to VLEC 2 hours after your surgery, as well as 24 hours later. You will also be examined at two weeks, six weeks and six months. These visits may be done at our centre or at your local eye care physician’s office. |
|
|
|
|
What is my recovery time? |
|
|
Most of our patients see well within 24 hours. Doctor Blaylock recommends quiet time at home, perhaps resting or watching TV, for 24 hours following your procedure. You can usually go back to work after 24 hours, although Dr. Blaylock suggests taking off the remainder of the workweek for a more comfortable recovery. Some patients (5-10%) may need laser refractive surgery following the lens implant procedure to fine-tune results. This can be performed 3-4 months following the initial procedure and is provided free of charge during the first year. |
