Implantable contact lenses, also known as phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs), hold promise as potentially powerful refractive tools with almost unlimited potential to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. The clear, oblong implants are about the size of the tip of your pinky and are made of the same plastic used in replacement lenses for patients with cataracts. With Phakic IOLs, surgeons don't have to reshape the cornea. Instead, they cut a tiny slit in it and inject a lens that can completely correct the vision problem.

Phakic IOL procedures are being used on severely nearsighted and farsighted patients who may not be candidates for the more common laser procedures such as PRK , LASEK, and How LASIK Works. Unlike laser vision correction procedures that permanently change your vision, it is possible to remove Phakic IOLs.

Phakic IOLs are for those who:

	Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on reading glasses or bifocals
	Are extremely nearsighted or farsighted
	Have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
	Have no health issues affecting their eyes
	Desire a procedure that may be reversible

Serious complications from Phakic IOLs are extremely rare, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Besides infection, possible complications include inflammation, increased pressure in the eye and cataracts. Earlier studies have shown that all of these are rare, and the plastic used to make the implants has a 50-year track record of safe use in the body.

The Procedure:
You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once checked in a sedative may be given and the patient prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Powerful eye drops or a local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyes. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

Next, a very small incision will be made and the intra-ocular lens will be inserted. The small incision will bond itself using the natural outward pressure in your eye, without the need for stitches. Given that the natural lens of the eye is not removed, the patient retains the natural focusing capability of the eye for near focusing tasks The Phakic IOL procedure is very quick, typically taking less than 20 minutes. There also is a short recovery time. The results of the surgery are almost immediate, however your vision remains a little blurry from the anesthesia, so someone will need to drive you home. You may experience some discomfort, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.

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