PHAKIC IOL information compiled by Dr. Manolette Roque [ Resume | Email ] and initially uploaded on May 1, 2004.

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Last modified: September 14, 2007.

Implantable iris fixation phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs), is another refractive procedure. Phakic IOLs are powerful refractive tools with almost unlimited potential to correct refractive errors (nearsightedness and farsightedness). Phakic IOLs are expected to gain wide acceptance from ophthalmologists who have implanted IOLs in cataract patients for the past four decades with excellent results.   

The implantable iris fixation phakic IOL is unique, however, in that the thin intraocular lens implant is placed in the eye without removing the natural lens of the eye, as is completed in cataract surgery. At present, implantable iris fixated phakic IOLs are being fixated both in front of the iris.  Given that the natural lens of the eye is not removed, the patient retains the natural focusing capability (accommodation) of the eye for near focusing tasks. For aphakia, it may be fixated behind the iris for a natural look.

ARTISAN^® and ARTIFLEX^® lenses are implantable iris fixation phakic IOLs developed and manufactured by OPHTEC. These lenses are meant for the correction of refractive errors, providing patients with high quality vision and reducing or avoiding the need for glassess or contacts. The ARTISAN^® lens is used for the correction of Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism. The foldable ARTIFLEX^® lens adds the benefits of small incision surgery to the corrective procedure.

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1. Why choose an ARTISAN® / ARTIFLEX® Phakic IOL?

2. Is the ARTISAN® / ARTIFLEX® Phakic IOL something new?

3. What is not possible?

4. What is the predictability of the various treatment methods?

5. How long does the effect of a treatment last?

6. When can I start my daily activities again?

7. When am I suitable for a treatment?

8. What is the chance of complications following a Lens implantation?

9. What is the chance of complications after an eye Laser treatment?

10. Will you be happy with Refractive Surgery?

11. Testimonial - Pleunie Baarveld (20)

12. Testimonial - Vincent (20)

13. Testimonial - Shannon (43) 

14. How do I get more information?

Why choose an ARTISAN® / ARTIFLEX® Phakic IOL?

For an increasing number of people, neither contact lenses, nor glasses provide an acceptable solution in order to have good vision. For them refractive surgery using an ARTISAN® / ARTIFLEX® implantable lens could be the solution, especially for high myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Is the ARTISAN® / ARTIFLEX® Phakic IOL something new?

Already since 1986, thousands of people all over the world enjoy good vision with the ARTISAN implantable lens. The ARTISAN®/ ARTIFLEX® Phakic IOL is an “extra” lens in the eye that remains permanently in place.

What is not possible?

1. It is not possible to correct the need for reading glasses

2. It is not always possible to become totally independent of grasses or contact lenses

What is the predictability of the various treatment methods?

Currently the results are highly predictable but can never be 100% guaranteed. If the result is not satisfactory then in consultation with the ophthalmic surgeon you can, if necessary, receive a repeat treatment within two years.

How long does the effect of a treatment last?

The effect of both a laser eye treatment and a lens implantation lasts for the rest of your life. In exceptional cases the eye strength might increase after the treatment. This process occurs independently from the treatment. To prevent this, we request a stable refraction (strength) for a period of at least two years. If the strength increases too much, we will assess together with you whether a new treatment should be considered.

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When can I start my daily activities again?

It is important that you realise that this is a medical procedure and that the eye recovers quickest if it can rest. The recovery differs per person but in general takes one to two days.

When am I suitable for a treatment?

Almost anyone who wears glasses or contact tenses to see well at a distance can be eligible for a treatment. However, it is important that the eyes have been more or less stable for at least two years with respect to the strength of the glasses (small deviations of about 0.5 diopters are acceptable). Further both you and your eyes must be healthy. For persons between the ages of about 18 and 60 years, a treatment can take place.

What is the chance of complications following a Lens implantation?

The chance of a complication is very small, yet present. Complications occur in less than one percent of treatments.

1.     Slight over-correction or under-correction. Can be corrected with low-strength glasses, contact lenses or if needs be another laser eye treatment.

2.     If the lens is not properly positioned, it can be moved with a minor operation.

3.     Incorrect calculation of strength. In consultation with you, the decision can be taken to replace the lens (new treatment free of charge).

4.     Increase of the eye pressure after the operation. This is temporary and can be treated with drugs.

5.     There is a small chance of infection. If discovered on time this can be treated well with drugs. As procedures are strictly followed in the operating theatre the chance of an infection is minimal.

6.     Side effects can occur after the treatment such as seeing glares and halos in the dark. Over the course of time the brain interprets these observations differently and usually no longer experiences these as disruptive.

7.     Rare complications such as an eye perforation due to injection, hemorrhages, damage to the cornea, damage to the retina and blindness.

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What is the chance of complications after an eye Laser treatment?

The fear expressed by some people that blindness in an eye could occur as a result of a mistake during the treatment is not justified. Due to the nature of the treatment this consequence is virtually impossible. In practice the chances of such complications are significantly less than one percent.

1.     Possible problems as a consequence of a PRK or LASEK treatment:

2.     Slight over-correction or under-correction. Can be corrected with low-strength glasses, contact lenses or if needs be another laser eye treatment within two years.

3.     Poorer vision. This can lead to a lower quality of what is seen and usually not to a reduced vision.

4.     In particularly rare cases vision-threatening complications such as damage to the cornea or a hemorrhage.

5.     There is a small chance of infection. If discovered on time this can be treated well with drugs. As procedures are strictly followed in the operating theatre the chance of an infection is minimal.

Side effects can occur after the treatment. The chance of these is minimal. Possible side effects are seeing glares and halos in the dark. Over the course of time the brain interprets these observations differently and usually no longer experiences these as disruptive.

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MAKING A DECISION

Will you be happy with Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery is a benefit of modern technology. But every type of surgery has its risks, and elective surgeries have additional costs. For you, do the benefits outweigh the risks and the costs? The answer lies as much with your personality as it does with the results of the surgery. Since the ultimate decision to proceed with surgery lies with you, the following checklist has been prepared to help you decide whether or not you are the type of person who most likely will be happy with refractive surgery.

You will most likely be happy with the surgical experience and the results of surgery if most of the following statements seem true for you:

1.     I feel handicapped by my independence on corrective lenses to see well.

2.     I have not been a successful contact lens wearer.

3.     I am a very active person who craves more freedom to participate in sports or other activities.

4.     I think l look better without my glasses.

5.     I sometimes fear being incapacitated if l should ever lose my corrective lenses and not be able to function in a crisis situation.

6.     Having fair natural vision without the hassle of corrective lenses is more important to me than having perfect vision with corrective lenses.

7.     I would basically be happy if my natural vision was significantly enhanced, even if I did still need to wear corrective lenses part or full time. 

8.     I generally adapt well to change.

9.     I am a pretty easy going person, and I do not get stressed very often.

10.  I like things to be in order but I arn not a fanatical perfectionist.

11.  It is important for me to see well for reading and hobbies, but I do not consistently need to focus on distant objects.

12.  I would have better career opportunities if I had a better natural vision.

13.  I have always envied people who do not need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

14.  I am financially stable and will not have much trouble coming up with the fees for surgery.

If you are interested in refractive surgery and you consider yourself to be a good candidate, arrange a consultation with a specialist for a full assessment and discussion.

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Testimonial - Pleunie Baarveld (20): Until 18 months ago I wore contact lenses. However, I had to stop wearing these due to vascular ingrowth. Spectacles were not a suitable alternative as a lens strength of –10 is unpleasant, the lenses are heavy and it looks ugly!

 When tests revealed that my eyes were suitable for Artiflex lenses, I did not need long to decide. Now it has become a reality for me. The operation did not take long and the surgeon explained what he was doing during the procedure. After the operation you have to wear an eye patch on the first day. Secretly I could see a bit under the patch; my own feet were clearly visible! Next morning the result was immediately obvious; I could see the tiles on the houses, unbelievable!

 Now I can honestly say that I see more clearly with my lens implants than I did before with contact lenses, especially watching TV and reading traffic signs. I really am pleased with the lenses. I consider it to be a long-term investment that I am already reaping the benefits from. It is a lot of money to pay at once but ultimately it is cheaper for me, as I will not have to spend the rest of my life buying expensive spectacles or contact lenses. Everyone in my family needs strong lenses. My enthusiasm has led to my sister and father receiving Artiflex lenses as well!

Testimonial - Vincent (20): “I've been a fanatical baseball player for years. It's a great sport, but wearing contact lenses was really a nuisance at times. Once I even got sent off because I spent too much time trying to get something out of my eye. At that time I was already toying with the idea of having my eyes treated. This summer I finally decided to go for it. I was on holiday with my sister in Africa and noticed how easy her ARTISAN Lenses were for her. No messing about with lens fluids, straight to bed after cleaning her teeth. 

I wasn't eligible for laser treatment because my cornea is too thin.  But fortunately it was just about possible for me to have an ARTIFLEX lens implanted, even though my pupils are slightly on the large side.

As a Life Sciences student I was especially interested in the treatment.  I just went with the flow, without getting nervous or anything. A few days after the treatment on my second eye I could see perfectly. The final result was 0 and 0.25. A superb score! Now I can really look forward to the next baseball season. It'll be absolutely sensational to play without contact lenses.”

Testimonial - Shannon (43): “As a dentist I work indoors which, in conjunction with my contact lenses, often caused stinging in my eyes and made them feel tired. I also like to play sports and all this trouble with glasses and lenses is the last thing you need. I decided to have ARTIFLEX Lenses implanted. I wasn’t nervous, I simply wanted to be rid of the inconveniences. My sight was perfect straight away and I did not suffer any discomfort. I had taken a day off to recover, but I could have gone to work just the same.”

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How do I get more information?

There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic: Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser window will open. For emails, your default email program will open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you prefer not to open new windows. ONLINE ACCESS WEBSITES.      http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic      http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. -      http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive Surgery Resource      http://www.Cataract.com.ph  - Cataract Surgery Resource      http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye Information Online      http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids      http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina Surgery Resource      http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma Online      http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online EMAIL. After writing down your comments, suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how to get in touch with you by providing your name, email, home/office numbers, and mobile phone.      General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph       Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Newsletter - newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive news and updates, discounts and promotions) BLOG. Send us your comments.      EYE REPUBLIC      Ophthalmology Atlas CLINIC INFORMATION      Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC (send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart).
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Manila 3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310 1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita Manila, 1000 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398 Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30 Mobile: (63917) 899-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Asian Hospital and Medical Center 5/F Medical Office Building (MOB) Suite 509 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang Muntinlupa City, 1781 Philippines Direct: (632) 771-9253 Direct and Fax: (632) 771-9254 Mobile: (63917) 795-2020 Map and Directions
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Medical City 6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602 MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue Pasig City, 1604, Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846 Mobile: (63917) 537-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic St. Luke's Medical Center 6/F Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC) North Tower Suite 614 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard Quezon City, 1102 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 407-3883 Mobile: (63917) 855-2020 Map and directions
CLINIC HOURS First-Come, First-Served Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays

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