If your prescription is very high or you have been told your corneas are too thin for laser eye surgery, you may still have options for vision correction.
What is it?
An IPCL (Implantable Phakic Contact Lens) is a micro-thin, biocompatible lens that I surgically implant inside your eye to correct your vision.
The IPCL is a customized medical implant tailored specifically to your eye's dimensions and prescription.
How does it work?
The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes per eye. I make a micro-incision (under 3mm) at the edge of the cornea and insert the folded IPCL behind your iris. The incision heals naturally without stitches.
Is this for me?
I will take biometric measurements of your eye's internal dimensions, measuring anterior chamber depth and endothelial cell density to ensure the lens will fit safely.
IPCL may be considered for patients with very high prescriptions, corneas too thin for laser vision correction, or dry eye syndrome. This procedure is typically for patients aged between 21 and 45, though final suitability depends on a detailed assessment.
This may not be suitable for patients with a shallow anterior chamber (insufficient physical space inside the eye) or compromised endothelial cell counts.
Recovery
I will prescribe eye drops for a few weeks to prevent infection and inflammation.
Considerations
As an intraocular procedure, risks include a rare chance of infection, temporary pressure spikes, or the rare possibility of inducing an early cataract if the lens touches the natural lens.