Phakic Lens Insertion FAQ's
Refractive Lens Exchange (Lens Replacement Surgery)
We do not view these surgeries in terms of whether one is absolutely better than another,
but rather which procedure is most suitable for each person’s individual circumstances.
These most commonly include factors such as amount of correction, curvature of the cornea,
thickness of the cornea, health of the eyes, age and individual motivation for/ expectations
of the surgery.
Usually the option of Phakic Lens Insertion is reserved for
adults who have not yet experienced significant change in
accommodation. Typically, this occurs before the age of 45.
Not all people between the ages of 18 and 45 will desire Phakic Lens Insertion,
however. Dr. Demong will discuss your motivation and expectations and provide choices
where possible.
Phakic Lens Insertion is an option for the correction of high degrees
of
nearsightedness. In addition:
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Distance vision should be stable for at least one year
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Minimal astigmatism should be present OR the person should be
willing to undergo laser treatment for residual astigmatism once
recovery is complete from Phakic Lens Insertion
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Disturbances in vision should not be related to a health
disorder more suitable treated in another manner
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Expectations should be realistic, matching what the surgery is capable of
delivery with variability in individual healing patterns
-
You must be committed to optimal results by complying with
treatment and follow up examinations.
Those with unstable distance vision are not candidates but there
are other factors as well. The best way to determine candidacy is to
undergo a preoperative consultation, but, in general, those who have
the following should not undergo Phakic Lens Insertion:
-
Significantly diminished accommodative strength in their eyes
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Ranges of correction beyond the power of Cachet lens implants
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Certain forms of corneal disease
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Certain forms of dry eye syndrome
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Chronic iritis or other forms of chronic inflammatory eye disease
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Glaucoma
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Cataracts
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Retinal pathology
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Connective tissue disorders
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Immunosuppressive disorders
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Any systemic disorder or use of medication that inhibits tissue regrowth
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Diabetes
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Coagulation disorders or use of anticoagulants
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Mental instability or recent emotional trauma
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Pregnancy or lactation
Only you can decide if you’re ready to take the next step but if
you’re concerned about safety and reliability, the technology exists
now to provide safe, consistent and accurate results. Artificial
lens implants do undergo improvements over time but you must decide
whether or not the existing lenses will meet your expectations.
Phakic Lens Insertion is reversible if desired or required. For
instance, if you develop cataracts when you reach senior years,
the Cachet lenses will no longer improve vision and can be removed
in favor of Cataract surgery and permanent implantable lenses used
for that procedure
Yes. Phakic Lens Insertion is reversible which means the lenses
can be removed permanently or replaced if desired. There will be
additional fees associated with the change, however.
Possibly. As with any surgery, the critical period for
development of problems is within the first week to 10 days
after surgery. Once recovery is complete, we take care to
continue to monitor the condition of your eyes at intervals.
Further risks will be discussed at the time of your consultation.
Yes. The options include: same day or each eye on a different day one week
apart. Dr. Demong will discuss your expectations and make a
recommendation on the basis of that combined with the condition of your eyes.
If you undergo same day surgery, you must be particularly diligent in following
treatment instructions explicitly.
No. You will be awake for the procedure which will last about
10 minutes each eye. You may be given a mild sedative before,
and anesthetic gel during to help you relax and feel comfortable
No. There is some minor discomfort after the anesthetic gel
wears off but there is no discomfort at the time of surgery.
Freezing gel numbs the eye during the procedure. You will notice
some pressure like sensations. After the freezing gel wears off,
you will notice a mild irritation (like a hair in the eye) where
the incision has been made. This eases as recovery progresses.
If necessary, it is easily managed with Tylenol and artificial tears.
You will not likely require Tylenol more that once, if at all.
Dr. Demong will stop working and ask you to look straight into
the microscope again. Your eyelids will be parted with a surgical
clamp so you cannot blink. If you need to cough or move, the
nurses will have asked you to move your hand in warning so they
can alert Dr. Demong prior to it happening.
Your procedure will last about 10 minutes each eye.
You will be at the Surgery Centre for about 3 ½ hours,
however, to allow sufficient time for preparation and
recovery before you return to the comfort of your own home.
You will notice a dramatic improvement immediately after
surgery but vision will continue to improve most over the first 24
hours. Afterward, subtle changes may occur throughout recovery
which typically last several weeks.
Individual results vary but most people see well enough to
drive and return to work within a few days to a week of surgery.
By far the majority of our patients see well without contacts or
glasses once recovery is complete. We do stress, however, that the
goal of Phakic Lens Insertion is to reduce or eliminate dependency
upon corrective eyewear.
Eye drops are required to reduce surgical risks and moisten your eyes.
Antibiotic drops are used for one week to control the risk of infection.
As well, anti-inflammatory drops are used for one week to control swelling
and irritation inside your eyes and encourage regulated healing. Drops to
reduce eye pressure are typically used for the first day and may be
continued for an additional day or two, depending upon your eye condition.
Artificial tears are used for several months to supplement natural tear
production in your eyes. They support good hydration, promoting comfort
and clear vision.
The goal of Phakic Lens Insertion is to decrease or eliminate your
dependency upon corrective eye wear but, as with any surgery, there
are no absolute guarantees. The vast majority of people see well
without additional correction after surgery. As you mature and you
begin to lose accommodation as a normal course of aging, you can
expect to need reading lenses for close activities, just as you would
even if you had not undergone Phakic Lens Insertion.
Most people return to work or school within days to a week of surgery.
Goggles will be required if you work in a dusty or hazardous environment
and you will need to delay your return if work requires lifting.
Everyone will notice their eyes tire easily for the first week after
returning to work. Use artificial tears liberally and take frequent
breaks until you become accustomed to your new vision.
Most people resume driving within days to a week of surgery.
We check your visual acuity the first day after surgery and can tell
you if you are seeing well enough to drive at that time. Most
people take a few days to adjust to their new vision and refrain
from driving until they feel confident, regardless of how clear
vision may be at Day 1.
Careful selection of your
surgeon continues to be
the single greatest factor in optimal surgical outcome. It is important
to feel comfortable with your surgeon in addition to evaluating his expertise.
Reputation is a good start but we also suggest asking your optometrist for a
recommendation. Use a
checklist of questions to interview your surgeon at the time of the consultation and note how
questions are answered in addition to the information provided.
Yes. We offer a link to third party financing for those
interested:
www.medicard.com. Payment is forwarded to our Surgery
Centre directly and we need not have any knowledge of your personal
financial arrangements.
Most appointments can be arranged within a few weeks of contact.
You can contact us by email or by phone at 403-254-6007 or 1-800-976-3937.
When you speak with our administrative assistant to schedule the appointment,
she will describe any required physical preparations. In addition, we suggest
that you carefully review all parts of the website to better increase your
understanding of your surgical options. As well, we suggest you contact your
current eye care specialist to inform him/her of your plans and request a copy
of your most recent examination findings to be forwarded to us by fax at 403-254-5887.
Finally, we invite you to print our and complete refractive registration
forms and questionnaires to be brought
with you at the time of your appointment.
No. The Cachet lens has undergone extensive study specifically directed
toward risks and complications associated with alternate anterior or angle
fixation implantable contact lenses. It has been found to significantly
reduce the risk of complications related to those lenses as well as posterior
implantable contact lenses. Posterior implantable contact lenses are associated
with a high risk of early development of cataracts and papillary blockage
which results in high intraocular pressure. Of course, all complications are
further minimized by surgical expertise.
