Phakic Intraocular Lenses
Many LASIK surgeons are now recommending intraocular lenses to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, instead of LASIK or PRK. Intraocular lenses are the plastic or silicone lenses that are implanted in the eye after cataract removal. "Phakic" intraocular lenses are implanted without removing a cataract. They are placed in front of the natural lens of the eye. I have not been impressed with these lenses. I believe the science is in its infancy. Most patients do not want an intraocular procedure. They want a laser procedure that is as non-invasive as possible. You have to be an incredibly good surgeon to insert a phakic intraocular lens without damaging the natural lens or some other delicate structure inside the eye. You don't want to be part of the surgeon's "learning curve". The better part of valor, at this juncture, is to pass on a phakic intraocular lens, and stick with conventional LASIK or PRK.
