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Refractive and Lasik, Eyes, Prima Medical Center Saigon

Lasik and Phakic ICL: Which one is suitable?

21 August, 2023

In refractive correction treatment, Laser vision correction surgery, including LASIK and ReLEx SMILE, is familiar to most people and has been performed by many surgeons worldwide; there is no doubt that Laser Vision Correction (LVC) appeals to be trustworthy for many patients.

Prima Saigon -Phakic ICL
Phakic ICL

On the other hand, Phakic is the new ace, with a prominent medical breakthrough, correct refraction in a whole new way. Phakic is attractive to patients who want to benefit from the latest technology. If you’re considering refractive surgery, you may need help to choose between Lasik and Phakic. In this article, let’s go through all the points, from the treatment mechanism of 2 methods to advantages and disadvantages, and when-to-use notes to give you a brief idea of which method is right for you.

LASIK and ReLEx SMILE are surgical treatments that use a laser to correct vision by altering the cornea’s curvature, making it possible for people with nearsightedness to see with the naked eye. In Phakic, an intraocular lens is implanted into the look at the position behind the iris and in front of the natural lens to correct vision without removing the natural lens or altering the corneal structure.

Although LVC and Phakic have the same purpose: to help patients see with their naked eyes without dependence on glasses or contact lenses, each method has its characteristics.

Who should perform?

LVC and Phakic are for patients uncomfortable with wearing glasses or using contact lenses and who want to find a way to correct their vision. In many cases, the patients live in circumstances that don’t allow them to wear glasses, like having a job as flight attendants, pilots, performers, or military work.

Also, both two methods require no abnormality in corneal structure (pyramidal cornea), no sign of inflammatory eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, uveitis, etc., no disorders of the ocular fundus (retina), cataract, glaucoma.

While LVC requires suitable corneal thickness, Phakic requires appropriate width and partial depth before the eyeball to place the intraocular lens.

Advantages and disadvantages

a. LVC

Advantage:​

  • Safe, accurate, refractive treatment up to 7 diodes.
  • Lasik technology is well known; millions have undergone this surgery worldwide.
  • Quick recovery, can return to work and study 24 hours after surgery.
  • Stable outputs, reasonable costs.
  • Laser technology, from SBK Lasik to Relex SMILE, is increasingly improved to minimize corneal invasion, reduce complications, bring healthier eyes, and enhance visual quality after surgery.
  • There are three methods of Lasik, a variety of choices, and easy to meet the patient’s needs.

Disadvantage

  • Thinning the cornea creates irreversible changes in the natural structure of the eye.
  • Limiting treatment range (7 diodes or less).

b. Phakic

Advantage

  • Wide range of prescriptions, up to 18 diodes of myopia, ten diodes of hyperopia, and six diodes of astigmatism. Many patients don’t meet the requirements for Lasik candidacy because their prescription is too high or they have thin corneas. ICLs provide them with safe and effective treatment.
  • Phakic ICL does not remove corneal tissue but preserves the cornea structure completely. In the event of a significant prescription change or the availability of new vision correction options, ICL is entirely removable, assisting patients, together with their doctor, to make changes to keep pace with technology and their changing needs.
  • There are no unpleasant phenomena after surgery, such as entanglement or dry eyes.
  • The lens is made of Collamer; the material is highly compatible with the human body and has built-in UV protection, slowing down the cataract process in old age.

Disadvantage

  • High cost.
  • Due to the complicated surgical procedure, the number of surgeons who perform Phakic surgery is much less than the number of surgeons who perform LVC surgery, which can be entangled for patients who want to achieve Phakic in foreign countries.

The above information is for reference only. To know precisely which method suits your eyes, you should visit your trusted ophthalmologisforve for an eye examination. Your doctor will consult and help you to decide based on your examination result. This article aims to give you general knowledge about Laser vision correction and Phakic surgery so that you will have a better point of view on refractive surgery methods. Since our eyes play an irreplaceable role in every single activity, whether working, learning, or entertaining, we advise you to take refractive surgery seriously and consider all the factors before coming to a conclusion.

Our renowned refractive care team:

If you need an eye assessment, please have a visit to Prima Medical Center Saigon:

  • Address: 27 Ky Dong St, District 3, HCMC
  • Website: https://primahealth.vn/en/
  • Business Hours: 07:30 – 17:00 from Monday – Saturday
  • HOTLINE: 0919-209-039 or 1900 – 9115