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An in-chamber contact lens, more formally known as a phakic intraocular lens (IOL), is a type of implantable lens that is surgically inserted into the eye's chamber in front of the natural lens (but typically behind the iris). These lenses correct severe vision issues like extreme nearsightedness, offering a permanent alternative to glasses, standard contacts, or LASIK for certain patients.
read more about in chamber contact lens ...The phakic IOL sits inside the eye, acting as a permanent internal contact lens to provide continuous vision correction. The lens is placed in the posterior chamber, behind the iris, ensuring it is optically centered and does not obstruct the natural flow of fluid inside the eye.
In-chamber lenses are often chosen when conventional procedures are unsuitable:
The in-chamber lens is a durable, long-term solution that provides excellent vision quality, often superior to thick eyeglasses or high-power disposable contact lenses. It restores clarity by focusing light directly onto the retina, and unlike LASIK, the lens is reversible.
In-chamber lenses are made of specialized, flexible, biocompatible materials like collamer or silicone, designed to remain safe and stable inside the eye for decades. The material promotes good clarity and light transmission.
No, the formal medical term is phakic intraocular lens (IOL), which refers to an implant placed inside the eye's anterior or posterior chamber without removing the natural lens.
How long do the results of an in-chamber lens last?The correction is permanent. The lens is designed to remain in the eye indefinitely, offering a lasting solution to refractive error.
Can these lenses be removed?Yes, unlike laser vision correction (like LASIK), an in-chamber lens is removable or replaceable, though this is only done if medically necessary.
When to See Your DoctorIf you have high myopia and are not a candidate for LASIK, ask your surgeon about phakic IOLs. You will need regular checkups to monitor your "endothelial cell count" to ensure the implant isn't affecting the health of your cornea over time.
Yes, materials with a higher refractive index are typically more expensive to manufacture.
Are all high-index lenses plastic?No, high-index materials are available in both plastic and glass.
Is the index of refraction measured in diopters?No, the index is a unitless number that defines the material's light-bending power. Diopters measure the lens power.
When to See Your DoctorIf you have a strong prescription and find your glasses are heavy or cause "sore spots" on your nose, consult your optician about 1.67 or 1.74 high-index lenses. They can calculate exactly how much thinner your lenses will be before you purchase them.
No, but it causes significant eye strain and discomfort.
Is induced prism related to lens power?Yes, the stronger the prescription power, the more severe the induced prism effect when misaligned.
Can progressive lenses cause induced prism?Yes, if the fitting cross is incorrectly aligned to the wearer's pupil.
When to See Your DoctorIf you feel like you are "walking on a tilt" or have persistent headaches with new glasses, your lenses may have unwanted induced prism. Return to your optician to verify that the optical centers are aligned perfectly with your pupils.
At 20 feet, light rays have spread enough to be nearly parallel, so the eyes' focusing mechanism treats the light as coming from an infinite distance.
What is the far point for severe nearsightedness?The far point is very close to the eye, sometimes just a few inches.
Do contact lenses correct the far point?Yes, they redirect light so the far point shifts back to its normal position at infinity.
When to See Your DoctorIf your "far point" is gradually creeping closer to your face, your myopia is likely progressing. This is common in young adults; a doctor can help determine if lifestyle changes or specialized "myopia control" lenses are needed to stabilize your vision.
No, infrared light is outside the visible spectrum and is perceived only as heat.
Does UV protection also block infrared?No, UV protection blocks ultraviolet rays (shorter than visible light). Separate coatings are needed to block infrared.
Is the heat from a computer screen infrared?Yes, electronic devices emit low levels of infrared, but the intensity is usually not damaging.
When to See Your DoctorIf you work in an industrial setting with molten glass or metal, you are at risk for "glassblower's cataracts" caused by infrared exposure. Ensure you wear IR-specific safety goggles and have annual eye exams to check lens clarity.
No, the formal medical term is phakic intraocular lens (IOL), which refers to an implant placed inside the eye's anterior or posterior chamber without removing the natural lens.
The correction is permanent. The lens is designed to remain in the eye indefinitely, offering a lasting solution to refractive error.
Yes, unlike laser vision correction (like LASIK), an in-chamber lens is removable or replaceable, though this is only done if medically necessary.
If you have high myopia and are not a candidate for LASIK, ask your surgeon about phakic IOLs. You will need regular checkups to monitor your "endothelial cell count" to ensure the implant isn't affecting the health of your cornea over time.
FDA. Phakic Intraocular Lenses (fda.gov). 2024.
AAO. What are Phakic IOLs? (aao.org). 2024.
Journal of Refractive Surgery. Long-term outcomes of ICL (jrs.org). 2023.
Mayo Clinic. Phakic Lens Implants (mayoclinic.org). 2024.