Dr. Phan Hong Mai’s Complete Guide to Phakic ICL Vision Correction Surgery

To help you gain the most comprehensive, accurate, and reassuring understanding of this advanced vision correction procedure, T.D Eye is pleased to present this in-depth consultation summary from Dr. Phan Hong Mai on Phakic ICL surgery.

What Is Phakic ICL? How Is It Fundamentally Different from Laser Vision Correction?

When people think about vision correction surgery, most immediately associate it with laser-based procedures such as LASIK, Femto LASIK, or SMILE. These procedures work by directly reshaping the cornea. In essence, laser treatment removes corneal tissue, making the cornea thinner and flatter to eliminate refractive errors.

However, for patients with naturally thin corneas or extremely high myopia, laser treatment may carry significantly greater risks to long-term eye health. This is where Phakic ICL demonstrates its unique advantages.

“Phakic ICL is a procedure in which a specially designed lens is implanted inside the eye instead of relying on eyeglasses worn externally. Its greatest advantage is that it does not remove or thin the cornea in any way, allowing your eye to retain its original thickness and natural curvature.” – Dr. Phan Hong Mai

Collamer Lens: Designed to Last a Lifetime Inside the Eye

Many first-time patients at T.D Eye share their concerns about having a foreign object implanted inside the eye. This reaction is entirely understandable, as many people naturally associate implants with complex organ transplantation.

However, Dr. Phan Hong Mai explains that patients can feel completely reassured because the ICL is made from Collamer, a highly biocompatible material. This advanced lens offers several important advantages:

• The body naturally recognizes Collamer as biocompatible, minimizing the risk of inflammation or rejection.
• The lens remains securely positioned inside the eye for life without shifting or deteriorating in quality.
• Because it is implanted deep inside the eye, it cannot fall out or become dislodged during daily activities or sports.

How Is Phakic ICL Surgery Performed?

The Phakic ICL surgical procedure follows a carefully standardized process consisting of two essential stages.

Stage 1: Comprehensive Evaluation and Surgical Planning

No two eyes are exactly alike. Therefore, personalized measurements are critical to the success of the procedure. Your surgeon will perform an extensive series of examinations to precisely determine your refractive error and calculate the ideal lens size for each individual eye.

Stage 2: Lens Implantation in a Sterile Operating Room

Many patients are surprised to learn that such a sophisticated procedure is actually remarkably quick and gentle:

1. The surgeon administers anesthetic eye drops. The procedure is completely pain-free; patients typically feel only mild pressure or slight touch.
2. Using microsurgical instruments, the surgeon creates a tiny corneal incision measuring only 3 mm.
3. The lens is carefully folded, loaded into a specialized injector, and gently inserted through the 3 mm incision.
4. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds naturally. The surgeon then positions it precisely behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural crystalline lens (the eye’s natural lens).
5. After confirming perfect positioning, the surgery is completed. The entire procedure typically takes only 10 minutes.

The Distinctive Advantages of Phakic ICL

The Remarkable “Gain in Visual Acuity Lines” Phenomenon

One aspect that particularly impresses Dr. Phan Hong Mai is Phakic ICL’s ability to deliver visual quality that often exceeds expectations. With most refractive procedures, surgeons generally expect postoperative vision to match the patient’s best corrected vision with glasses before surgery.

With Phakic ICL, however, many patients at T.D Eye have experienced a significant improvement beyond that expectation. Some patients who achieved only 5/10 vision with glasses before surgery have gone on to achieve an excellent 10/10 uncorrected visual acuity after ICL implantation. They also report noticeably sharper images and enhanced contrast sensitivity compared to viewing through thick prescription glasses.

Built-In UV Protection for Your Eyes

Living in a tropical country like Vietnam means frequent exposure to intense sunlight. Protecting the eyes from ultraviolet radiation is therefore extremely important. Phakic ICL lenses incorporate UV-filtering technology directly into the lens material, providing continuous protection for your eyes around the clock.

Who Should Consider Investing in Phakic ICL?

A decade ago, patients with severe myopia and thin corneas were often told they were not suitable candidates for vision correction surgery. The introduction of Phakic ICL has changed that reality.

This procedure is particularly well suited for:

• Individuals with severe myopia ranging from 10 to 18 diopters, often accompanied by significant astigmatism.
• Patients with thin corneas, keratoconus, or corneal abnormalities that make laser surgery unsuitable.
• Those seeking premium-quality vision while minimizing the risk of postoperative dry eye.

According to Dr. Phan Hong Mai’s clinical experience, patients with severe myopia often experience even greater satisfaction after Phakic ICL surgery than those with mild myopia. Finally being free from heavy, thick “bottle-bottom” glasses and enjoying clear natural vision can truly be life-changing.

Frequently Asked Question: What Happens If Cataracts Develop Later in Life?

One thoughtful question many patients ask is: If I develop cataracts as I get older, will my Phakic ICL still be useful, and how will cataract surgery be performed?

Dr. Phan Hong Mai explains that as we age, the eye’s natural crystalline lens gradually becomes cloudy, resulting in cataracts. At that point, even though light passes clearly through the Phakic ICL, it is blocked by the clouded natural lens behind it, causing blurry vision. This is a normal part of aging that occurs regardless of whether someone has undergone refractive surgery.

Fortunately, the solution is both straightforward and safe. During cataract surgery, the surgeon first gently removes the Phakic ICL. The cloudy natural lens is then removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens implanted in the capsular bag. This restores clear vision once again.

Conclusion

Phakic ICL surgery is much more than simply a treatment for refractive errors—it is a valuable long-term investment in your quality of life. If you are wondering whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, contact T.D Eye today to schedule a comprehensive eye examination and receive personalized consultation from our experienced refractive surgery specialists.