From Blurred Sight to Clarity – Transforming Vision with Phakic ICL

Phakic ICL – Journey from Operating Room to New Light

Simulation of Phakic ICL lens implantation between the iris and natural lens.

Phakic ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) is a biocompatible intraocular lens implanted between the iris and the eye’s natural lens, designed to correct myopia from -3.0D to -20.0D, with astigmatism from 1.0D to 4.0D, without altering corneal structure. It is especially beneficial for patients who are not suitable candidates for laser procedures (LASIK, SMILE) due to thin corneas or chronic dry eyes.

With a procedure time of only 20–30 minutes, most patients notice improved vision almost immediately, recover quickly within 1–2 days, and can resume normal activities shortly after.

A Remarkable Journey

Minh Anh, 22, a graphic design student in Ho Chi Minh City, first noticed her myopia in middle school. By the time she entered 12th grade, her vision had deteriorated to -9.5D with 2.0D astigmatism. Wearing thick glasses made her self-conscious, while contact lenses left her eyes dry, red, and fatigued by the end of the day.

She had once hoped for surgery to live without glasses, but her cornea was too thin to qualify for laser methods. That hope seemed gone until Minh Anh came across a medical article about Phakic ICL and decided to visit TD Eye for a consultation, opening a new possibility for her vision.

Discovering Phakic ICL – A New Ray of Light

Patient undergoing an eye examination before being indicated for Phakic ICL.

During her consultation at TD Eye, the doctor explained:

• Phakic ICL is a Collamer® intraocular lens, placed between the iris and the natural lens, without cutting the cornea.
• It can correct myopia from -3.0D to -20.0D and astigmatism from 1.0D–4.0D.
• Suitable for patients with thin corneas or chronic dry eye.
• The procedure lasts only 20–30 minutes, with quick recovery, and normal activities can be resumed in 1–2 days.

According to statistics:

• 99.4% of Phakic ICL patients worldwide said they would choose the procedure again if needed EVO Short Patient Brochure.
• Research by Martínez-Plaza E. (AJO, 2021) showed over 90% achieved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) equal to or better than their pre-surgery corrected vision.
• Phakic ICL was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2022 and has been implanted in more than 3 million cases worldwide.

The Decision to Change

Following a comprehensive eye examination at TD Eye, the doctor recommended Phakic ICL based on factors such as:

• No corneal cutting → safe for thin cornea patients.
• Ability to correct high myopia and astigmatism (up to -20.0D and 4.0D).
• Collamer® material is biocompatible, UV-blocking, and does not cause dry eye.
• Removable or replaceable in the future if needed.

The Surgical Process

Surgeon performing Phakic ICL lens implantation in a sterile operating room.

On the surgery day, Minh Anh was given pupil-dilating drops and topical anesthesia. The 25-minute procedure included:

1. Creating a micro-incision at the corneal edge.
2. Inserting the folded Phakic ICL lens into the eye.
3. Adjusting the lens into its proper position between the iris and the natural lens.

Results and Recovery

• 24 hours post-surgery: Vision reached 20/20, no dryness or eye strain.
• At night: Streetlights and signs appeared sharp, with significantly reduced halos.
• 1 month later: Vision remained stable, enabling her to work, drive, and play sports confidently without glasses.

Safety & Effectiveness Factors

Celebrity Endorsement

Not only ordinary patients, but many international artists and athletes also choose Phakic ICL to enhance their vision. One notable example is Joe Jonas – the famous singer of the Jonas Brothers.

In an official campaign with STAAR Surgical (USA), Joe Jonas shared:

Such celebrity testimonials not only inspire but also affirm Phakic ICL’s credibility in the global community.

Patient Advice