Are you Nearsighted? Presbyopic? Farsighted? Astigmatic?
Correct Your Vision with Phakic Implants
Refractive surgery can correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or presbyopia, by reshaping the cornea to provide clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. In just a few minutes, you will notice improved vision and regain complete freedom.
Phakic Implants: A Tailored Alternative for High Prescriptions
When laser refractive surgery is not an option, phakic implants offer a reliable and precise eye procedure that respects the eye's natural anatomy. This refractive technique is particularly recommended for patients with severe myopia, astigmatism, or hyperopia that cannot be treated by traditional methods like LASIK, SMILE, or PKR.
Unlike laser procedures, this surgery does not alter the cornea. The implant is placed inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, without touching the lens or changing the corneal surface. It is a reversible surgical procedure, meaning it can be removed if a cataract develops or if the vision problem changes. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in numerous ophthalmological conferences, symposiums, and professional publications both in France and internationally.
Are you eligible for surgery?
Find out if you're eligible by having an assessment at our center.
Eligibility Assessment - Eye Laser Surgery
Every journey begins with a thorough eye examination. During this consultation, the doctor assesses the health of your cornea, your visual acuity, and your entire ocular system.
This assessment includes
- An evaluation of near, far, and intermediate vision
- Corneal topography and a measurement of visual field depth
- An examination of the lens, history of cataracts, and other eye disorders
- An analysis of prolonged contact lens or glasses wear
- A tear film assessment and an oculomotor assessment
- Anterior and posterior OCT
- Retinography
- A fundus examination
Our ophthalmologist surgeons explain the phakic implant technique, a laser alternative that involves inserting a corrective lens inside the eye without removing the natural lens.
Phakic implants are especially suitable for patients with high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, particularly when laser surgery (LASIK, PKR, SMILE) is not appropriate.
Each surgeon assesses the feasibility of placing phakic implants, taking into account individual specificities: anterior chamber depth, corneal health, intraocular pressure, medical history, and patient expectations.
A Closer Look at Phakic Implant Types
There are several types of phakic implants. The two main types are positioned:
- Between the iris and the natural lens (posterior chamber)
- In front of the iris (anterior chamber)
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) placed between the iris and the natural lens in the ciliary sulcus (posterior chamber)
- Implants placed in front of the iris (anterior chamber) with iris fixation are less commonly used due to higher risks (glaucoma, corneal risks)
The choice depends on the depth of the anterior chamber, corneal thickness, and the vision problem to be corrected (such as myopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia). Each implant is custom-made based on measurements taken during your pre-operative consultation.
These options are discussed in detail during your appointment with your surgeon, so you can jointly choose the safest and most effective solution.
A Recognized Laser Alternative
While LASIK, PKR, or SMILE involve modifying corneal tissue using femtosecond and excimer lasers, phakic implants do not alter the eye's structure. They provide stable vision correction with minimal post-operative discomfort. This is a safe and painless procedure, helping to avoid side effects sometimes associated with other refractive techniques.
This surgical solution is validated at leading ophthalmological conferences. It is regularly featured in specialized articles on refractive surgery, highlighting its promising results for cases of high myopia or astigmatism.
Comfortable and Quick Surgery
The procedure lasts about 20 minutes per eye and is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon inserts a flexible phakic lens between the iris and the natural lens, without removing any natural structures. Because no tissue is cut, the eye's surface is completely preserved. The implant is invisible and requires no maintenance.
The implant can be replaced or removed if your vision correction needs change. This eye surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning no hospital stay is required. It is widely practiced in leading centers in France, with a very high satisfaction rate.
At Phenicia Vision, we offer clear, transparent quotes with no hidden surprises, as well as suitable financing solutions. Our teams are available to assist you with these steps.
Benefits of Phakic Implants
- Stable and precise correction, without altering the cornea
- Fully reversible: the implant can be removed or replaced.
- An ideal alternative to glasses or contact lenses.
- Suitable for eyes with thin or irregular corneas.
- No dryness caused by the procedure itself, unless there's a pre-existing condition.
- Quick return to daily activities (within 1 to 2 days).
Solutions recognized in scientific society publications.
Phakic implants, which are increasingly featured in clinical studies, are used as an alternative or a complement to traditional vision correction procedures.
Their safety profile is regularly highlighted at ophthalmology conferences, symposiums, and events across France and Europe.
This surgery is a suitable option for patients who have previously had surgery (such as LASIK or PKR), or for those who prefer a reversible procedure.
Every operation is planned with precision. We prioritize adhering to safety standards while ensuring the best possible outcome for the treated eyes.
Personalized care
at Phenicia Vision
A team at your service
From the moment you arrive at our ophthalmology clinic in Marseille, you will be welcomed into a reassuring environment. We offer a refreshment to help you relax before and after your procedure.
Our team takes the time to explain the procedure, answers all your questions with visual aids (videos, photos, and models), and provides compassionate support throughout your patient journey.
Our other laser correction techniques
Each laser treatment is chosen after a thorough eye examination to ensure a correction perfectly adapted to each eye.
Regain clear vision and a true quality of life
Free yourself from glasses and contact lenses, and fully resume your activities without limitations. Thanks to customized vision correction, you will enjoy stable, comfortable, and lasting vision.
Book an appointment for a personalized consultation at our center in Marseille, and let our doctors guide you through your vision project with care and expertise.
At Phenicia Vision, we place the quality of care, technological innovation, and patient listening at the heart of every operation.
FAQ: PHAKIC IMPLANTS
What is a phakic implant?
It is an intraocular lens inserted between the iris and the natural lens, without affecting the cornea. It provides stable vision correction, making it ideal for cases of severe nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. This surgery is reversible and is widely recognized at ophthalmology conferences.
Who is this surgery for?
For patients with severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism who are not suitable candidates for LASIK, PKR, or SMILE.
Is the implant visible?
No, it is completely invisible and undetectable. Unlike glasses or contact lenses, it does not impose any visual limitations.
Is this a risky procedure?
While rare, there are known risks such as increased eye pressure, inflammation, or displacement. These are carefully monitored through strict post-operative follow-up.
Can I drive after the surgery?
Yes, usually the day after, once approved by your doctor. Visual results are quick, allowing you to safely resume your activities.
What are the benefits of phakic implants?
- Very fast and painless visual recovery (usually within a few hours)
- Significant effectiveness: uncorrected vision after surgery is often better than corrected vision before
- surgery (in 66% of cases) because the implant magnifies the perceived image by about 20%.
- Excellent vision quality for high myopia (night vision is improved) due to a
- larger optical zone than can be achieved with PKR or LASIK (reducing spherical aberration).
- Reversibility (the implant can be easily removed, especially during a future cataract surgery)
Why choose Phenicia Vision in Marseille?
What sets our clinic apart:
- A team of experienced eye surgeons
- State-of-the-art equipment
- A personalized patient journey, from the first consultation to post-operative follow-up
- A high level of safety and hygiene
Caring and transparent support
Do I need to stop wearing my contact lenses before the surgery?
Yes, it is recommended to stop wearing contact lenses at least one week before both the pre-operative assessment and the procedure, to allow the cornea to return to its natural shape. This ensures accurate eye measurements and a more effective surgical outcome.
Is the surgery covered by Social Security?
No, refractive surgery is considered an elective procedure and is therefore not reimbursed by Social Security. However, some mutual insurance companies or supplementary health plans may offer benefits, including partial coverage of the cost of the procedure in the form of a package or annual reimbursement. It is therefore advisable to check the terms of your contract before the procedure.
What are the possible risks or side effects?
After the procedure, some temporary side effects may occur:
- Mild dry eyes: a feeling of discomfort or stinging, especially during the first few days.
- Light sensitivity: your eyes may be more sensitive to natural or artificial light.
- Halos: seeing blurry circles around light sources, especially at night.
These effects are usually harmless and gradually disappear within a few weeks as your eyes heal. Moisturizing treatment may be prescribed to relieve dry eyes, and the risks remain very low.
How to book an appointment?
Simply book an ophthalmological assessment via Doctolib or by directly contacting a center specializing in refractive surgery. This appointment, conducted with an optometrist or an ophthalmic surgeon, allows us to precisely measure your correction, evaluate the overall health of your eyes, and determine if your myopia has been stable for at least one year.
If no contraindications are detected (such as a cornea that is too thin, keratoconus, or early-stage cataracts) and you meet the eligibility criteria, the ophthalmologist can then suggest an appropriate surgical technique (LASIK, PKR, or SMILE) and schedule the procedure. This initial consultation is essential to ensure personalized care that is safe and tailored to your visual needs and lifestyle. During this assessment, a detailed quote will be provided, including the price of the operation based on the chosen technique.
What are the contraindications for refractive surgery?
Refractive surgery is not recommended in certain cases, particularly if you have a cornea that is too thin, keratoconus, an opaque lens, or cataracts. These conditions can affect the safety of the procedure and reduce its effectiveness. If these factors are identified during the pre-operative assessment, an appropriate alternative, such as lens surgery, may be suggested to restore vision quality in a lasting way.
Is it possible to have surgery if I've already had cataract surgery or have implants?
Yes, surgery is sometimes possible even after cataract surgery or with intraocular implants, but this depends on the type of implant, the cornea's quality, and any remaining vision correction. In some cases, supplementary refractive surgery (such as LASIK or PKR) may be offered to further improve visual precision after implant placement.
A thorough ophthalmological assessment, performed by our ophthalmic surgeon, is essential to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this secondary correction, taking into account visual stability, the condition of the tear film, and corneal topography.
Can presbyopia and myopia be corrected at the same time?
Yes, in some cases, it is possible to correct both myopia and presbyopia during the same procedure, using specific techniques like presbyLASIK or implant placement. The goal is to achieve clear vision for both near and far, considering age-related visual needs. However, the feasibility of this double correction depends on several factors: the patient's age, the stability of myopia, the quality of the cornea, and visual expectations.
