Phakic Intraocular Lenses (Phakic IOL) - After Phakic Intraocular Lenses (Phakic IOL)

         - The patient must not remove the eye shield. The purpose for wearing an eye shield is to prevent the patient from accidentally scratching or rubbing the eye. If the eye waters extensively, blot away the tears outside the eye shield only. If the eye shield does not fit well or becomes loose, the patient can secure it with extra bandage.
         - The patients should ensure themselves a good night’s rest for the first night by taking 1-2 tablets of Xanax (1mg). If you are usually a difficult sleeper, and have your own preferred type of          - Some patients may feel pain, which can be alleviated by taking 1-2 Paracetamol tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours.
         - The patient should get a lot of rest and sleep. On the first day, the patient must lie on their back. Lying on the side is not allowed.
         - The patient must refrain from coughing or sneezing forcefully (or the surgical wound could be affected)

         Patients must seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms and conditions occur:
                - Constant aching of the eye, redness, excess irritation or discharge, swollen eyelid, or diminishing clarity of vision.
                - Bleeding in the pupil or the white of the eye.
                - Excess irritation
                - Distorted vision, or seeing particles floating in the eye.

The first week after surgery

                - The eye must be cleaned 1-2 times per day. Use 3-4 drops of the artificial tears to wet the eye, and then use a cotton bud to dab the excess from the corner of the eye. Do not use saline solution or anything else to wipe the eye and the eyelid.
                - Wear the eye shield at bedtime and when napping to prevent any unconscious eye rubbing
                - Do not allow water in or around the eyes
                - Take the prescribed oral medications (antibiotic, anti-glaucoma) as indicated
                - Use the prescribed eye drops (antibiotic and steroid) and ointment as indicated

Below are additional conduct guidelines for the first 2 weeks after surgery:

- The patient should not sleep with the face down or sleep on the same side as the operated eye until the directed by the doctor.

- The eye shield must be worn during sleep for the first 1-2 weeks to prevent accidental scratching. During the day, dark glasses can be worn.

- No water is permitted near or in the operated eye. Showering and washing the face must be done cautiously so as to avoid any contact of the eye with water.

- When brushing the teeth, the patient must do so very carefully, and should not shake the head.

- During the first week after surgery, the eye must be cleaned 1-2 times per day using artificial tears and a clean cotton tip.

- The operated eye may become itchy or irritated. The patient must never scratch the eye, and must not let water get into the eye for about 2 weeks otherwise an infection may occur.

- During the first week when washing the hair, patients must not bend down to do it by themselves. Instead, have someone do it by lying on the back, and making sure that the water does not splash into the eye.

- The patient should not cough, sneeze, shake the head vigorously, or lift heavy objects because doing so could affect the surgical wound.

- While descending or ascending stair cases, extra care must be taken because using one eye can cause the patient to miscalculate the steps and trip, causing impact and injury to the eye and face.

- The patient should refrain from playing with children or animals. They could accidentally hit or paw the patient’s eye.

- The patient should take and administer medication according to the doctor’s prescription.

- Cooking and cleaning should be avoided, because the smoke or dust could irritate and cause an infection in the eye.

- When leaving the house, sunglasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the wind and sun for about 2 weeks.

- Eye make-up must not be worn until 2 weeks after surgery

- Sports (including swimming) and vigorous activities are not permitted until 2 weeks after surgery

Postoperative Eye examinations
The routine postoperative visits at TRSC are scheduled as followed:

- The surgical fees include 5 routine, postoperative eye examinations during the first year (excluding medications), typically at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year.

- If there are added post-operative eye examinations needed within one year after the surgery, the fee will be exempted (only the medication cost is required).

- There will be an additional charge for patients who need LASIK or PRK after Phakic IOL surgery.

Follow-up care

Examinations directly related to the surgery and performed within the first year of surgery are considered follow-up exams.
Routine yearly examinations are considered check-up exams and will consist of vision check, refraction, and eye health check including dilation.
Why are follow-ups so important?

Although most patients notice improvement in their vision almost immediately after surgery, the follow-up period is an important and necessary part of your care. In the early period, we must monitor for infection and other complications, and make sure the prescription treatment is accurate. Once your eye(s) have healed and the vision has stabilized, it is important to monitor your vision and health of your eyes to ensure that you continue to see well for the rest of your life.

TRSC follow-up guidelines

TRSC prides itself on meeting and exceeding international eye care standards, which includes providing the recommended follow-up examinations to ensure good vision and eye health. The majority of complications after surgery occur within the first week. It is mandatory that the 1-day and 1-week follow-ups be performed at TRSC so that our team of surgeons can properly monitor the healing process. After the first week, the schedule of follow-up examinations is:
1 month, 3 month and 1 year follow up exams.
If patients are not compliant with this schedule, TRSC cannot be held responsible for complications that may occur due to the lack of follow-up care.