The first studies in this type of technology began in 1993. Due to the high safety profile and efficacy demonstrated with new designs in IOLs and several european multi center trials and by the FDA, phakic lenses are available at Tijuana Eye center since 2004.

We have been recently recognized as the leading ophthalmology center in Mexico in the number of patients treated with phakic lenses. 



Phakic lenses are intraocular lenses that can be placed inside the without removing the crystalline lens. They are utilized when patients have large amounts of eyeglass prescription or are not candidates for LASIK surgery.


There are two types of phakic lenses: anterior chamber (Artisan) and posterior chamber (Visian ICL or Toric ICL).
This is a surgical technique not performed by all ophthalmologists because it requires a certification process and training to implant these lenses. Actually, there are very few ophthalmology clinics in Mexico and the United States that are certified for both types of phakic lenses (Staar Surgical and Ophtec).

There are two types of phakic lenses. The first type of lens is placed in the anterior chamber (Artisan and Artiflex) in front of the iris. The second type of lens is placed in the posterior chamber behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens (ICL). The surgical procedure for either type of lens takes about 15 to 20 minutes.



The type of intraocular lens chosen is individualized for each patient and specially designed to the patient's measurements to ensure excellent postoperative results.

Phakic lens implantation surgery is completely reversible should newer.


The surgical procedure for either type of lens is around 15 to 20 minutes. These intraocular lenses are specially designed to the individual measurements ensuring excellent postoperative results.


Phakic lens implantation surgery is completely reversible should newer and better lens technology become available.

At Tijuana Eye center we offer phakic lens implantation surgery to patients with high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism who are not candidates for LASIK surgery. Phakic lenses have been approved by the FDA. Phakic Lens Implantation has been performed with excellent results in patients who had been previously ruled out for refractive surgery.

Patients for this type of surgery include those with high myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism who do not qualify for LASIK surgery or have problems with contact lens use.