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Tijuana Eye Center
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World-Class Eye Surgery for Phakic Lens in Tijuana, Mexico

Phakic Lens

World-Class Eye Surgery for Medical Tourists in Tijuana, Mexico

Phakic Lens

What is a Phakic Lens?

At Tijuana Eye center we offer one of the greatest advances in modern ophthalmology, the phakic lens. We use phakic lenses as an alternative for patients with myopia or astigmatism who are NOT candidates for LASIK surgery.

recognized leader

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).

How does a phakic lens implantation work?

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.

Cost Comparison

Phakic Lens Surgery with ICL

All Prices & Savings

US average cost

$4,500

Tijuana Eye Center

$4,000

All Prices & Savings

6 good reasons

Why Choose Us

Significant Cost Savings

Save 40-70% on eye care procedures compared to US prices without compromising on quality. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Exceptional Quality

Board-certified ophthalmologists with US training, state-of-the-art equipment, and over 47 years of excellence in eye care.

Convenient Location

Just 15 minutes from the San Diego border crossing, making travel convenient for California residents and beyond.

English Speaking Staff

Our entire medical team and support staff are fluent in English, ensuring clear communication throughout your care.

Safety & Standards

Internationally accredited facility following strict safety protocols and maintaining the highest medical standards.

Comprehensive Care

Complete pre-operative evaluation, surgery, and post-operative care with coordinated follow-up support.

Frequent Questions

  • What experience do we have in Keratoconus and Intraocorneal Ring surgery?

    Clínica de Ojos de Tijuana was first ophthalmology center in Mexico and one of the first Worldwide to use intracorneal ring 10 years ago for keratoconus treatment.

    Today, we are a referral center for keratoconus patients in Mexico and the southwest United States for the treatment of this disease.

    We have performed this surgery in thousands of keratoconus patients with very good results.

  • What are the objectives with intracorneal ring surgery?

    The main goal of intracorneal ring surgery is stop or slow progression of keratoconus, delaying or avoiding the need for corneal transplant surgery. A secondary goal of surgery is to improve vision. Patients will notice a decrease in prescription size and an improvement in visual acuity.

    The advantage of corneal ring surgery is that it allows a fast visual recovery without a prolonged recovery time as is needed with a corneal transplant. Rehabilitation time usually takes approximately 3 months.

    

Nonetheless this surgery does not preclude the possibility of a future transplant surgery. If the intrastromal rings are not tolerated, they can be removed and the cornea will return to its original shape.

  • What risks or complications are associated during or after surgery?

    The risk of complications associated with this type of surgery is minimal. Intolerance to the intrastromal ring has been observed in less than 1% of patients. The risk of infection is reported in the medical literature to be 0.0001%.

What problems exist with phakic lens surgery?

No surgical procedure is without risk. Fortunately, the risk of complications is very low (0.04%). FDA studies have shown phakic lens surgery to be a safe and effective surgical procedure.

Does my insurance cover this type of surgery?

In some cases, insurance companies may cover this type of surgery. ** Is there any physical limitation after this surgery? ** There is no physical limitation after phakic surgery.

Is this surgery permanent?

These lenses are designed to be in the human eye indefinitely or until normal aging of the crystalline lens produces a cataract that will require surgery. When a cataract develops, the lens may be removed along with the cataract and a new intraocular lens placed.

Can both eyes be operated at the same time?

While it is possible to do both eyes at the same time, we recommend doing one eye at a time, on two separate days.

Does having phakic lens implantation surgery mean I will never use eyeglasses?

This type of surgery reduces eyeglass dependency in patients 90–95% of the time, and in many cases complete independence is achieved. However, as a person ages, near reading vision glasses will be necessary.

Is there any other type of procedure related with phakic lens implantation surgery?

Yes. Approximately two weeks prior to surgery, two laser iridotomies for the iris will be performed. This is an outpatient procedure that lasts around 5 minutes.

Is phakic lens implantation better than LASIK?

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.

Who is a candidate for phakic lens 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.

Fill out the following questionnaire below to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery:

Questionnaire
Key Points Summary
  • Advanced Lens Technology: Implants designed to replace the eye’s natural lens, offering clear vision at multiple distances.
  • Enhanced Vision Quality: Provides high-quality vision for near, intermediate, and far distances.
  • Suitable for Cataract Patients: Often used during cataract surgery to provide comprehensive vision correction.
  • Long-Term Solution: Designed to provide a long-lasting solution to dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
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KEY

POINTS

we have everything medical health tourists need

Ready to transform your life and vision with expert eye surgery?

Join thousands of international patients who chose Tijuana Eye Center for their transformative eye surgery and get expert care, advanced technology, and significant savings in Tijuana, Mexico. Use our Live Chat below, or call us: +1 858 866 9295

Questions?

Tijuana Eye Center

Copyright Š 2025 Tijuana Eye Center. All Rights Reserved.Todos Los Derechos Reservados. ATENCION AL PUBLICO EN GENERAL Permiso COFEPRIS 203300201A0987 LS 17AM020040034 Responsable Sanitario Dr. Juan P. Rodriguez P. 4452528 Escuela Superior de Oftalmologia del Instituto Barraquer de America.

we have everything medical health tourists need

Ready to transform your life and vision with expert eye surgery?

Join thousands of international patients who chose Tijuana Eye Center for their transformative eye surgery and get expert care, advanced technology, and significant savings in Tijuana, Mexico. Use our Live Chat below, or call us: +1 858 866 9295

Questions?

Tijuana Eye Center

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