The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL
The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness) that can be corrected with lenses between -5 and -20 diopters. It is a plastic lens that is surgically inserted between the cornea and the iris in the eye. This type of lens is called a phakic intraocular lens (IOL), “phakic” refers to an eye that possesses its natural lens, thus a lens that is placed in an eye that has its natural lens is called a phakic IOL. (This is in contrast to intraocular lenses that are implanted into eyes after the natural lens is removed, such as in cataract surgery.)
The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) -- an extremely well proven biocompatible material that has been widely used in and on eyes for over 50 years. The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL has been used successfully in Europe since 1990 (known in Europe as the Artisan Lens). United States clinical studies conducted between 1997 and 2003 showed that over 84% of subjects achieved 20/40 vision or better without the use of glasses or contact lenses.
Clinical evaluations have proven that PMMA can remain in the eye for decades without changing its properties or losing stability; however, the procedure is completely reversible. If, in the future, your surgeon determines that there is a better procedure, the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL can be surgically removed at any time. The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL does not eliminate the need for reading glasses and in some cases you may need reading glasses after surgery even if you did not need them before.
Please contact us for more information about the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL
Information from the manufacturer | More information about these lenses may be found on the Food and Drug Administration Website.
Refractive Surgery Service
Dept. of Ophthalmology,
200 Hawkins Dr.,
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Contact us directly at 866-309-0840 (toll free) or 353-7625 (locally).
Email us at lasik@uiowa.edu
