Visian ICL and Verisyse Phakic IOLs

The word "Phakic" refers to those who have not undergone cataract surgery and still have their eye's natural internal lens. IOL stands for "intra-ocular lens." In the Phakic IOL procedure, an intra-ocular lens is placed inside the eye. The patient's natural lens is not removed, as it would be in cataract surgery. There are two lens designs currently approved for use in the USA. The STAAR Visian ICL or Implantable Contact Lens is placed behind the iris in a simple 7 minute procedure. It is invisible to anyone looking at your eye and it requires no stitches or shots for the surgery. The Verisyse™,is attached on the front of the iris where it can be seen by someone looking very closely at your eye. It takes somewhat longer to implant this lens and the surgery usually requres a local anesthetic and stitches to close the wound.

Phakic IOL procedures are being used on a wide range of nearsighted patients who may prefer this technology or who may not be candidates for the more common laser procedures such as PRK , LASEK, and LASIK. However, unlike laser vision correction procedures that permanently change your vision, it is possible to remove Phakic IOLs.

Phakic IOLs are for those who:

• want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness
• have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
• have no health issues affecting their eyes

What to expect on your Phakic IOL surgery day:

About a week or more before your Phakic IOL surgery you will have a laser iridotomy performed for each of your eyes. This is a very quick procedure done in the office to create a tiny opening in your iris to allow fluid to circulate around your lens implant. It is very important to have this done to prevent a possible rise in your eye pressure after the Phakic IOL is implanted.

On the day of your lens implantation, you will arrive at the ambulatory surgery center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may have your pupils dilated. The Visian ICL surgery needs widely dilated pupils while the Verisyse lens is implanted with the pupil very small. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Again depending on which Phakic IOL you choose to have, powerful eye drops or a local anesthetic will be used to numb your eyes. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

For the Visian ICL surgery, a very small incision will be made and the intra-ocular lens will be inserted. The small incision will bond itself using the natural outward pressure in your eye, without the need for stitches. The Verisyse lens surgery requires a somewhat larger incision that often needs sutures for a secure closure. The procedures for both styles of lens implants are very quick with the ICL surgery taking about 7 minutes and the Verisyse surgery taking about 15 minutes. There also is a short recovery time. The results of the surgery are almost immediate, however your vision will probably be a little blurry from the anesthesia, so someone will need to drive you home. You should relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some discomfort, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.

Realistic expectations:

The decision to have a Phakic IOL is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any vision correction procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, there is no guarantee you will have the results you desire. The potential advantage of Phakic IOL surgery over Excimer Laser Refractive surgery (LASIK, ASA) is that the Phakic IOL can be removed if the intended results of surgery are not achieved.

Phakic IOL surgery is considered a relatively new procedure. It is currently being widely performed Worldwide with broader treatment ranges that include astigmatism and farsightedness. Serious complications from Phakic IOLs are extremely rare, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks.

Serious complications from Phakic IOLs are extremely rare, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks.

After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if phakic IOLs are an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Alternatives to Visian ICL or Verisyse Lens Implants

Phakic IOLs are not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness. To learn about other procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. If you would like to learn more about vision correction procedures from sources other than our practice, we encourage you to link to a number of Web sites we feel provide factual and up-to-date information. You may also choose to make an appointment, attend a seminar or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

We offer a number of finance options and affordable payment plans.  It is easy to apply online and receive credit approval before you schedule an appointment.