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Phakic IOLs
Lens implants correct nearsightedness without laser surgery

Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. They are one of several options for people who are not candidates for LASIK or laser refractive vision correction. Patients who are very nearsighted or whose corneas are too thin are especially good candidates for what is called refractive lens exchange or phakic intraocular lens.

An IOL is a microscopic lens surgically placed inside your eye to correct certain vision problems or conditions of the eye. The most common type of IOL is implanted during cataract surgery. It’s called a "pseudophakic intraocular lens" because it replaces your natural lens.

With the use of a Phakic IOL, your own natural lens is left in place. It is placed in the eye like a permanent contact lens, but in the eye, not over it. Phakic IOLs are made of different materials and may be placed in various parts of the eye. The strength of each lens varies and is determined by careful measurements.

Verisyse™ Phakic IOL

A Verisyse IOL™ is placed in front of the iris or the colored part of the eye. The lens attaches to the iris and is known as an iris-fixated lens. This lens design has been used in Europe for nearly two decades. During that time, more than 175,000 phakic refractive procedures were performed using the Verisyse™ design.

Visian Phakic IOL

The Visian IOL is a phakic intraocular lens placed behind the iris, in front of the natural lens in the eye. The soft, flexible nature of the Visian IOL allows it to be injected into the eye through a very small incision. Typically, the incision is self-sealing and stitches are not required.

Implantation a phakic IOL is an outpatient procedure at The Surgical Suites, under local or topical (eyedrop) anesthesia. A small incision (a few millimeters) is made to allow the insertion of the lens. Currently these lenses are approved to correct only nearsightedness. If you have astigmatism, or if there is an additional refractive error preventing you from obtaining optimum corrected vision, laser refractive surgery or limbal relaxing incisions can be performed to correct astigmatism.

Remember! Every patient is unique. Please contact Dr. Jenkins if you would like more information.

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