Verisyse Phakic IOL

Did you know?

• An estimated 90 million people have nearsightedness so severe it cannot be corrected with Custom LASIK or other procedures.
• Most non-LASIK candidates can overcome their vision limitations with the Verisyse™ procedure.
• In independent studies, patients preferred Verisyse™ to LASIK for improved clarity of vision

What does Verisyse™ do?

• Verisyse™ was designed to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness in patients who are not good candidates for Custom LASIK.
• Verisyse™ is placed behind your cornea and works along side your natural crystalline lens.
• Verisyse™ may offer high-quality, high-definition vision and freedom from glasses or contact lenses.

What is a phakic intraocular lens (IOL)?

• The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is a micro lens placed behind your cornea.
• It is made out of PMMA, the same material used safely for the past 50 years in cataract surgery.
• “Phakic” means that your natural crystalline lens is left in the eye.
• Your natural lens helps your eye adjust between seeing objects that are near and far.

An overview of the Verisyse™ Procedure

• An outpatient treatment, the procedure takes only about 15 to 30 minutes. One eye is treated at a time.
  1. Eye drops will be given to reduce your pupil size.
  2. For better access to your eye, your doctor will use an instrument to comfortably hold your eyelids open during the procedure.
  3. A local and/or IV anesthetic is given, so the procedure is virtually painless.
• A micro incision is made in the cornea for Verisyse™ to be placed between the iris and cornea.
• The Verisyse™ IOL is centered in front of the pupil and is gently attached to the iris to hold the lens in place.
• The small incision is closed with microscopic stitches that dissolve on their own.
• A temporary shield will be placed over your eye to protect it during the time just after the procedure.
• As with any surgical procedure there are risks including temporary or permanent vision loss. Your doctor will explain these risks to you and ensure that you understand them completely.

How Verisyse™ is placed in your eye

Through a tiny incision, your doctor places the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL behind your cornea. You generally do not feel or see the lens once it is in place, and it can never slip or fall out.

Is Verisyse™ right for me?

If you are very nearsighted, at least 21 years of age and dependent on thick glasses or contact lenses, you may be a candidate for the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Verisyse™ and LASIK?

• Verisyse™ is specifically designed to provide precise vision correction for very nearsighted people who are not candidates for Custom LASIK.
• LASIK is an excellent procedure for people with lower levels of nearsightedness.

How many patients have had the Verisyse™ procedure?

• The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL design has been successfully used in Europe for 18 years.
• More than 150,000 phakic procedures have been performed worldwide.
• In the United States, clinical studies of the Verisyse™ procedure began in 1997.
• It was FDA approved in 2004 after these clinical studies proved that Verisyse™ is a safe and effective way to reduce your need for thick glasses and contact lenses.

Is the Verisyse™ procedure painful?

• Local anesthesia is used to numb your eye prior to surgery so most patients experience no pain during the procedure.
• Although some discomfort is normal during the healing process, the vast majority of patients experience little or no pain after the Verisyse™ procedure.
• If you have specific questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.

Can I see well up close and at a distance with Verisyse™?

• Most people who have the Verisyse™ procedure see well up close and at a distance because their natural crystalline lens is left in place allowing natural adjustments to focus on near and distant objects.

Will I be able to see or feel the Verisyse™ lens in my eye?

• Once implanted, the Verisyse™ lens is virtually undetectable.
• You and others close to you may be able to see the lens in your eye by looking very closely.
• Because Verisyse™ is placed behind your cornea, you will not be able to feel it.

Does the Verisyse™ lens require maintenance?

• Unlike contact lenses, the Verisyse™ lens does not require any maintenance.
• It is extremely important to attend all follow-up appointments and schedule annual exams with your ophthalmologist to help ensure your long-term vision health.

Can the Verisyse™ lens slip or fall out?

• Once implanted, the Verisyse™ lens will not slip or fall out.
• The lens is extremely secure because it is carefully attached to your iris.

How long does Verisyse™ last?

• The Verisyse™ lens is designed to provide permanent vision correction.
• As long as patients don’t suffer from other vision health problems (such as cataracts) that may affect the Verisyse™ lens, it will provide high quality vision for life.