What is the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL?
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are micro lenses that are placed inside your eye to correct cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness or presbyopia.
There are two types of IOLs: anterior chamber lenses, which are placed in the anterior chamber of the eye between the iris and the cornea, and posterior chamber lenses, which are placed in the posterior chamber behind the iris and rest against the capsular bag.
The newest option available to people who are very nearsighted is the Verisyse™ Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL), an anterior chamber lens. With over 18 years of use and 150,000 procedures performed worldwide, results prove that the Verisyse™ design is safe and effective for very nearsighted people who are tired of thick glasses and are not candidates for Custom LASIK.
What makes Verisyse™ different from other intraocular lenses?
The procedure involves placing the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL behind your cornea and on top of your iris. This gives your eye another focusing lens that provides high-quality, high-definition vision like a normal eye. Although the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is intended to be permanent, the procedure is reversible if desired.
The word “phakic” means that your natural crystalline lens is left in the eye. This is important because your natural lens plays an important role in helping your eye adjust between seeing objects that are near and far.
Standard (single vision) lens implants do not have the ability to provide a full range of vision because the natural lens is removed. Most people who have single vision lens implants MUST wear glasses for middle and near vision.
Will I be able to see or feel the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL in my eye?
Once the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is placed inside your eye, it is virtually undetectable; however, you and others may be able to see the lens in your eye if you look very closely. Because the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is placed inside your eye, you will not be able to feel it.
Is Verisyse™ safe?
Yes. 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.
Can my vision be corrected to 20/20 for both reading and distance?
Most people who have the Verisyse™ procedure see well near and at a distance because their natural lens is left in place. This lens (the crystalline lens) naturally adjusts to focus on near and distant objects. As you age, this natural lens function may diminish and you may need reading glasses to see objects that are near.
While virtually everyone will experience a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery, some people will not see 20/20 at all distances.
It is interesting to note that many people who have not had surgery are not able to see 20/20 at both near and far even with glasses or contact lenses. This is due to a variety of ocular and physiological problems as well as lifestyle preferences, yet most of these people function quite normally although their vision is reduced.
Can I go swimming with the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL in my eye?
You can swim and participate in virtually any other activity with the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL because unlike contact lenses, the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is implanted in the eye, in front of the crystalline lens. Therefore, it is not affected by external elements such as water.
Will I be able to read in all light conditions?
The Verisyse lens will not affect how your own natural lens functions. Therefore, your ability to read will be similar to what you experienced while wearing glasses or contacts before surgery. It is important to remember that reading vision in low light is also influenced by the overall health of your eye and by the condition of the light sensors in the retina. As we get older, our ability to see in low light conditions may start to decrease. It is always best to read in good light conditions.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for Verisyse implantation?
Your doctor will perform a thorough examination and advise you of a customized treatment plan for effectively correcting your vision.
Virtually everyone with healthy eyes and in good general health is a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control prior to surgery.
Should I have the Verisyse lens put in both eyes?
Typically, you will want to have Verisyse implanted in both eyes. The surgeon usually starts with the ‘non-dominant’ eye. Your doctor will also look at a number of additional factors in deciding which eye to implant first and when to implant the other eye. Most surgeons prefer to wait two to three weeks between surgeries, but this may vary based on how well the first eye is healing and the visual outcome.
How long with the surgery take? Will I feel anything?
The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient surgical facility. You will arrive at the surgery center about an hour before the procedure. A number of topical drops will be placed in your eye and oral medications may be administered to help you relax. The eye drops anesthetize your eye and make your pupil smaller.
Once in the surgery suite, you will lie down on a comfortable bed, a microscope will be positioned over your eye and you will be asked to look up into the light of the microscope.
The actual surgery usually takes less than 20 minutes. The surgeon will stabilize your eye with a device to keep your eyelids open. You will feel no pain, only slight pressure on your eye. All you have to do is to relax and hold still.
Once the surgery is complete, additional drops will be placed in your eye to prevent infection and decrease inflammation. A patch may be placed over your eye and someone will need to drive you home. Once at home, you should rest for the remainder of the day. You should avoid any strenuous activities. Your doctor will see you the day after surgery to remove the eye patch and examine your eye. Do not rub your eye.
The doctor will give you additional medications that you will need to put in your eye for the next week or two. These drugs help the eye heal, leaving no residual effects.
What are the chances that something could go wrong with the surgery? What would they be?
The surgery used to implant the Verisyse lens is very similar to modern cataract surgery, the same safe, proven surgery performed annually on over 7 million eyes globally. Over 40 million procedures have been done in the last 25 years. But because it is surgery, it is not completely risk-free.
Complications of implant surgery range from minor, usually temporary side effects, to sight-threatening complications. Fortunately, significant sight-threatening complications are extremely rare, and include, but are not limited to, infection, hemorrhage and retinal detachment. People with existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic inflammatory conditions and chronic infections are at a higher risk of developing complications.
Your doctor will perform a thorough examination and fully inform you of any increased risk of a complication.
What will my vision be like after surgery?
In some instances, you will be able to see immediately following surgery, although most people experience clearer vision the next day following surgery.
You may notice a difference in your vision from one eye to the other after your eyes heal. This is normal. If the difference in your vision is significant, your doctor may recommend additional corneal refractive surgery. This is often done for the correction of astigmatism after implant surgery.
It is important to remember that implant surgery cannot resolve pre-existing visual conditions such as floaters, flashes or visual field loss that are a result of conditions of the eye and not related to the lens.
Your doctor will thoroughly discuss the restoration of your vision after surgery and will recommend a specific plan for optimizing your uncorrected vision for near and far. It is important to remember that while virtually everyone experiences much improved vision after implant surgery, some people will have better uncorrected vision than others.
It may be necessary for some people to wear glasses for distance and/or near vision to obtain optimal visual acuity. The difference from standard lenses is that most people will not be dependent on these supplemental vision aids to function normally.
Since this information isn’t intended to replace the advice of a health care professional, be sure and talk with your doctor before making any decisions regarding vision correction procedures.
The long-term safety and effectiveness of this lens have not been established.
When will I be able to return to normal activities after Verisyse implantation?
Typically, you will be able to return to normal activities within several days after implantation with some limitations. Your eye may be sensitive to touch and bright light, but you should be able to drive and return to work in two to three days.
Your doctor will provide you with medications to prevent infection and decrease inflammation and may provide a protective shield to cover your eye while sleeping. A pair of plastic, disposable sunglasses will decrease your sensitivity to light as well as providing protection during the day.
It is important that you avoid heavy lifting or straining that would increase the pressure in your eye for several days after surgery. You also must avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye. You should refrain from activities that could increase your chances of getting hit in the eye. Wear your protective sunglasses when outdoors.
You can shower and wash your hair as long as you avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eye. Refrain from using eye makeup, lid liner and mascara for several weeks after implantation. You should avoid public swimming pools, hot tubs or other sources of bacterial contamination for several weeks.
Consult your doctor on recommendations for specific activities.
How often do I need to have my eyes checked after surgery?
Your doctor will advise you as to how often your eyes need to be checked. Typically, the doctor will see you one day after surgery, after 2 to 4 weeks and again around 3 to 6 months after surgery. Thereafter, an annual exam is usually sufficient unless you have a specific problem.
Can I go to any eye doctor for check-ups after the surgery?
Your surgeon and/or his/her staff will want to see you right after the surgery to ensure your eye is healing properly. This includes the first post-operative visit and usually the following visit. After that, the surgeon may allow you to see another qualified doctor to perform your follow-up visits.
You should inform your surgeon if you would like a different doctor to follow up with you after surgery so he/she can consult with that doctor to ensure a high level of care. You should immediately contact your surgeon if you have problems or any doubts about your eyes after surgery.
How long does the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL last?
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. Only your doctor can determine if this measure may be necessary.
Will I also have to have cataract surgery in the future?
Since your natural lens remains in your eye, it can still develop the cloudiness referred to as a cataract. If this happens, you will then need cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens material and have a new IOL implanted. The Verisyse lens can easily be removed at that time.
What happens if my eye is injured sometime in the future?
Eye injury can involve many different parts of the eye. The clear front part of the eye, the cornea, and the back part of the eye, the retina, are most often affected by injury. The presence of an artificial lens does not make the eye any more vulnerable to trauma.
What will the Verisyse procedure cost? Will insurance cover any of it?
Your lens implant is considered elective surgery (cosmetic) and most health insurance plans do not cover it at all. However, it may be tax deductible depending on your filing status. Please consult your accountant. If your company has a flexible benefits program, you can usually use this for vision correction surgery.
Your surgeon will review your insurance coverage and your surgical alternatives prior to your implant surgery. It may also be beneficial for you to contact your insurance carrier. Financing options are available to make implant surgery more affordable. For more information about financing, ask your eye doctor.