Implantable
contact lenses, known as phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) to ophthalmologists,
are presently being investigated and utilized as another refractive procedure.
The only phakic IOL presently FDA approved is the Verisyse IOL. In general, phakic
IOLs are powerful refractive tools with almost unlimited potential to correct
refractive errors (nearsightedness and farsightedness). The Verisyse IOL is available
in powers of -5.0 to -20.0 diopters (D) of power, making it an option for patients
with both moderate and severe degrees of myopia. It is not FDA approved for patients
with hyperopia.
The phakic IOL is unique in that the thin
intraocular lens implant is placed in the eye without removing the natural lens
of the eye, as is required in cataract surgery. At present, several phakic IOLs
are being studied which are implanted both in front of, and just behind, the iris
of the eye. The Verisyse IOL is implanted in front of the iris and, in fact, is
actually attached (enclavated) to the peripheral iris. Given that the natural
lens of the eye is not removed, the patient retains the natural focusing capability
(accommodation) of the eye for near focusing tasks. Ophthalmologist
investigators believe that the Verisyse phakic IOL has already proven to be a
powerful addition to the present refractive armamentarium, especially for those
individuals whose refractive errors presently fall out of the range for LASIK.
In fact, many refractive surgeons are now considering the Verisyse IOL as the
only viable option for patients with myopia above approximately -9.0 D.
Type of the Refractive Surgery
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