Q: How many patients have had phakic lens implant procedures?
A: The Verisyse^TM 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 and the lens was approved in 2004. Rigorous clinical investigations have been conducted using the Visian lens over the past 3 years, and the FDA approved its use in the United States in 2005. Over 50,000 Visian lenses have been implanted worldwide.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: 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 procedure.

Q: Can I see well up close and at a distance after the procedure?
A: Most people who have the Visian or 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.

Q: Will I be able to see or feel the lens in my eye?
A: Once implanted, the lens is virtually undetectable, and you enjoy a cosmetic appearance that is natural. Typically, only your doctor will be able to tell that vision correction has taken place.

Q: Does the lens require maintenance?
A: Unlike contact lenses, the lens does not require any maintenance. It is extremely important to attend all follow-up appointments and schedule annual exams with Dr. Horn to help ensure your long-term eye health.

Q: Can the lens slip or fall out?
A: Once implanted, the lens will not slip or fall out. It is designed to remain in your eye permanently, and you will not be able to feel it.

Q: How long does the lens last?
A: The Visian and Verisyse lenses are 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 lens, it will provide high quality vision for life.

Q: Exactly where is the lens placed in the eye?
A: The Visian ICL is placed in the “posterior chamber,” behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the eye’s crystalline lens. The lens does not touch any internal eye structures and stays in position. The Verisyse is placed just in front of the pupil and is gently attached to the iris to hold the lens in place.

Q: What is the track record of the Visian ICL?
A: Extensive research and development preceded the introduction of the Visian ICL. It is now being used by more than 50,000 patients worldwide. The Visian ICL provides excellent and stable outcomes and the satisfaction rate among patients is extremely high – above 99% (FDA U.S. Clinical Trial).

Q: What is the Visian ICL made of?
A: The Visian ICL is made of Collamer, an advanced lens material that is highly biocompatible. Collamer does not cause a reaction inside the eye and contains an ultraviolet filter that provides protection to the eye.

Q: What if my vision changes?
A: Both the Visian and Verisyse lenses offer treatment flexibility. If your vision changes dramatically, the lens can be removed and replaced, or another procedure can be performed at any time. You can wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The lens does not help presbyopia (difficulty with reading in people over 40), but you can add reading glasses if needed.