Verisyse™ and Visian Implantable Contact Lens (Phakic IOL) - Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas

Every day, numerous patients contact Northwest Eye for treatment of nearsightedness, or myopia. For appropriate candidates, we may recommend phakic IOLs, or implantable contact lenses, which correct the causes of nearsightedness and often reduce or eliminate a patient's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Northwest Eye provides the VerisyseTM and Visian implantable contact lens (phakic IOL) options, for patients in Minneapolis, Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and surrounding areas. Phakic IOLs may be the treatment you need to enjoy crisp, clear, long-distance vision.

What are Phakic IOLs?

Phakic IOLs, also called "implantable contact lenses", are a type of IOL designed to correct nearsightedness. Nearsightedness occurs when the eye is oval-shaped instead of rounded or when the cornea or lens is misshaped. These problems cause light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it, causing blurred vision when looking at distant objects. Phakic IOLs correct these problems by supplementing the eye's natural lens (instead of removing it), even for patients with severe myopia (up to -20 diopters). Phakic IOLs are removable, and they contain an ultraviolet blocker.

Northwest Eye provides top-notch phakic IOL options (VerisyseTM and Visian IOLs) as well as toric IOLs. Contact Northwest Eye for more information on your implantable contact lens options. We serve patients from Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis and surrounding areas as well as locations throughout the globe.

VerisyseTM IOLs

Verisyse IOLs are designed to improve the vision of patients whose cornea or lens is too misshaped for LASIK or PRK. The VerisyseTM IOL is placed behind the cornea (without removing the lens) and clipped onto the iris. There, the IOL assists the natural lens in focusing light accurately onto the retina, thereby improving long-distance vision.

Benefits of VerisyseTM IOLs

The benefits of VerisyseTM IOLs are numerous. They:

  • Provide vastly improved distance vision. In one study, nearly 90 percent of patients achieved 20/40 vision or better after placement of VerisyseTM IOLs.
  • Are appropriate for some patients who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK. VerisyseTM IOLs often benefit patients whose corneal shape disqualifies them from corneal surgery.
  • Allow patients to resume normal activities within a day or two of surgery. Typically, a patient can return to work and other normal activities within a couple days of the single-visit, outpatient procedure.

Visian IOLs

The Visian IOL is designed to provide incredibly clear, crisp vision and excellent depth perception. Visian IOLs are placed behind the posterior chamber of the iris, so they are invisible to the naked eye. They are constructed of a material containing collagen, which makes them uniquely biocompatible. Visian IOLs are also foldable (for ease in placement), which minimizes the size of the corneal incision.

Benefits of Visian IOLs

Visian IOLs provide numerous benefits. Among these are that the IOLs:

  • Are made of Collamer. Collamer is made from a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is more compatible with the body than synthetic materials.
  • Treat a wide range of myopia. Visian IOLs can be used to treat myopia in the -3.0 to -20.0D range.
  • Require a minimally-invasive placement procedure. Visian IOLs are folded before their insertion into the eye, which minimizes the incision into the cornea.

Phakic Implantable Contact Lens Candidates

To be a candidate for phakic IOLs, a patient should not have a history of eye disease or infection. Patients who have astigmatism or presbyopia may need eyeglasses or contact lenses even after placement of the phakic IOLs. Patients who have cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disease (such as macular degeneration) are usually not candidates for the procedure.

Contact Northwest Eye

If you are looking into your treatment options for nearsightedness, consider VerisyseTM or Visian implantable contact lens, phakic IOL options, available in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas at Northwest Eye. To schedule a consultation with one of our expert ophthalmologists, contact Northwest Eye today. We look forward to helping improve your visual health.