Verisyse™ Phakic Intraocular Lenses - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Verisyse™ Lens?

A Verisyse™ lens is a small lens made of hard plastic (ultraviolet light absorbing polymethylmethacrylate), a material that has been used to make intraocular lens implants for over 50 years. The lens is surgically implanted to treat myopia (nearsightedness). It is called a phakic IOL because the eye still has its natural lens in place.

How does the Verisyse™ Lens work?

Verisyse™ Lenses are optical devices that function much like glasses or contact lenses. The difference is Verisyse™ Lenses are placed inside the eye between the cornea (outer clear portion of the eye) and the iris (the inner colored portion of the eye). Just as glasses and contact lenses correct vision, Verisyse™ Lenses refocus light rays onto the retina (back part of the eye). Since Verisyse™ Lenses are inside the eye, no cleaning or handling of the lens is necessary.

Can everyone receive a Verisyse™ Lens?

Not everyone can receive Verisyse™ Lenses. In order to know if you are a candidate, you will need a refractive consultation appointment with Dr. Balin. At the consultation Dr. Balin will perform a thorough examination of your eyes and perform a test to determine if you have adequate space inside the eye to receive the lens. There is a $150.00 charge for this appointment.

Who should not receive a Verisyse™ Lens?

You should not receive a Verisyse™ Lens if:

• You are younger than 21 years of age
• You do not have a healthy eye and adequate space inside the eye for the lens as determined by an ophthalmologist
• You have an eye infection or inflammation
• You have an eye disease or eye injury that may become worse if implant surgery is performed

What are the risks of receiving a Verisyse™ Lens?

Verisyse™ Lenses must be surgically implanted, and therefore risks associated with eye surgery must be considered. Our nurse will review these risks with you at your consultation appointment.

Does insurance cover the costs of the surgery?

Most insurance providers consider the procedure to be an elective surgery and therefore, do not provide any benefits toward the surgery. We do however have a financing program available to our patients.

Where is the surgery performed?

Dr. Balin performs the surgery at the Cataract & Laser Center in West Springfield on an outpatient basis. You will need to be driven home from the procedure.

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