Phakic Refractive Lens Implants

Phakic Refractive Lens (PRL) surgery involves the insertion of a lens implant without removing the eye's lens. Given that the lens of the eye is not removed, the near focusing ability (accommodation) of those who are under the age of 50 is retained.

Phakic lens implants originated in the 1980's and have potential advantages over corneal refractive surgery. Unlike corneal refractive procedures such as LASIK, which permanently alter corneal curvature and can be difficult to modify, phakic lens implants are adjustable (via lens exchange) and reversible (via lens removal). Therefore, PRL surgery is intended to be permanent yet can be reversible if desired. In addition, PRL surgery is capable of correcting a much wider range of myopia than Lasik and provides a superior quality of vision.

Qualified surgeons using the Verisyse and Visian ICL phakic implants must pass a certification process assessing their surgical skill, accuracy and proficiency. Dr. Singer was qualified by Advanced Medical Optics to implant the Verisyse and by Staar Surgical to implant the Visian ICL prior to their FDA approval.