Implanted Lens Approved for Nearsightedness
Verisyse Lens Corrects Myopia, Offers Alternative to Laser Surgery
WebMD News Archive
Sept. 13, 2004 -- The FDA today approved a new type of permanently implanted plastic lens that may help eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses in people with nearsightedness.
The implanted lens also offers an alternative to laser surgery such as LASIK for people with this common vision problem.
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a frequent cause of blurred vision and makes it difficult to clearly see objects in the distance.
The condition is normally inherited and is caused by a natural variation in the shape of the eyeball that makes it egg-shaped rather than round. This abnormal shape causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
The lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), is similar to the type of lens that is implanted in the eye to replace the eye's natural lens after cataract surgery. But rather than replacing the eye's natural lens, the new lens is implanted in front of it and helps correct the eye shape imbalance and improve vision.
The lens will be sold in the U.S. under the name Verisyse. It's been approved for treating moderate to severe nearsightedness (-5.0 to -20.0 diopters) in adults age 21 and over.
The IOL was introduced in Europe more than 17 years ago and sold under the name Artisan outside North America. Since its introduction, the manufacturer, Ophtec, says the lens has been safely implanted in more than 150,000 eyes worldwide.
New Alternative for Squinters
The FDA based its approval on studies conducted by the manufacturer in 662 patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness at 22 medical centers in the U.S. After three years with the implant, 92% had 20/40 or better vision considered normal or near-normal vision, and 44% had 20/20 or better.
FDA officials say one concern raised by the study was a loss of endothelial cells in the corneas of people who received the implants. The endothelium is a layer of cells that lines the undersurface of the cornea and is needed to keep it clear.