FDA approves first non-cataract IOL

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Verisyse phakic lens, for the first time opening IOLs to non-cataract American patients. The lens, manufactured by Ophtec USA Inc. (Boca Raton, Fla.) and distributed by Advanced Medical Optics (AMO, Santa Ana, Calif.), is the first approved phakic IOL in United States. The agency approved the lens for the reduction or elimination of myopia in adults over 21 years old with myopia ranging from -5 D to -20 D. The anterior chamber lens is intended as an alternative for myopic patients that are not candidates for laser surgery because of medical issues, such as thin corneas, but that want to eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.