Phakic intraocular lenses are clear lenses that are surgically implanted to sit in front of (Verisyse/Artisan) or behind (Visian ICL) the iris to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. ICLs function like contact lenses—except they work from inside your eyes instead of sitting directly on their surface. ICLs may be suitable for those with very high prescriptions or very thin corneas who are not candidates for LASIK, LASEK, or PRK. Because the cornea is left untouched, ICLs cause minimal dryness and usually give even better quality of vision than glasses, contact lenses, or laser vision correction. Unlike most LASIK surgeons, Dr. Zhu is skilled in implanting both types of lenses and can give you her treatment recommendations.