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Artisan / Artiflex Phakic Lens in Korea: Cost, Candidacy & Recovery

What are Artisan and Artiflex lenses?

Artisan and Artiflex are phakic intraocular lenses, meaning they are added to the eye while your natural lens stays in place. Made by the Dutch company Ophtec, they sit in the front chamber of the eye, in front of the iris, and are fixed by small 'claws' that enclave a fold of iris tissue. Artisan is a rigid PMMA lens; Artiflex has a foldable optic that fits through a smaller incision.

In the United States the same design was marketed as Verisyse and Veriflex. A 2004 US FDA advisory panel recommended Artisan/Verisyse for myopia of about −9 to −20 D with conditions, including an anterior chamber depth greater than 3.2 mm, minimum endothelial cell counts by age, and post-market surveillance.

Why are they rarely used in Korea now?

Korean surgeons have largely moved to posterior-chamber lenses such as ICL and EVO ICL. In a 2026 Korean Q&A on the platform Modoodoc, ophthalmologists described Artisan and Artiflex as once common but now rarely used, citing the larger incision, possible induced astigmatism, and the lens's closeness to the corneal endothelium, which requires long-term monitoring. ICL accounts for the large majority of phakic lenses implanted worldwide, according to surgeons debating the two at the 2017 ESCRS congress.

Each design has defenders. At ESCRS, a surgeon favouring iris-fixated lenses pointed to their low cataract risk and lack of sizing problems, while an ICL advocate reported very low cataract rates with modern V4c lenses. Read our full EVO ICL vs Artisan comparison.

How much does an Artisan lens cost in Korea?

We could not find a current published Artisan or Artiflex price from a Seoul clinic, which reflects how rarely they are offered. As a guide, phakic lens surgery with ICL costs about ₩4M–₩6.5M for both eyes in Seoul (approximately $2,900–$4,700), with toric versions around ₩5M–₩7.5M. If a clinic recommends an iris-fixated lens for your eyes, ask for a written both-eye quote and the reason ICL is not preferred. See ICL cost in Korea.

I already have an Artisan lens. What should I check in Seoul?

Many people living in or visiting Korea had iris-fixated lenses implanted years ago, often in Europe or Asia, and simply want them checked. That is straightforward at university hospitals and larger eye clinics. Ask for specular microscopy to count endothelial cells, measurement of eye pressure, a slit-lamp check that both claws are still securely enclaved in the iris, and an assessment of your natural lens for early cataract.

Bring your implant card or any records showing the lens model, power and date of surgery, and earlier cell counts if you have them; a single count means little without a baseline. If cell counts are falling faster than expected or a cataract is developing, the usual plan is to remove the phakic lens and perform cataract surgery in the same operation, which is a specialist procedure best planned with time for follow-up rather than squeezed into a short trip. Our private clinic vs university hospital guide helps you choose where to go, and English-speaking vision clinics in Korea lists clinics used to international patients.

Who might still be a candidate?

Iris-fixated lenses may be considered when a posterior-chamber lens is unsuitable, for example because of sizing concerns, or in certain re-operations. Typical requirements include:

• High myopia (or hyperopia) beyond safe laser limits
• A deep enough anterior chamber (the FDA panel condition was more than 3.2 mm)
• A healthy, age-appropriate endothelial cell count
• A stable prescription and no glaucoma, uveitis or significant iris abnormality

If you have a high prescription, our high myopia options guide and high myopia page outline alternatives, including refractive lens exchange for older patients.

What does the long-term evidence show?

Long-term studies show good refractive results but a steady loss of corneal endothelial cells, which is why lifelong checks matter.

What is recovery like and what are the risks?

Surgery takes under an hour, and vision is often good within days; plan about a week in Seoul for checks of pressure, lens position and inflammation. Risks include endothelial cell loss that can eventually damage the cornea, raised eye pressure, inflammation, lens dislocation from the iris, cataract, retinal detachment and infection. You will need specular microscopy (endothelial counts) at least yearly for life, so arrange follow-up at home before you travel; see follow-up care after returning home. This is general information; get a full exam and an ophthalmologist's advice.

Sources

• ESCRS EuroTimes – Phakic IOLs: iris-fixated vs posterior chamber debate (2018)
• Review of Ophthalmology – FDA panel gives nod to Artisan/Verisyse phakic IOL
• Modoodoc – Korean ophthalmologists on lens implant types (Artisan, Artiflex, ICL)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Artisan better than ICL?

Neither is better for everyone. Artisan avoids ICL sizing issues and has low cataract risk, but carries ongoing endothelial cell loss; most Korean surgeons now prefer ICL.

Can I get an Artisan lens in Seoul?

A few surgeons may still implant them, but they are rarely used. Ask clinics directly and expect ICL to be recommended first.

Can Artisan lenses be removed?

Yes, phakic lenses can be explanted, for example if cataract develops or cell counts fall, often combined with cataract surgery.

How often do I need check-ups?

At least yearly for life, including endothelial cell counts and eye pressure.

I already have an Artisan lens. Can a Seoul clinic check it?

Yes. University hospitals and major eye clinics can measure endothelial counts and lens position; bring your implant card and records.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.