Many nearsighted patients who are not candidates for LASIK vision correction, and even some patients whose vision does not allow them to wear contact lenses, can benefit from Visian ICL. Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens), is a lens implant to correct common vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike other vision correction options, Visian ICL is an additive technology which corrects vision without the removal of any corneal tissue. The Visian ICL is meant to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts and unlike most permanent refractive solutions, Visian ICL is removable.
LaserVue Eye Center is pleased to offer this breakthrough technology to highly nearsighted patients.
What is it?
The Visian™ ICL is a small, foldable lens that is placed inside the eye to improve focusing power. The lens is positioned behind the eye’s iris (the colored portion of the eye), where it cannot be seen with the naked eye.
The lens remains in place in the eye without maintenance, although it can be easily removed or replaced by the surgeon if your needs change. Made primarily of collagen, Collamer® is very compatible with the human body and extremely unlikely to cause adverse side effects.
Visian ICL is made of biocompatible Collamer material that works in harmony with your eye. Your LaserVue eye doctor will create a small opening in your cornea that will be used to insert and position the Visian ICL. The procedure is typically painless with numbing eye drops and is usually takes less than 20 – 30 minutes. You can experience improved vision right away and a quick recovery time.
The Visian ICL is designed to improve the vision of very nearsighted individuals, reducing and in many cases eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses.
Pre-Op Eye Exam*
Eye Drops Administered
Small Incision
Lens Insertion and Positioning
Post Op & Check-up
*PIs are performed 1-2 weeks prior to implant surgery.
The cost of a Visian ICL procedure can vary depending on your personalized treatment plan. Many Visian ICL patients look forward to spending less in the long run with the Visian ICL compared to the continued costs of contacts and glasses. Ask our staff about financing options and payment plans that may be available for your Visian ICL procedure.
“I had my first opportunity to put my Visian ICL eyes to the test recently in the Brazilian Rainforest, and it couldn’t have been more exciting to be able to spot rare species better than ever.”
PHIL TORRES, ENTOMOLOGIST, TV SHOW HOST
“I would never be able to just wake up and go, and now I can literally just roll out of bed and go straight to the farmers market.”
SARA TSO, CHEF
Visian ICL is well-suited for a wide variety of people. Ideal candidates for Visian ICL are aged 21 to 45 nearsightedness and have maintained a stable prescription for at least one year. Visian ICL is not an option for patients who are pregnant, nursing, or those with a history of eye disease. If you are seeking a solution to decrease or eliminate the cost or frustration of traditional contacts or glasses, Visian ICL may be your answer. Contact your eye doctor to discuss if Visian ICL is right for you.
Contact us to find out if Visian ICL is right for you.
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Seeing the Benefits
Worldwide, more than 50,000 Visian ICLs have been implanted with great success. In the U.S. clinical trial, the patient satisfaction rate was very impressive: 99.4 percent reported satisfaction three years after receiving the lens. Three years after receiving the Visian ICL, 95 percent of patients in the clinical trial had 20/40 vision, the benchmark for passing the driver’s test, without the aid of glasses or contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Visian ICL visible to others?
No. The Visian ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and observers. Only your surgeon will be able to tell that vision correction has taken place.
What type of procedure is involved in implanting the Visian ICL?
The surgical procedure to implant the Visian ICL is simple and painless. As a Visian ICL candidate, the surgeon at LaserVue Eye Center will prepare your eyes one to two weeks prior to the procedure by using a laser to create two very small openings in the colored part of your eye which lies between the lens and the front chamber of your eye. This allows for the natural passage of fluids between the two areas, thereby avoiding the buildup of intraocular pressure following the treatment.
The implantation procedure itself takes about 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, though you will have to make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure.
You can expect to experience very little discomfort during the Visian ICL implantation. You will undergo treatment while under a light topical or local anesthetic, perhaps with the addition of a mild sedative. Following surgery, you may use prescription eye drops or oral medication. The day after surgery, you will return to LaserVue Eye Center for a follow-up visit. You will also have follow-up visits one week, one month and six months following the procedure.
What if my vision changes after I receive the Visian ICL?
One advantage of the Visian ICL is that it offers treatment flexibility. If your vision changes dramatically after receiving the implant, your surgeon can remove and replace it. If necessary, another procedure can be performed at any time.
Patients can wear glasses or contact lenses as needed following treatment with the Visian ICL. The implant does not treat presbyopia (difficulty with reading in people 40 and older), but you can use reading glasses as needed after receiving the Visian ICL.
How do I know if I’m a suitable Visian ICL candidate?
Candidates for the Visian ICL are between 21 and 45 years of age, suffer from myopia (nearsightedness), and want to experience superior vision correction. The ideal Visian ICL candidate has not undergone any ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of eye disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
Anyone seeking clearer vision may be a Visian ICL candidate, including those with special or extreme vision correction needs. Please call us at 800-527-3745 to schedule an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Important Safety Information for Visian ICL: Before considering Visian ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about Visian ICL surgery, especially the potential benefits, risks, and complications. You should discuss the time needed for healing after surgery.
1. Shin, JY. Ahn, H. Seo, KY. Kim, EK. Kim, TK. Comparison of higher order aberrations after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guide LASEK in high myopia. J Refract Surg. 2012; 28(2): 106 -111
2. MICL PMA data
3. Data on file. STAAR Surgical.
4. Parkhurst, G. Psolka, M. Kezirian, G. Phakic intraocular lens implantantion in United States military warfighters: A retrospective analysis of early clinical outcomes of the Visian ICL. J Refract Surg. 2011;27(7):473 – 481\
5. Naves, J.S. Carracedo, G. Cacho-Babillo, I. Diadenosine Nucleotid Measurements as Dry-Eye Score in Patients After LASIK and ICL Surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.
6. Parkhurst G. A Prospective Comparison of Phakic Collamer Lenses and Wavefront-Optimized Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis for Correction of Myopia. Clinical Ophthalmology 2013; 10: 1209-1215.
