ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
The NBC Today show aired a segment featuring a live ICL surgery. Click here to watch it!
This link will bring you to the post op NBC Today show piece. They did a follow up to the story telling the viewing audience that the patient had already gone down to the DMV and passed his vision screening, and he is now carrying a non-restricted drivers license!
The Surgery
 Prior to the surgery a surgeon will make two microscopic holes in the iris. Your eye will be numbed with a light, topical or local anesthetic. Once the eye is numbed the surgeon will make 2 side port incisions and one main temporal incision that is critical to the insertion process. Next the surgeon will insert the ICL through the main temporal incision and place the lens behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens. This insertion procedure is typically performed one eye at a time. There is very little discomfort and normally no pain associated with the procedure. Some drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed and a visit is usually scheduled the day after surgery. Patients will be advised to arrange for someone to drive them to and from surgery.
Are you a Candidate?
Individuals who suffer from extreme nearsightedness will have a solution for their poor vision. The ICL provides an opportunity to those individuals who are not candidates for lasik eye surgery. Some people cannot have lasik for reasons ranging from high prescriptions to thin corneas. The ICL will now give these patients the opportunity to experience the same lifestyle change that lasik has brought to millions.
You're likely a good candidate for ICL if:
- You have extreme to moderate nearsightedness
- You have thin corneas and are not a LASIK candidate
- You have a history of dry eye
- You have large pupils
Frequently Asked Questions
The Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), created by STAAR® Surgical Company, is a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) for the treatment of myopia and other refractive errors. Staar® provided the following questions & answers. For more Information on this device, go to www.visianinfo.com.
How do I know if I’m a candidate?
A good candidate for the Visian ICL is a patient between the ages of 21 and 45 who is nearsighted. It is preferable that the patient has not had previous eye surgery or a history with ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy. Our practice offers a complimentary screening to determine if you are a candidate for this exciting procedure.
Where in the eye is Visian ICL placed?
The Visian ICL is surgically inserted inside the eye just behind the iris in front of the eye’s natural lens. It is inserted by a trained ophthalmologist through a micro-incision. The Visian ICL does not touch any internal eye structure and stays in position without maintenance, indefinitely.
What is the track record of Visian ICL?
Extensive research and development preceded the introduction of Visian ICL. It is now being used by more than 55,000 patients worldwide. The satisfaction rate among patients is extremely high – above 99%. The Visian ICL provides unparalleled quality of vision and has excellent and stable outcomes for patients with moderate to severe myopia. The Visian ICL has been available internationally for over 10 years.
Does it hurt?
No, most patients state that they are very comfortable throughout the procedure. We use a topical anesthetic drop prior to the procedure. Your surgeon may choose to administer a light sedative, as well.
What if my vision changes?
The Visian ICL offers treatment flexibility. If your vision changes dramatically, the lens can be removed and replaced, or another procedure can be performed at any time. With the Visian ICL, you can wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The Visian ICL does not help presbyopia (the difficulty with reading which is experienced by people over the age of 40), but you can wear reading glasses if needed.
Can the Visian ICL be seen by the naked eye?
No. The lens is positioned behind the iris where it is invisible to both you and observers. You enjoy a cosmetic appearance that is completely natural. Only your doctor will be able to tell that you’ve had vision correction.
What is the Visian ICL made of?
The Visian ICL is made of Collamer which is an advanced lens material that is highly biocompatible. Collamer does not cause a reaction inside the eye and it contains an ultraviolet filter that provides protection to the eye.
What is involved in the Visian ICL procedure?
One to two weeks before your surgery, your doctor will make a small opening with a laser to allow fluid to pass between the lens and the front chamber of the eye. The actual Visian ICL procedure typically takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, although you will need to have someone with you to drive you home from your procedure, you will be functional when you leave the office. Normally, very little discomfort is associated with this procedure. A light topical drop anesthetic is administered and a mild sedative may be given. In addition, eye drops or an oral medication may be prescribed. You will come back to our office the next day for a follow-up visit and we will see you again at one week, one month and six months for follow-ups.
How long does the Visian ICL stay in my eye?
The Visian ICL is intended to remain in place within your eye without any maintenance. Should it become necessary, the lens can be removed by a certified ophthalmologist.
Can the Visian ICL be felt once it is in my eye?
No, the lens is not noticeable after it is put in place. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and it stays in position. |
