Are you seeking clear vision, but are not a candidate for LASIK? Or are you looking for a vision correction alternative to LASIK? Clear vision may be in your future! With the Visian ICL (Implantable Contact Lens), you can achieve high definition vision without many of the risks associated with laser vision correction. Implantable lenses have long been used for treatment of cataracts, and are now available for patients seeking clear vision!
The Visian ICL is a refractive lens also known as a phakic IOL (intraocular lens). “Phakic” meaning that the natural lens of the eye is not removed during the procedure. Instead, the natural lens is left in place. The ICL is an implant that is situated behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. This lens provides excellent contrast and because it is placed much closer to the natural lens, it results in images of a more normal size than glasses and many times, better vision than glasses. The Visian ICL is considered an alternative to corneal refractive surgery such as LASIK, PRK, and refractive lens exchange. As an added feature, the Visian ICL advanced lens material contains a UV blocker that actually prevents harmful UVA and UVB rays from entering the eye. The placement of the Visian ICL into the posterior chamber of the eye makes the lens usually invisible to both the patient and any observer.
The best candidates for the Visian ICL are between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe nearsightedness. It is best if the candidate has not had any previous eye surgery and does not have a history of eye disease such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic retinopathy.
If for any reason are major changes in your vision, the ICL can easily be removed and replaced, or another procedure can be done at any time. With the ICL, you can still wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. Unfortunately, The Visian ICL does not treat presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to age.
Visian ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient has surgery and goes home the same day. A light, topical or local anesthetic is administered and 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.
The Visian ICL is an Implantable Collamer Lens that works with the eye to correct vision. Unlike traditional contact lenses that go on the surface of the eye, the Visian ICL is positioned inside the eye between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the natural lens where it stays indefinitely. If your vision changes dramatically, however, it can be removed from the eye.
Technologically Advanced Lens Material: Unlike other lenses, the Visian ICL is made from Collamer, a technologically advanced lens material exclusive to STAAR Surgical. Because of the collagen in Collamer, it is biocompatible with the eye (not seen as a foreign object to the body) and provides exceptional quality of vision. The lens rests quietly in position while accurately correcting vision. The Visian ICL is the best choice for a lens that is going to remain inside your eye for a lifetime.
Corrects a Wide Range of Vision Needs: If you are between 21 and 45 and nearsighted, you are an excellent candidate for the Visian ICL. It is preferable that you have had no previous ophthalmic surgery or history of ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy.
Thin Corneas: The cornea is the curved portion on the front surface of the eye. The Visian ICL does not have any effect on the cornea and may be appropriate if you have thin corneas.
Dry Eyes: Visian ICL does not cause or contribute to dry eyes. If you have dry eyes, ask your doctor if the Visian ICL may be the best vision correction option for you.
Extreme Refractive Error: Refractive error in the focusing of light by the eye is a frequent reason for reduced visual acuity. Anyone seeking clear vision may be a candidate for the Visian ICL, including those patients with low and extreme high refractive errors.
Prior to Surgery (2 to 3 weeks): Your doctor will schedule a procedure to prepare your eye for implantation of the Visian ICL. This is necessary to ensure the fluid inside your eye flows properly after your surgery. This is virtually painless as your doctor will apply numbing drops to the eye before making tiny openings in the colored portion of the eye with a laser beam. After this procedure, you will be given eye drops to prepare your eyes for surgery.
The Day of Surgery It is important that you do not drive yourself home so make arrangements before the day of surgery. Prior to implantation, you will receive anesthetic eye drops to minimize any discomfort. Your surgeon may also administer a sedative. Then, the doctor will create two micro openings in the edge of your cornea that will be used to insert and position the lens. Next the lens is injected, gently unfolding in your eye. Special marks on the lens ensure proper positioning. That’s it— the procedure takes about 15 minutes! Because the opening is microscopic, recovery time is very short without needing any sutures. A few hours after the procedure you will be able to leave the clinic.
After Surgery (Just a few days) To complete the procedure, the surgeon will provide eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. You will continue to use these drops for several days once you are home. DO NOT rub your eyes especially for the first 3 to 5 days. If you experience pain or notice any sudden decrease in vision, you should contact your doctor immediately. Then your only instructions are to check in for eye exams on a routine basis.
There are many unique advantages to the Visian ICL. Read on to learn more about why the Visian ICL could be the best vision correction procedure for you.
When nothing less than ultimate vision performance will do, super athletes and elite US Military personnel choose the Visian ICL. Why? Because they have a choice and they want the best technology for their individual vision needs. There have been over 300,000 patient eyes treated worldwide—are you ready to get the best in performance and satisfaction for your eyes?
In 2008 Team USA bobsled pilot Steven Holcomb almost gave up the sport because of his poor vision. He could no longer compete with contact lenses and other treatment options did not fit his individual needs.
After the Visian ICL procedure Holcomb not only achieved 20/20 vision, he went on to win gold medals at both the 2009 World Championships and 2010 Olympics.
“It was about ten minutes, and as soon as I was up I could see 20/20. It’s been pretty incredible ever since and literally a year later I’m a world champion.”
Just last year, in 2011, top U.S. Professional cyclist Tom Danielson had the Visian ICL procedure to correct his 480/20 vision. Danielson struggled to see with contact lenses and suffered from severe dry eye. After the Visian ICL procedure, Danielson now has better than 20/20 vision and it’s helped him to elevate his performance substantially in one of the most physically and mentally demanding endurance sports.
“It is no coincidence that I had my best season following the Visian ICL procedure. Sight in cycling is everything. Imagine descending a mountain going 60 miles per hour on less than one inch of rubber. Every rock, pothole or dip in the road comes at you quickly, and you have to react with cat-like precision. The Visian ICL has transformed my racing and my life in a very real way. This is a leading product for any outdoor, active individual.”
Soon after his Visian ICL procedure, Danielson was the top American finisher (9th overall) in the 2011 Tour de France.
Since 2006, the Visian ICL has been improving the vision of the bravest people in our nation under the harshest conditions imaginable. In fact surgeons in the US Military have implanted over 5,000 Visian ICLs with results that are nothing short of heroic.
If the Visian ICL can meet the demands of soldiers in the US Military, imagine what it can do for you!
To help you determine whether you might be a good Visian ICL candidate, we’ve included the answers to the following frequently asked questions:
