Visian
(ICL)

ICL stands for “implantable collamer lenses,” and if you have heard of it before, take everything you ever heard and throw it out the window. ICL has come so far so quickly that it is unrecognizable from what it started as. Basically, it’s like going from a Model T to a Toyota Prius . . . in a time machine!

Why are we so excited about ICL? Because what used to be a procedure involving large incisions, sutures, and a one-eye-at-a-time limitation is now a 15-minute surgery that results in 20/20 (or better!) vision in both eyes for our nearsighted patients. And while it used to be recommended only to those who weren’t good candidates for LASIK (so sorry, why don’t you try ICL?), now even some LASIK-approved patients are choosing Visian ICL instead.

What is Visian ICL?

Implantable collamer lenses are soft lenses made of a 100% biocompatible collagen copolymer. These safe, comfortable lenses are FDA-approved to treat myopia and are implanted into the eye during a quick, comfortable procedure. Once implanted, they give the patient immediate sharp, clear, perfect vision.

Benefits of Visian ICL

It’s a “surgery-free” surgery. The most compelling benefit of ICL is that the surgery does not involve any changes to your cornea. Unlike with LASIK, no corneal tissue is removed. The surgeon makes a small incision in your eye and uses a special injector to introduce the lens, which then unfolds itself into place behind the iris. Recovery time is a day or less and results are instantaneous.

They work better than glasses or contacts. ICLs offer a clarity of vision, sharpness, depth and dimension that is simply superior to anything that can be achieved with glasses or contacts.

They are permanent. While ICLs are designed to be permanent implants, should they need to be removed, they can be. Easily.

People love them. Visian ICL has been used internationally for 10+ years in over half a million patients with a satisfaction rate exceeding 99%. And, no, you can’t see them since they are placed behind the iris. And, no, you can’t feel them either. The only way you’ll even know they are there is the amazing vision you are experiencing without glasses or contacts.

They provide UV protection. The material in the lens acts as a UV blocker, protecting your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.

They don’t cause dry eye.

They work for many patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK.

Who can get ICL?

ICL is a great option for patient between 21 and 45 years of age who suffer from moderate to severe nearsightedness. It is especially recommended to patients with thin corneas and/or dry eyes who aren’t good candidates for LASIK.

Good ICL candidates will not have undergone previous eye surgery and don’t suffer from eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or iritis.

You also aren’t a good candidate for Visian ICL if:

your prescription has changed in the last 6 months

you have uncontrolled dry eye or blepharitis

you don’t have a large enough anterior cell density

your have an anterior chamber depth of less than 3 mm

you have corneal endothelial dystrophy

you are pregnant or nursing

If you aren’t a candidate for Visian ICL, don’t worry. There are other vision correction options available, and our team conducts extensive testing to assess which ones will give you the best outcome.