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The Visian ICL ™ (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a customized, foldable intraocular lens designed to correct very high degrees of nearsightedness (myopia).
The ICL, permanently implanted in the eye behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens, works by bending (refracting) light rays and focusing them on the retina, providing excellent quality of vision for a wide range of visual needs. This type of lens is sometimes the only option for those seeking reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
The Visian ICL™ can treat patients whose correction places them outside the usual parameters for Laser Vision Correction (e.g. LASIK, PRK and LASEK). In some cases, the ICL is an alternative to
those who may also qualify for Laser Vision Correction. The best candidates for the Visian ICL™
are those between the ages of 21 and 45 with moderate to severe nearsightedness who have not had previous ophthalmic surgery and have no history of glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
The ICL surgery is a 15-20 minute outpatient procedure in which a topical anesthetic and a sedative will be administered.
The lens is folded and gently injected through a puncture wound into the anterior chamber and positioned so as to float naturally between the crystalline lens of the eye and the iris. The small incision heals in a short period of time and typically does not require sutures. Vision is usually noticeably improved within hours. Driving a motor vehicle may be resumed the following day.
The Visian ICL™ is an exciting technology that received
FDA approval in the United States in December 2005. The unique Collamer material contains a small amount of collagen, which provides excellent biocompatibility and superior optical quality.
If you are nearsighted and have previously been turned down for other vision-correction procedures such as LASIK, you may be a candidate for the Visian ICL.
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