The Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) procedure represents the latest in refractive implant technology and is available now at LaserVue Eye Center in San Francisco Bay. Visian ICL surgery is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective procedure that can permanently correct common vision issues. Read on to learn more about the Visian ICL refractive implant procedure and the life-changing vision correction this advanced technology offers.
Visian ICL Refractive Implants Overview
Visian Implantable Collamer® Lenses are refractive implants used to correct common vision issues. They are made of biocompatible Collamer material and are designed to work in harmony with your eye. This advanced lens technology also provides UV-protection against damaging ultraviolet rays.
Vision Correction
Visian ICL surgery can permanently reduce or eliminate your dependency on corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses.
Visian ICL refractive implants can correct the following vision issues:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- High myopia (up to -20.00 D)
- Astigmatism
These advanced refractive lens implants have even proven to improve night vision in many patients. ICL refractive implants provide unparalleled vision quality with stable outcomes resulting in a 99% patient satisfaction rate.
Candidacy
Vision ICL surgery was approved by the FDA in 2018 for patients aged 21 or older. Many patients who are not suitable for LASIK or other refractive surgeries can be ideal candidates for this cutting-edge procedure. If you have been previously told your corneas are too thin for other laser eye surgeries, Visian ICL implants could be the alternative solution to correcting your refractive errors.
Procedure
Unlike other refractive surgeries, Visian lens implants use additive technology to correct vision without removing any corneal tissue. A small incision is made in your corneal lens to allow your surgeon to comfortably implant the refractive lens into your eye. Anesthetic eye drops will be administered before your procedure to ensure your surgery is pain-free.
The Visian ICL procedures take less than 30 minutes, and you should expect your entire appointment to last about an hour. You will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after your surgery, and you should plan on taking the remainder of the day to rest. Your eyes will begin healing immediately, and your vision will continue to improve over the next couple of days.
Many LaserVue patients report vision improvement immediately following the procedure.
Recovery
Because no lens tissue is removed during your Vision ICL implant procedure, recovery is typically fast and simple compared to other refractive surgeries. LaserVue patients report fewer uncomfortable side effects, such as dry eye syndrome, which can occur with other vision correction procedures.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s aftercare instructions to ensure you are on the fast track to a smooth recovery.
Removal
Not only can Visian ICL refractive implants provide immediate vision improvements, but they are also comfortable and discreet. While this solution is designed to be permanent, your Vision ICL lenses can be removed to accommodate your needs.
Contact LaserVue Eye Center to Learn if Visian ICL is Right for You
At LaserVue Eye Center, we are dedicated to working with you to achieve the best vision possible by providing the highest-quality patient care. If you have been previously disqualified for LASIK eye surgery and would like to learn more about Visian ICL, we are here to help. Millions of people have already experienced the benefits of this revolutionary refractive surgery.
To determine if refractive implants are a good option for you, contact our board-certified ophthalmologists at LaserVue Eye Center for a Visian ICL consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is the Visian ICL, and what is its primary function?
The Visian ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens and is a soft, biocompatible lens used for vision correction. Unlike contact lenses, the ICL is permanently placed inside the eye, where it works with your natural lens to focus light. Its primary function is to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness, and in some cases, astigmatism. This procedure offers a viable alternative to LASIK, especially for patients with very high prescriptions.
2. How does the Visian ICL procedure differ from traditional LASIK surgery?
LASIK surgery permanently reshapes the cornea, the front clear surface of the eye. In contrast, the Visian ICL procedure involves gently inserting a specialized lens inside the eye without altering the cornea’s structure. This makes the ICL procedure additive and reversible, as the lens can be removed if necessary. ICL is often the preferred choice for patients who have thin corneas or extremely high prescriptions that disqualify them from LASIK.
3. Is the Visian ICL procedure safe, and is the lens FDA-approved for use?
Yes, the Visian ICL is considered a very safe procedure with a long history of successful use worldwide. The lens material, called Collamer, is highly biocompatible and designed to remain stable within the eye indefinitely. The procedure and the lens itself have undergone rigorous testing and received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As with any surgery, a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified surgeon is essential to ensure safety.
4. How long does the surgical procedure take to implant a Visian ICL?
The surgical process for implanting a Visian ICL, is relatively quick, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes for both eyes. It is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home shortly after surgery. The surgeon makes a small incision, through which the folded ICL is inserted and positioned behind the iris. The efficient nature of the surgery minimizes recovery time and allows for a rapid return to daily activities.
5. What specific refractive errors can be corrected effectively with the Visian ICL?
The Visian ICL is primarily designed to correct moderate to high levels of myopia, or nearsightedness. It can address prescriptions that are too severe to be safely treated with standard LASIK. There is also a toric version of the ICL available, which is specifically designed to correct existing astigmatism simultaneously. ICL generally does not correct farsightedness (hyperopia) as effectively as it does nearsightedness.
6. How quickly can a patient expect to achieve clear vision after the ICL implantation?
Many Visian ICL patients report dramatic improvement in vision almost immediately after the procedure. The quality of vision often continues to sharpen significantly within the first 24 hours. Most patients achieve their final, excellent visual acuity within a few days of the surgery. The rapid visual recovery is a major advantage of the ICL procedure over some other vision correction methods.
7. Will the Visian ICL lens be visible to other people when they look at my eye?
No, the Visian ICL lens is designed to be completely invisible to observers when placed correctly. The lens is positioned within the posterior chamber, nestled behind the iris, which is the colored part of your eye. Since it is entirely internal and clear, the ICL does not change the appearance of your eyes. Only an eye care professional using specialized equipment can detect the lens.
8. What material is the Visian ICL made from, and why is that important?
The Visian ICL is made from a unique, highly biocompatible material called Collamer, which is a collagen copolymer. This material is soft, flexible, and chemically inert, making it well-suited to the eye’s natural chemistry. Collamer also contains a UV-blocker for added internal eye protection. This composition ensures the lens remains stable and healthy within the eye indefinitely without causing irritation.
9. Is the Visian ICL procedure considered permanent, or does it eventually need replacement?
The Visian ICL is intended to be a permanent vision correction solution that lasts a patient’s lifetime. The lens does not degrade or require replacement under normal circumstances. However, one key advantage over LASIK is that the procedure is technically reversible, as the lens can be surgically removed if necessary. Unlike the natural lens, the ICL does not age or harden, providing long-term stable clarity.
10. Can the Visian ICL prevent the need for reading glasses as I get older (presbyopia)?
No, the standard Visian ICL corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness but does not prevent presbyopia. Presbyopia is the age-related difficulty seeing up close, which is caused by the stiffening of the eye’s natural lens. While the ICL provides excellent distance vision, patients over 45 may still eventually require reading glasses for close tasks. Your doctor may discuss customized options, such as monovision to reduce this need.