How do I know if I’m a suitable Visian ICL candidate? Candidates for the Visian ICL are between 21 and 45 years of age, suffer from nearsightedness, and want to experience superior vision correction. The ideal candidate has not undergone any ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of eye disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. Many patients whose corneas are too thin for laser vision correction are ideal candidates for ICL. They are sometimes called High Definition, Permanent Contacts. Please choose from the following to learn more about Visian ICL

What is Visian ICL
The Procedure
FAQ

What Is the Visian ICL?

The Visian ICL is a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) used for correcting nearsightedness. The lens is placed inside the eye and does not require replacement. Unlike IOLs that are used during cataract surgery, the Visian ICL does not replace the eye's natural lens. Instead, the ICL is placed between the iris and the natural lens.

The safety and effectiveness of the Visian ICL implantation procedure has been proven with over 55,000 implants worldwide as well as U.S. FDA approval. Unlike corneal refractive surgery, the Visian ICL does not permanently alter the structure of the eye. Instead, the ICL is placed behind the iris, where it works with the natural lens to provide clear vision.

Does it hurt? No, most patients state that they are very comfortable throughout the procedure. Your surgeon will use topical anesthetic drops prior to the procedure and may choose to administer a light sedative as well.

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The Procedure

The surgical procedure to implant the Visian ICL is simple and painless. It takes about 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, though you will have to make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure. Since the lens is foldable, the incision required is very small and does not require sutures.

Following surgery, you may use prescription eye drops or oral medication. The day after surgery, you will return to your surgeon for a follow-up visit. You will also have follow-up visits one month and six months following the procedure.

The Visian ICL is meant to stay in the eye indefinitely. However, if overcorrection or undercorrection occurs, a complication develops, or a patient's vision changes, the Visian ICL can be removed or exchanged by a trained ophthalmic surgeon.

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Facts & Questions

Is the Visian ICL visible to others? No. The Visian ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and your friends and family. Only your surgeon will be able to tell that you have the lens, and that requires special equipment.

Will I be able to feel the Visian ICL after it is implanted? No, the ICL will be completely unobtrusive after it is put in place. It stays in position by itself and does not cause pain or discomfort.

Do I know anyone who has the Visian ICL? Maybe not personally, but some notable famous recipients are: A.J. Cook from the hit T.V. show Criminal Minds, Edyta Sliwinsky from Dancing with the Stars, and Olympic Bobsled Gold Medal winner Steve Holcomb.

To learn more about the Visian ICL vision correction procedure and how the ICL takes refractive surgery beyond the limits of LASIK, please contact our Refractive Surgery Coordinator Kim at 803-256-0641.

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