The Visian ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a lens that is permanently implanted in the eye behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. The lens is intended to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia). This type of lens is called a phakic IOL because the eye still has its natural lens.

The Visian ICL is ideal for eyes that are unfit for corneal refractive surgery. This includes people who are severely near-sighted, have thin corneas, large pupils, or suffer from dry eye that could be made worse with LASIK surgery.

Am I a candidate for the Visian ICL?
The best candidates for the Visian ICL are between the ages of 21 and 50, with moderate to severe myopia or hyperopia with or without astigmatism. It is best if the candidate has not had any previous ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic retinopathy.

What are the advantages of the Visian ICL?
The Visian ICL and Toric ICL are capable of correcting a wide range of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism without the removal or destruction of corneal tissue. The Visian ICL is a small, foldable, injectable lens that is inserted through a tiny, 3 mm incision that does not require sutures. The Visian ICL provides predictable refractive outcomes and excellent quality of vision due to its placement inside the eye, as well as its optical performance.

What if my vision changes?
If there are major changes in your vision, the Visian ICL can easily be removed and replaced, or another procedure can be done at any time. With the Visian ICL, one can still wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The Visian ICL does not help presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to age.

Can the Visian ICL dry out or get dirty like a contact lens?
No. The Visian ICL is designed to remain in place within the eye without maintenance. An annual examination done by your ophthalmologist is recommended to make sure that everything is fine.

Can the Visian ICL be seen by the naked eye?
No. Because the lens is positioned behind the iris, neither you, nor an observer will be able to identify the lens in place. The cosmetic appearance of the Visian ICL is perfect, and there is no way for a non-professional to notice that a visual correction is in place.

What are Visian ICLs made of?
The material is called Collamer, a collagen co-polymer that contains a small amount of purified collagen. It is very biocompatible (doesn’t cause a reaction inside the eye) and stable. It also contains an ultraviolet light filter.

What is involved in the Visian ICL procedure?
The Visian ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient has surgery and leaves the same day. Please note that someone will have to drive the patient to and from surgery. 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.

Your surgeon will make a tiny incision in the eye after applying topical anesthesia. The lens is injected into the eye. The Visian ICL gently unfolds and is placed behind the iris.

How long does the Visian ICL stay in the eye?
Visian ICLs are intended to remain in place without maintenance. If it becomes necessary, for any reason, they can be easily removed by your surgeon.

Can the Visian ICL be felt once they are in place?
The Visian ICL is not typically noticeable after it is implanted. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and does not move around after is placed.