What is the Visian ICL?
The Visian ICL is a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) used during refractive surgery for correcting myopia and hyperopia, with or without astigmatism. Unlike the IOLs that are used during cataract surgery, the Visian ICL does not replace the eye’s natural lens. Instead, it is placed behind the iris, in front of the natural lens. Because the phakic IOL does not replace the lens, but supplements the lens, it is like a prescription contact lens. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as an implantable contact lens. The best candidates for the Visian Lens are between 20 and 50 years old, with moderate to high levels of myopia, and healthy eyes.
What Makes the Visian ICL different?
The Visian ICL is often informally called an implantable contact lens, however, ICL actually stands for Implantable Collamer Lens which identifies the unique material that the lens is made of. Unlike other phakic IOLs, the Visian ICL is made from Collamer, a unique organic lens material designed specifically for the Visian lens. This proprietary lens material has greater biocompatibility than acrylic and silicone lenses. The Visian ICL is also foldable, requiring a smaller incision during the surgical procedure than the other available lenses. This smaller incision is seen as less invasive, does not require sutures, and is astigmatically neutral. Another advantage to the Visian ICL is that while it is meant to stay in the eye indefinitely, if a patient’s vision changes, the Visian ICL can be removed or exchanged by a trained ophthalmic surgeon, such as Dr. Harry Koster.
Who is a Candidate?
If you are between 21 and 45 and nearsighted, you are an excellent candidate for the Visian ICL. It is preferable that you have had no previous ophthalmic surgery or history of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy.
Other symptoms that may make you a good candidate include if a patient has:
- Thin Corneas: the Visian ICL does not have any effect on the cornea and may be appropriate if you have thin corneas.
- Dry Eyes: Visian ICL does not cause or contribute to dry eyes. If you have dry eyes, ask your doctor if the Visian ICL may be the best vision correction option for you.
Clinical Results
Since 2006, the Visian ICL has been improving the vision of the bravest people in our nation under the harshest conditions imaginable.
In fact, surgeons in the US Military have implanted over 5,000 Visian ICLs with results that are nothing short of heroic:
- More than 98% of patients had 20/20 visual acuity or better
- 100% were able to see better than before surgery wearing contacts or glasses
- 100% believe they function and perform better
Prior to being placed on the market, the Visian ICL was subject to extensive research and development. Today, more than 300,000 people worldwide enjoy the benefits of the device. In the US clinical study, over 99 percent of patients were satisfied with their implant. The Visian ICL has a track record of stable, consistently excellent clinical outcomes. The lens has been available internationally for over 15 years.
