Common Questions About the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens

• Who is a candidate for the ICL?

The best candidates for the Visian ICL are between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe myopia. It is best if the patient has not had any previous eye surgery and does not have any previous history of eye disease such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic eye disease.

• What are the advantages of the ICL?

The Visian ICL is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness without the need to remove corneal tissue. When properly implanted, the ICL provides predictable results and quality of vision due to its position inside the eye, as well as its optical characteristics. The lens is made of a biocompatible lens material called Collamer which is well tolerated by the eye.

• 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 ICL, one can still wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary and may even be able to have LASIK or another refractive procedure to fully correct their vision. The ICL does not prevent or  help presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to age.

• Does the 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 yearly examination by your eye surgeon is recommended to make sure that everything is unchanged and well tolerated.

• Can the ICL be seen by the naked eye?

No. Because the ICL is placed behind the iris, neither you, nor an observer will be able to see the lens in place. The visual appearance of the Visian ICL is unnoticeable, and there is no way for anyone other than a trained professional to see that the ICL is in place.

• What is involved in the ICL procedure?

The ICL implant surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can have the implant surgery and go home the same. As with any surgery someone will have to drive you to and from surgery. Either numbing drops and/or a local injection will be administered so that there is very little discomfort and normally no pain associated with the implant procedure. Some drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed and a visit is usually scheduled the day after surgery.

• How long can the ICL stay in the eye?

The Visian ICL is intended to remain in place without maintenance. If it becomes necessary, for any reason, it can be easily removed by a trained eye surgeon.

• Can the ICL be felt once it is in place?

The Visian ICL is not usually noticed by the patient once it is implanted. It does not attach to any tissues within the eye and does not move after it implanted.