Visian ICL – also called the Implantable Contact Lens
A new solution for highly nearsighted patients in Las Vegas, NV.
If you are a highly myopic or nearsighted patient and doctors have told you that LASIK is not an option, a new intraocular lens implant called the Visian ICL™ might be just the solution. The Visian ICL™ is also known as the Implantable Collamer Lens and the Implantable Contact Lens. This new refractive lens can correct up to -15 diopters of nearsightedness. For many patients that once had to wear “coke bottle” glasses this lens could make a tremendous difference in lifestyle. The Implantable Collamer Lens procedure has been repeatedly improved through years of studies and continued refinement. It has been implanted in Europe for the last ten years with excellent success.
This lens is a posterior chamber implant that is situated behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. It is also known as a Phakic IOL. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that a patient has surgery and leaves the same day. This lens insertion process is different than refractive lensectomy because the natural lens of the eye is left intact instead of being removed.
The Visian ICL™ Surgical Process
Prior to the surgery a surgeon will make two microscopic holes in the iris. Your eye will be numbed, with a light, topical or local anesthetic. Once the eye is numbed the surgeon will make two side port incisions and one main temporal incision. This is critical to the insertion process. Next, the surgeon will insert the Implantable Collamer Lens through the main temporal incision and place the lens behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens. This insertion procedure is typically performed one eye at a time. 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. Patients will be advised to arrange for someone to drive them to and from surgery.
Discuss This Procedure with a Qualified Eye Surgeon
Intraocular eye surgery is a serious process and involves significant training and surgical skill. Not all ophthalmologists are trained nor qualified to perform this type of refractive surgery. The risks of this surgery can be more significant than that of LASIK eye surgery, so it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of this surgery with a qualified and trained Implantable Collamer Lens surgeon. Choosing an eye center with a quality reputation like the Shepherd Eye Center is appropriate when considering this type of surgery.
