The Visian ICL™: For Patients
Who are Extremely Nearsighted
The Visian ICL™ is an implantable lens, one of the latest advances in vision correction that helps individuals 21 to 50 who have nearsightedness between -3 and up to -20 diopters with 2.5 diopters or less of astigmatism. Previously, patients with high myopia were sometimes unable to experience the benefits of other refractive procedures such as LASIK or PRK.
The Visian ICL can correct nearsightedness up to -15 diopters, and reduce nearsightedness in individuals with refractive errors greater than -15 up to -20.
During a same-day, outpatient procedure, the Visian ICL is surgically placed entirely within the posterior chamber (back chamber of the eye) directly behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the anterior capsule (front surface) of the crystalline lens (lens in the eye). When correctly positioned, the Visian ICL functions to focus light properly on the retina.
It is made of a soft plastic and stable, biocompatible material called Collamer – a collagen co-polymer developed by the manufacturer STAAR surgical -- that does not cause a reaction inside of the eye. The Visian ICL is intended to remain in place without maintenance. In most instances, Dr. Whitsett can remove or adjust your Visian ICL in the future.
Of the original 294 patients to receive this lens, after three years 94.7 percent saw 20/40 or better without glasses or contacts: 92.1 percent were very satisfied; 77 percent rated their quality of vision very good/excellent (an increase of 22%), and most experienced no to mild glare, night vision and/or night driving difficulties.