THE VISIAN ICL ™
A NEW IMPLANTABLE LENS 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 -15 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.
Nearsightedness is a type of focusing error that results in blurry distant vision. Light from a distant object focuses in front of the retina, rather than on the retina. 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.
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.
If you want this surgery, you must:
The YAG iridotomy procedure is necessary to make sure the fluid flows properly from the back chamber to the front chamber of the eye to prevent a buildup of pressure within the eye after Visian surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Whitsett applies numbing drops to the eye and makes tiny openings in the colored portion of the eye with a laser beam. Usually this doesn’t affect your ability to drive home after this procedure.
The actual Visian ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis (same day), however, someone is needed to drive the patient home on surgery day. A light, topical or local anesthetic is administered. A small incision is made into your cornea and the Visian ICL is inserted and positioned in its proper place. There should be little discomfort during or after surgery. The procedure usually takes only 20 to 30 minutes or less. Some eye drops or medication may be prescribed and you will visit with me the day after surgery.
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.
If you are interested in learning more and determining if you are a candidate, please take advantage of our COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION (Merlin, make this a link to the contact us form). As with any surgery, risks and complications may occur. I will be glad to discuss these during our COMPLIMENTARY consultation. As always, I am personally involved in these consultations – and will be glad to answer your questions privately.
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