Visian ICL™, also called an Implantable Collamer® Lens, is a refractive implant to correct common vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike some other vision correction options, the Visian ICL™ is an additive technology that fixes vision without removing any corneal tissue. The Visian ICL™ targets to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. Unlike most other refractive solutions, Visian ICL™ is removable.

What Is ICL eye surgery?

An ICL (Implantableng an ICL. The lens is placed between the eye’s natural lens and the colored iris by a surgeon. T Collamer Lens) is a permanent artificial lens implanted in the eye. Surgery requires an Implantihe lens that works with the eye’s natural lens to bend (refract) light onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

The ICL is made of plastic and Collamer, which is a type of collagen. It’s a phakic intraocular lens of some sort. The term “phakic” refers to inserting the lens into the eye without removing the natural lens.

Although ICL surgery isn’t needed to fix vision issues, it can help you prevent or minimize the need for glasses or contact lenses.

It’s also a viable choice for those who are unable to undergo laser eye surgery. ICL surgery, like most procedures, isn’t for everyone.

How ICL eye surgery works?

One week before the surgery, you’ll see your ophthalmologist. They’ll use a laser to create tiny holes between your natural lens and the front of your eye (anterior chamber). After the procedure, this will prevent pressure and fluid buildup in the eye. Several days before surgery, you might be given antibiotics or anti-inflammatory eye drops.

An eye surgeon operates. Here’s how it usually goes:

1. You’ll lie down on your back. A topical or local anesthetic will be added to your skin. This numbs your eye and stops you from feeling something.
2. To help you relax, you may be given a mild sedative. You may even have an injection in the eye to keep you from moving it for a while.
3. Your surgeon will wash the eye and the area surrounding it. He will use a tool called a lid speculum to hold the eyelids open.
4. A tiny incision will be made in your eye by your surgeon. A lubricant will be added to your cornea to secure it.
5. The ICL will be inserted through the incision. Since the lens is so thin, it can be folded and then unfolded in the eye.
6. Your surgeon will extract the lubricant. They can close the incision with tiny stitches, depending on the incision.
7. They’ll add eye drops or ointment to the infected eye before covering it with an eye patch.
8. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete the operation. Following that, you’ll be taken to a recovery room and closely monitored for a few hours.
9. For pain, your doctor can prescribe eye drops or oral medication. You can return home the same day, but you’ll need to arrange transportation.
10. The following day, you’ll have a follow-up appointment. Your eye will be examined, and your surgeon will monitor your progress.

You’ll have follow-up appointments one month and six months after surgery over the next year. Once a year, the doctor will make you return for routine checkups.

Benefits of ICL?

The ICL can now provide these patients with the same lifestyle improvement that LASIK surgery has offered to millions of people. ICLs provide the same vision correction as contact lenses, but they don’t need to be washed or disinfected regularly.

Another advantage of the treatment is that it can be reversed if the prescription changes dramatically, unlike LASIK. These lenses are rarely required since, after puberty, the refraction remains constant until about 40 or older, when age-related changes begin. The ICL may be surgically removed or replaced because it does not permanently affect your cornea or any other part of your eye. The lens is simply inserted to assist the role of your eye’s natural lens.

ICL risks:

Though ICL surgery has shown to be effective, it sometimes can result in complications such as:

• If the ICL is oversized or poorly placed, it can increase eye pressure. Glaucoma may grow as a result of this.
• If you have high eye pressure for an extended period, you may lose your vision.
• An ICL can reduce fluid circulation in your eye, putting you at risk for cataracts. This can also happen if the ICL does not fit well or causes chronic inflammation.
• Cataracts and glaucoma both cause blurry vision. If the lens isn’t the right size, you may experience other visual issues such as glare or double vision.
• Endothelial cells in the cornea are reduced as a result of eye surgery and aging. If the cells die too quickly, a cloudy cornea and vision loss may result.
• Your retina may detach from its normal position as a result of eye surgery. It’s a rare complication that necessitates immediate medical attention.
• This is another unusual side effect. It has the potential to cause permanent vision loss.
• You may require additional surgery to remove the lens and correct any issues that have arisen.

Who Is An ICL Candidate?

Individuals with nearsightedness ranging from mild to severe could be good candidates for ICL. Patients who do not qualify for LASIK due to high prescriptions, thin corneas, dry eye syndrome, or large pupils can benefit from this procedure. ICL patients should be between the ages of 21 and 45 and have nearsightedness of -3 to -15 diopters, according to the FDA.

Patients with myopia or astigmatism greater than -15 diopters may be able to have a LASIK touch-up procedure to correct residual myopia or astigmatism. ICL surgery patients are also advised not to drive for a day or two after surgery to allow their eyes to adapt to the inserted lenses. If not, you will be able to return to work or your usual routine the next day.

Precautionary Measures

Not everyone is the right candidate for ICL surgery. If you’re thinking about the procedure, consult a doctor to see if it’s right for you.

He will ask the following questions to see whether if surgery is a good option for you:

• Are you pregnant or nursing a child?
• Are you under 21 years?
• Are you older than 45 years?
• Do you have a chronic disease that causes hormone fluctuations?
• Are you taking medication that can cause vision changes?
• Do you have a condition that impairs wound healing?
• Also, he will check if you meet the minimum endothelial cell count requirements.

You’ll also need to take other precautions before the surgery. For example, in the weeks leading up to the procedure, you’ll have to stop wearing contact lenses. Your doctor can advise you on the best safety precautions to take in your situation.

LASIK vs. ICL surgery

Another form of eye surgery is LASIK. It’s used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, much like ICL surgery. However, instead of implanting a permanent lens, it corrects vision issues with a laser. LASIK is an abbreviation for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

A surgeon uses a cutting laser to slice a flap in the front of the eye. They then extract a thin piece of tissue from the cornea with a programmed laser. As a consequence, the light will refract on the retina, enhancing vision. The flap is then returned to its original location after the surgery is finished. It usually heals without the need for stitches.

If you have a thin or irregular cornea, you might not be the right candidate for LASIK because it removes tissue from the cornea. ICL surgery could be a safer option in this situation.

Is Visian ICL™ Right for Me?

Visian ICL™ is well-suited for a wide variety of people. Ideal candidates for Visian ICL™ are aged 21 to 45 with nearsightedness and astigmatism who have maintained a stable prescription for at least one year. Visian ICL™ is not an option for patients who are pregnant, nursing, or those with a history of eye disease. If you seek a solution to decrease or eliminate the cost or frustration of regular contact lenses or glasses, Visian ICL™ may be your answer. Sign up for a free consultation with Dr. Hamilton today to discuss if Visian ICL is right for you.