Vision Correction with Implantable Corrective Lens (ICL)

Although laser refractive surgery (PRK and LASIK) is the most widely used alternative for surgically correcting focusing problems, a procedure known as Implantable Corrective Lens (also known as Implantable Contact Lens or Visian ICL) provides another option for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike other methods of refractive surgery, which alter the shape of the cornea, the ICL does not affect the cornea's shape. The refractive principles of the Implantable Corrective Lens are well proven, they are the same as those used with glasses and contact lenses.

The Implantable Corrective Lens Procedure

The Visian ICL is similar in design to implants inserted routinely during cataract surgery. The implant focuses light rays onto the retina resulting in clearer vision. It is the only minimally invasive foldable lens of its kind approved for the U.S. market by the Food and Drug Administration. As a result of the unique foldable design, the ICL procedure allows an incision up to 50% smaller than competing technology. The procedure directly implants a lens made of biocompatible material directly behind the iris and in front of the eye's natural lens. It does not alter the patient's own crystalline lens. The surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, immediately correcting vision problems. It promises dramatic results that are predictable through a virtually painless procedure. Prior to the ICL treatment, a preoperative Nd:YAG laser Iridotomy is performed. This procedure creates 2 small holes in the iris to ensure that intraocular fluid does not build up behind the ICL resulting in secondary glaucoma - an eye pressure problem.

The Advantages VisiAn ICL Offers

Quality of Vision

The Visian ICL offers unparalleled quality of vision. Two unique factors help explain this superior optical performance. First, the Visian ICL is made of Collamer - a soft, flexible lens material that contains a small amount of collagen - making the lens extremely biocompatible for a lifetime of clear vision. Second, the lens is placed inside of the eye, where it continues to focus light accurately without any maintenance required.

Safety

The Visian ICL is inserted into the eye by an ophthalmologist through a small, micro incision. The lens unfolds in the eye and is positioned between the iris and the natural lens where it stays indefinitely. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Advanced Lens Material

The Visian ICL is made of Collamer, an advanced lens material that has unique properties. Collamer transmits light and reduces reflections that can interfere with vision, so you see clearly. Made of a copolymer and collagen, Collamer is also highly biocompatible. It allows the Visian ICL to rest quietly in position while accurately correcting vision. Collamer is the only lens material made with collagen - the best choice for a lens that is going to remain inside your body for a lifetime.

Removable

The Visian ICL does not alter any structures within the eye or on the cornea. If necessary, it can be removed from the eye by a simple procedure.

Invisible and Undetectable

You won't be able to see the Visian ICL in your eye, and neither will anybody else. Exceptional quality of vision will be the only reminder that you have had 21st century vision correction.

The Implantable Contact Lens FAQ's

Who are the best candidates for the ICL?

People with thick glasses, excessively dry eyes, or corneas that are too thin or flat for LASIK are among the best candidates for the ICL. To determine if you are a suitable candidate, contact us to schedule an evaluation at 336-230-1010.
What will it accomplish?

The Visian ICL™ may reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. In a clinical study of 294 patients implanted with the Visian ICL™, 95 percent had 20/40 or better vision (considered standard vision necessary to obtain a driver's license), and 59 percent had 20/20 or better after three years.

Can both eyes be operated on at once? If not, how long must I wait to have an ICL implanted in the other eye?

For safety, one eye is operated on at a time. Once you are comfortable with the visual results of the first eye (generally 1-4 weeks) then the second eye may be implanted with the ICL.

Is the ICL better than Laser Vision Correction with PRK or LASIK?

In general an ICL is better suited in patients requiring correction of severe myopia (nearsightedness) because, it spares the excessive cornea flattening associated with LASIK. In these circumstances, it is not unusual for an ICL to provide better visual quality than LASIK. In fact, certain ICL-implanted patients are actually able to see better than they could with glasses or contacts. LASIK rarely provides such an optical benefit in this patient population.

Also, if a -10.0 D myope were treated with LASIK, about 40% of the cornea thickness must be removed by the excimer laser to achieve the corneal flattening required to neutralize the refractive error. Thinning and flattening the cornea this much may lead to night vision disturbances such as glare/haloes, degrade the sensitive optics of the eye in all lighting conditions, and potentially lead to a severe instability and distortion of the cornea called Keratoconus.

The ICL may also be preferable in older patients that may be expected to develop cataracts; the ICL can easily be removed should cataract surgery become necessary.

On the other hand, in younger, less nearsighted patients with corneas that are not too thin, Laser Vision Correction is preferred.

Can the ICL dry out or become soiled or damaged like a contact lens?

No. The ICL is designed to remain in place within the eye without maintenance. We recommend an annual eye examination to make sure that everything is fine.

Can I feel the ICL once it is in place?

The ICL is not noticeable after it is implanted. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and does not move around after it is in position.

If I receive an ICL will I always remain free of corrective lenses?

After ICL implantation, glasses or contact lenses may be worn if necessary. Some people may still need glasses for night driving and other activities preformed in low light conditions even after ICL implantation. Some may benefit by having supplemental Laser Vision Correction to "fine tune" their result. The ICL does not help presbyopia--the need for reading glasses due to age. If a dramatic shift in the prescription occurs due to progressive cataract formation, the ICL can be removed and cataract surgery with lens implantation may be performed.

What should I expect if I have an ICL and eventually need cataract surgery?

Many patients who developed cataracts years after they had a cornea refractive procedure (LASIK, PRK, RK) have had successful cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with excellent results. However, the required implant power is sometimes difficult to predict, and the optics of this combination are typically not quite as good as the same theoretical patient who develops a cataract years after ICL implantation. In the latter case, the ICL is easily removed, the original corneal curvature is preserved and cataract surgery with an intraocular lens is implanted, yielding superior optical results.

Are there risks to ICL implantation?

No surgical procedure is risk-free. The proximity of the ICL to the iris and natural lens raises the possibility of late onset pigment dispersion syndrome or lens opacities (cataracts). Fortunately, both are rare. Lens opacities occurred in < 1% of patients in the FDA Study at three-year follow-up and are considered far easier to fix than corneal complications following LASIK surgery. Current evidence supports the ICL as being a very effective option for most patients who are suitable candidates. Your doctor will provide a more thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of this procedure during your office visit. With this information, you can make an informed decision about choosing this or other options available to reduce or eliminate your myopia (nearsightedness).