Implantable Collamer Lenses
What is the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)?
Visian ICL is an implantable collamer lens that is surgically placed behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), and in front of the natural crystalline lens in order to improve nearsightedness. Visian ICL is an alternative refractive surgery for patients who may not be ideal LASIK or PRK candidates.
What is the difference between LASIK and Visian ICL?
LASIK and Visian ICL are both procedures that can be performed to treat nearsightedness with very similar visual outcomes, however there are some notable differences. LASIK is a procedure where corneal tissue is remolded with a laser to correct for your vision while Visian ICL is an implantable lens that achieves the same result. This means Visian ICL is removable/reversible and the procedure is also available to patients with thin corneas.
Can I Have Visian ICL?
At Brooks Eye Associates, we will perform a comprehensive examination to determine if Visian ICL is the right option for you. It is indicated for patients who are at least 21 years of age who are nearsighted with a stable prescription for at least a year.
What Happens During Visian ICL surgery?
Visian ICL surgery is a quick and painless procedure that generally takes 20-30 minutes or less.
Two to three weeks before your procedure Dr. Brooks will apply numbing drops and create two tiny openings in your iris with an Yttrium-Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser to ensure there is proper fluid flow after the ICL is implanted.
On the day of your procedure we will numb the eye prior to ensure there is no pain. A small corneal incision is created to allow insertion of the lens. Once the lens is inserted, Dr. Brooks will make any necessary adjustments for proper positioning.
Recovery Time
Most patients will have improved vision immediately after the procedure. We will prescribe eye drops intended to prevent infection and improve healing. Your vision will continue to improve over the next 48 hours as they adjust and heal. If you have further questions, please contact Brooks Eye Associates or call (214) 758-7934 today to schedule a screening.
