LASIK and Surface Ablation today constitute a safe and effective
method of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
for the vast majority of patients seeking correction of their
refractive eye conditions. they are the most common procedures to help
those wishing to eliminate their dependence on eyeglasses and contact
lenses. However, for some patients who are extremely nearsighted or
farsighted, those that have thin corneas, or those that have other
conditions that might predispose them to complications with LASIK,
another alternative might be Implantable Lenses. One such lens is
Visian™ Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL). It is FDA approved and is
readily implanted in your eye behind the iris (the colored part of the
eye), by gently folding it and injecting it through a tiny incision
only 3.0mm in length placed by the eye surgeon at the clear edge of
the cornea.
FAQ about the ICL
- Who is a candidate for the ICL?
The best candidates for the Visian ICL are
between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe myopia. It is
best if the patient has not had any previous eye surgery and does
not have any previous history of eye disease such as glaucoma,
iritis or diabetic eye disease.
- What is involved in the ICL
procedure?
The ICL implant surgery is performed on an
outpatient basis, which means that you can have the implant surgery
and go home the same. As with any surgery someone will have to drive
you to and from surgery. Either numbing drops and/or a local
injection will be administered so that there is very little
discomfort and normally no pain associated with the implant
procedure. Some drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed
and a visit is usually scheduled the day after surgery.
What are the aurgical results?
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. The FDA was
specific in indicating that the Implantable Collamer Lens is
designed for:
- Can the ICL be seen by the naked
eye?
No. Because the ICL is placed behind the iris, neither you, nor an
observer will be able to see the lens in place. The visual appearance
of
the
Visian ICL is unnoticeable, and there is no way for anyone other than
a trained professional to see that the ICL is in place
The Visian ICL is intended to remain in
place without maintenance. If it becomes necessary, for any reason,
it can be easily removed by a trained eye surgeon.
Phakic iol icl beirut
lebanon
