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One of the latest IOLs to be approved by the FDA is the Visian ICL™ by STAAR Surgical. The Visian ICL™ is a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens. In other words, the lens is placed behind the iris, where it is practically invisible. The Visian ICL™ is made of Collamer Lens, a proprietary collagen polymer developed by STAAR. This composite material contains a small amount of collagen, which make the lenses more biocompatible.
 

The STAAR Visian ICL™ boasts these advantages:

     •Invisible to others because of its positioning
     •Small incision needed due to foldability
     •Biocompatible Collamer material used
     •Can treat a wide range of prescriptions
     •Over 40,000 implants have been performed

Visian ICL™ FAQ
Who is a candidate for the Visian ICL™?
The ideal candidate is between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia). A medical history of previous eye diseases or ophthalmic surgery might disqualify some candidates.

What if a patient’s vision changes?
If a patient experiences significant changes in vision, the Visian ICL™ can be removed or replaced easily. Patients can also wear corrective glasses or contact lenses if needed. The Visian ICL™ is not intended to treat presbyopia, the need for reading glasses due to age.

Do the lenses dry out or get dirty like contacts?
No. The Visian ICL™ does not require maintenance, however, an annual ophthalmology examination is recommended.

Can the Visian ICL™ be seen by others?
No. Since the lens is positioned behind the iris, the cosmetic appearance of the Visian ICL™ completely natural.

What is the Visian ICL™ made of?
STAAR Surgical developed a proprietary material named Collamer, which is a collagen co-polymer. Because it contains a small amount of purified collagen, the material doesn't cause a reaction inside the eye (biocompatible). Collamer also contains an ultraviolet light filter, which provides additional protection against UV rays.

What is the surgical procedure?
Visian ICL™ refractive surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, however someone needs to drive the patient home afterwards. A light anesthetic is administered before surgery, and the procedure is relatively painless.

     •A minute incision is made in the cornea
     •The Visian ICL™ is inserted into the eye
     •The lens is unfolded and positioned correctly
 

Some medicinal eye drops are often prescribed, and a follow-up visit is typically scheduled for the day after surgery.

Is the Visian ICL™ noticeable after surgery?
The Visian ICL™ typically cannot be felt after implantation. The lenses are not attached to anything within the eyes and do not move around after placement.

To learn more about STAAR Visian ICL™ or to schedule a vision correction consultation, please contact the New England Eye Center today.