Visian ICL FAQs

What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is a common vision error in which light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina, rather than on the back of the eye. This results in blurry vision and difficulty seeing anything at a distance. The Visian ICL is designed to correct this problem permanently by focusing light correctly on the retina.

Who is a candidate for Visian ICL?
You must be between 21 and 45 years of age with moderate to severe nearsightedness. In addition there must be no significant changes to your vision in the last year and no history of eye surgery or eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or infections to the iris. The Visian ICL is intended for the correction of myopia ranging from -3 to -20 diopters with less than or equal to 2.5D of astigmatism at the spectacle plane; and adults 21-45 years of age with an anterior chamber depth of 3.00 mm or greater.

How is the Visian ICL different from iLASIK?
The Visian ICL corrects vision errors without removing corneal tissue and changing the shape or structure of the eye. However, it is considered a more invasive procedure than LASIK, which is why it is usually prescribed for people who are not good candidates for laser vision correction.

What can I expect during the Visian ICL procedure?
The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is done in the office on an outpatient basis. Local or topical anesthesia is used to minimize any discomfort. The Visian ICL is a foldable intraocular lens, which means it can be inserted through a very tiny incision in the eye about 3 mm in diameter that does not require stitches. The lens will unfold naturally when it is inside the eye.

Is it safe?
The Visian ICL lens has been shown to be very safe and effective. It received FDA approval in December 2005, and has been implanted in 45,000 eyes worldwide.

How effective will the Visian ICL be in improving my vision?
U.S. FDA clinical results after three years showed that 94.7% of patients achieved 20/40 eyesight or better without glasses or contact lenses, allowing them to drive a car without the need for corrective eyewear. Fifty-nine percent achieved 20/20 vision. And more than 92% of patients reported they were very satisfied or extremely satisfied with the improvement to their eyesight after receiving the Visian ICL.

What is a Phakic lens?
The Visian ICL is one of several Phakic lenses. A Phakic lens means that the natural lens of the eye is not removed, but remains in place behind the new artificial lens. In contrast, during cataract surgery, the natural lens, which has become cloudy and damaged, is removed before a new implant is inserted.

Is there any risk with Visian ICL?
Surgery always carries the potential for risk, but generally the risk for Phakic lens implants is low. However, there are possible complications or side effects from the Visian ICL. Dr. Christenbury will carefully screen potential candidates for these new lens implants to ensure the best outcome.

How long can the Visian ICL stay inside the eye?
The Visian ICL is designed to remain inside the eye indefinitely. It is a permanent contact lens that is maintenance-free and only requires a yearly follow-up exam with Dr. Christenbury. However, the lens can be removed at any time in the future if it becomes necessary.

What is the lens made of?
The Visian is made of a proprietary Staar Surgical material that is composed of pure collagen and a hydrophilic copolymer with a UV absorbent chromophore. These materials are biocompatible with the body, which means they are gentle on the eyes, very stable and do not cause any reaction inside the eye.

Will I be able to see or feel the lens?
No. The Visian is placed inside the eye in front of the natural lens and behind the iris, the colored part of the eye. It is virtually invisible to both the patient and an observer. It can only be seen by the doctor during an eye exam. The lens is also designed so it can not be felt by the patient. Once it is inserted into the eye it remains in place permanently.

When should it not be used?
Patients may not qualify for the Visian ICL depending on the size of their pupil, the depth of the front portion of the eye and the number of cells (density) underneath the cornea. Here are the guidelines for patients who would not be good candidates for the Visian ICL:

have an anterior chamber depth less than 3.0 mm as determined by their eye doctor or have an anterior chamber angle less than Grade II as determined by gonioscopic examination
do not meet the minimum endothelial cell density as specified in the labeling
are pregnant or nursing