Should I Get the Visian ICL if I’m Not a LASIK Candidate?
July 25th, 2022
If you’re nearsighted and itching for visual freedom, or if you’re ready to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts, the Visian ICL may be right for you. This permanent vision correction procedure can help assist you in accomplishing your visual goals if you do not qualify for LASIK.Â
Keep reading to learn more about the Visian ICL and if you should consider this procedure if you’re not a LASIK candidate!
Another Choice For Vision Correction
Eye doctors often do not recommend LASIK surgery if your corneas are thin or if you have chronic dry eye. However, even if you are not qualified as a candidate for LASIK, other options may help reduce your dependence on contact lenses and glasses, such as the Visian ICL.
How Visian ICL works
Experts developed the Visian ICL for individuals with myopia, also known as nearsightedness, and those with astigmatism. It’s a phakic intraocular lens, which means that the lens is implanted into the eye without removing the eye’s natural lens.
Visian ICL is unique because it’s a foldable lens. First, your eye doctor will create a small incision in your cornea.
Next, your eye doctor will fold the lens and insert it into the eye, unfold it, and implant it behind your natural lens. Though you may not have heard of it, it’s widespread use in the U.S. since 2005.
Safe and effective, eye surgeons have implanted the Visian ICL in over a million patients worldwide.
C is for Collamer
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. The lens material is Collamer, a collagen copolymer that contains a small amount of purified collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons as it holds the body together. Synthetic collagen is used in cosmetics and for medical applications such as the repair of body tissues.
In fact, the collagen used is similar to the collagen found in your cornea. Collamer, is a material unique to Visian ICL.
In addition to the purified collagen, the lens uses a material similar to soft contact lenses. It’s biocompatible and won’t react to anything in the eye.
A Lens With UV Protection
The Visian ICL is a lens with an ultraviolet light filter, which offers UV protection similar to what you’d find in sunglasses. The implantation of the Visian ICL is an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll have surgery and leave the same day.
Your eye doctor will be able to complete the procedure in thirty minutes or less, and recovery time is quick.
Will Visian ICL work for you?
To determine if you are a candidate for the Visian ICL, your eye doctor will consider a variety of factors. If you are at least twenty-one years of age, have moderate to severe nearsightedness and astigmatism, and your prescription has not changed for at least one year, you may be a good candidate for Visian ICL.
Visian ICL is an alternative to other refractive surgery such as LASIK and PRK, especially for those with thin corneas, dry eyes, or extreme nearsightedness that does not meet the criteria for LASIK. Once implanted, the Visian ICL remains in place and corrects your vision.
The Visian ICL can be removed by your eye care professional in the future if needed.
Do you want to determine if you may be a good candidate for the Visian ICL? Schedule an appointment at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!
