Visian ICL

STAAR® Surgical Company's Visian ICL™.

For years, the only method of permanent vision correction that didn't involve glasses or contact lenses was corrective laser eye surgery. With the advent of the Visian ICL, however, that's all changed. Now, you can enjoy "High Definition Visian™" - vision correction that's sharper, clearer, more vivid, and has greater depth and dimension - in a simple, 15-minute outpatient procedure. Read on for more information why the Visian ICL could be the best vision correction procedure for you!

 

 

 

 

 

Quality of Vision Excellence - High Definition Visian™

The Visian ICL offers vision correction that's sharper, clearer, more vivid, and has greater depth and dimension than other procedures. The main advantage of the Visian ICL over traditional corrective laser eye surgery is that patients may experience significant improvement in quality of vision after the lens is implanted. When compared to the results of corneal refractive surgery, the Visian ICL may produce superior vision quality as evidenced by fewer higher order aberrations. Patients experience a nearly immediate visual recovery and "Wow!" results.

Technologically Advanced Lens Material

Unlike other phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs), the Visian ICL is made from Collamer, a technologically advanced lens material exclusive to STAAR Surgical Company. Because of the collagen base in Collamer, it is biocompatible with the eye and may provide superior optical performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exceptional Patient Experience

Simple, Safe & Invisible Lens

Because the Visian ICL is implanted in the posterior chamber, behind the iris, unlike other phakic IOLs, the lens is invisible to both the patient and any observer. Also, its positioning in the eye maintains normal iris function, promotes stability, and may reduce potential complications. The entire lens insertion procedure can take as little as 15 minutes!

The "Wow" Factor

After the simple 15-minute outpatient procedure, patients experience an immediate improvement in vision quality and are "Wowed" by the results. In fact, the quality of vision achieved is many times better than any previous vision correction solution.

Short Recovery Time

The recovery time for the Visian ICL is very quick and comfortable, and may be as little as a day, due to the very small size of the incision required. The incision needed to implant the foldable Visian ICL is tiny and located on the far edge of the cornea, where there is little danger of it interfering with vision. Once the lens is implanted, sutures are typically not needed to close the incision, further simplifying the procedure.

Removable

One of the most common concerns that people have about corrective laser eye surgery is that the procedure permanently changes the eye. One of the important advantages of the Visian ICL is that while it can permanently correct your vision, in the unlikely event that an ICL patient experiences negative side effects after surgery, the lens can be removed and/or replaced if necessary. Also, concerns involving the cornea typically do not apply to the Visian ICL, as no natural tissue is removed or changed (reshaped) in any way during implantation.

Unique UV Blocking

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can damage the eyes; and longer term or more intense exposure increases the chance of eye disorders including the development of cataracts and some retinal problems. As an added feature, the Visian ICL advanced lens material contains a UV blocker that actually prevents harmful UVA and UVB rays from entering the eye, possibly preventing the development of UV related eye disorders.

Proven Track Record

Over 15 years of research and development has made the Visian ICL a leader in phakic IOL technology. There have been over 80,000 Visian ICL implants performed worldwide. And when asked about the procedure, over 99% of the patients were highly satisfied.

Wide Treatment Range

The Visian ICL has proven to be effective in patients within a wide range of refractive errors. In fact, the Visian ICL can correct myopia from as low as -3.0 diopters to -16.0 diopters and reduce myopia from -16.0 diopters up to as high as -20.0 diopters with or without astigmatism. Before now, some of these individuals were not candidates for surgical eye correction. Clinical studies have shown how the Visian ICL is truly a breakthrough myopia treatment in terms of vision correction results. Because implantation of the phakic IOL does not require any structural alteration of the eye, results are predictable and very stable.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Visian ICL™

To help you determine whether you might be a good Visian ICL candidate, STAAR® Surgical Company has provided useful Visian ICL information, including the answers to the following frequently asked questions:

How do I know if I'm a suitable Visian ICL candidate?

Candidates for the Visian ICL are between 21 and 45 years of age, suffer from myopia (nearsightedness), and want to experience superior vision correction. The ideal Visian ICL candidate has not undergone any ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of eye disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. Anyone seeking clearer vision may be a Visian ICL candidate, including those with special or extreme vision correction needs.

 

 

 

 

 

Where is the Visian ICL placed?

A qualified ophthalmologist will insert the Visian ICL through a small micro-opening, placing it inside the eye just behind the iris in front of the eye's natural lens. The Visian ICL is designed to stay in position with no special care.

What is the track record of the Visian ICL?

 

Prior to being placed on the market, the Visian ICL was subject to extensive research and development. Today, more than 40,000 people worldwide enjoy the benefits of the device. In US clinical study, over 99 percent of patients were satisfied with their implant. The Visian ICL has a track record of stable, consistently excellent clinical outcomes. The lens has been available internationally for over 15 years.

Does it hurt?

No, most patients state that they are very comfortable throughout the procedure. Your ophthalmologist will use topical anesthetic drops prior to the procedure and may choose to administer a light sedative as well.

What is the Visian ICL made of?

The Visian ICL is made of Collamer, a highly biocompatible advanced lens material which contains a small amount of purified collagen. Collamer does not cause a reaction inside the eye and it contains an ultraviolet blocker that provides protection to the eye. Collamer is a material proprietary to STAAR Surgical Company.

What type of procedure is involved in implanting the Visian ICL?

The surgical procedure to implant the Visian ICL is simple and painless. As a Visian ICL candidate, your surgeon will prepare your eyes one to two weeks prior to the procedure by using a laser to create two very small openings in the colored part of your eye that lies between the lens and the front chamber of your eye. This allows for the natural passage of fluids between the two areas, thereby avoiding the build up of intraocular pressure following the treatment.

 

The implantation procedure itself takes about 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, though you will have to make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure.

 

You can expect to experience very little discomfort during the Visian ICL implantation. You will undergo treatment while under a light topical or local anesthetic, perhaps with the addition of a mild sedative. Following surgery, you may use prescription eye drops or oral medication.

Can the Visian ICL be removed from my eye?

Although the Visian ICL is intended to remain in place permanently, a qualified ophthalmologist can remove the implant if necessary.

Is the Visian ICL visible to others?

No. The Visian ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and observers. Only your surgeon will be able to tell that vision correction has taken place.

Will I be able to feel the Visian ICL once it's in place?

The Visian ICL is designed to be completely unobtrusive after it is put in place. It stays in position by itself and does not interact with any of the eye's structures.