Visian ICL ('Implantable Contact Lens')

The ICL is a lens implant which is placed within the eye. Unlike with cataract surgery, where a lens implant is also placed in the eye, this procedure does not require removal of the natural lens of the eye. Although 'bifocal' ReSTOR lenses work by a similar mechanism, they differ from this procedure by requiring removal of the natural lens of the ye.

A thin, biocompatible lens implant is gently placed in front of the natural lens, behind the iris of the eye. This lens can correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and the recovery is generally rapid. Because the lens implant is within the eye, it is not associated with many of the problems associated with current contact lenses such as dry eye and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC).

Patients who are extremely near or far-sighted or are otherwise unable to have LASIK (and who don't have cataracts) are the best candidates for ICL implantation. The procedure is performed as an outpatient on one eye at a time, although the procedures can often be scheduled a week apart. The recovery of vision is fast and the quality of vision is generally good. Small amounts of astigmatism can often be corrected at the same time as the lens is implanted. If a patient is unhappy with the visual correction, the lens can be removed or replaced.

1 Photo and Illustration courtesy of Staar Surgical