What is the Visian ICL?in Boston, MA
Many people that wear glasses or contacts have considered corrective surgery to improve their vision. LASIK is a very popular option for this.
Most patients that want LASIK are good candidates, but not all. Some may not qualify due to reasons beyond their control.
There are alternatives to LASIK for those that still want vision correction. One minimally-invasive option is an Implantable Contact Lens or ICL. Keep reading to learn more about the ICL and how it works!
The Implant
An ICL is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a contact lens that’s inserted into the eye.
The ICL is placed below the iris and over your eye’s natural lens. This allows you to see as though you were wearing corrective contact lenses.
But because it’s implanted in the eye, the ICL is never changed out. It can, however, be removed surgically if need be. Unlike LASIK surgery, the ICL procedure is easy to reverse.
The Visian ICL is made from a material called Collamer. Collamer contains collagen, a protein that occurs naturally in the body.
Because of the material used, the Visian ICL is highly compatible with your eye. This makes it pliable and easy to implant. And, as a bonus, Collamer naturally protects your eyes against harmful UV rays.
The Procedure
Visian ICL surgery is quick and painless. First, the surgeon will numb the eyes using eye drops. Then, they will create a small incision in the eye to insert the ICL through.
The ICL is then inserted and folded up tightly, where it unfurls and sits at the back of the iris. Then the procedure is finished. There is no need for any sutures as the incisions are small enough that they close up on their own.
Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, recovery is also fast. LASIK can take months to fully heal, which is not the case with the ICL procedure.
Implanting an ICL only requires a couple of incisions. Most patients heal in a matter of days or weeks. There is also a lower risk of developing complications like dry eye after the procedure.
Is The Visian ICL Right for You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for the Visian ICL. For instance, it cannot correct farsightedness or extreme astigmatism.
But it can correct up to -15.00 diopters of nearsightedness, which is more than LASIK can correct. If you’re extremely nearsighted, Visian ICL is an excellent choice for vision correction.
Even if you’re mildly nearsighted, this procedure is a good choice for those who don’t qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas or large pupils. It’s also a good option for those who do qualify for LASIK but prefer a less invasive, reversible procedure.
Additionally, if you have a history of dry eye, Visian ICL is a safer option than LASIK or other laser surgeries like PRK.
There are risks associated with any surgery, and that includes the Visian ICL. The procedure is safe and effective, but you should always be aware of any potential complications, even if they’re rare.
Be sure to have an honest discussion with your eye care professional to decide if the Visian ICL is right for you.
Wondering if the Visian ICL may be the right method of vision correction for you? Schedule an appointment at The Nielsen Eye Center in Boston, MA.
Call The Nielsen Eye Center at 617-471-5665, where you can speak to one of our Patient Advocates. If you want to see clearly and you want to learn about all your options, the Visian ICL is something to consider!
