The implantation procedure for the Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) is refractive eye surgery that involves a procedure similar to the intraocular lens (IOL) implantation performed during cataract surgery. The main difference is that, unlike cataract surgery, the ICL eye surgery does not require the removal of the eye's crystalline lens.
The Visian ICL procedure is a relatively short outpatient procedure that involves several important steps.
You should locate a certified Visian ICL eye doctor that you feel comfortable with and schedule an appointment. After a comprehensive eye examination, the ophthalmologist will discuss various refractive surgery options including the implantation of a phakic IOL (like the Visian ICL) and/or laser refractive surgery.
Based on your level of refractive error, eye health, medical history, and desired outcome for refractive surgery, your eye surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for the Visian ICL.
About one to two weeks prior to the insertion of the Visian ICL your ophthalmologist will perform a YAG laser iridotomy. During this procedure, your surgeon will use a YAG laser to make one or two small openings near the edge of your iris, which is the colored part of the eye. These openings serve as outlets that will allow the fluid in your eye to circulate around the lens.
Prior to creating the small openings in the eye with the laser, the doctor will apply numbing drops to make the procedure more comfortable. The ophthalmologist will then prescribe eye drops for you to use during the weeks leading up to the Visian ICL procedure.
The entire surgical procedure will take about 15 to 30 minutes and most patients say it is relatively painless because of the numbing agents used. Someone will need to drive you home following the procedure.
On the day of your procedure, prior to surgery, your surgeon will administer topical anesthesia to minimize discomfort, however you may still feel pressure in your eye. Additionally, you may or may not be given a sedative.
Once you are comfortable, your surgeon will begin the procedure. First, the doctor will create two small openings at the base of your cornea that will be used to position the lens.
Next, a gel-like substance will be placed inside your eye to protect the eye during lens placement. This gel will be removed at the end of the procedure.
Following placement of the gel, a small incision will be made, through which the lens will be inserted.
The next step is injection of the lens. Prior to surgery, your ICL was selected based on your individual prescription. The lens was folded and loaded into a small cartridge which will now be placed through the incision. As the lens is injected, it will gently unfold in your eye. Special marks on the lens ensure proper positioning. Once the lens has fully unfolded, the four corners of the lens will be placed behind your iris. This makes the lens invisible to both you and others.
Once the lens is in place, your surgeon will remove the gel-like substance.
To complete the procedure, the surgeon will instill eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. You will continue to use these drops for several days after your procedure.
Because the incision made during surgery is so small, sutures are typically not needed following the Visian ICL eye surgery. For comfort and protection, the doctor may cover the eye with a patch or shield and prescribe drops or medication.
You will not be able to drive after the Visian ICL eye surgery, so it is important that you arrange for transportation home.
Within 24 hours of undergoing the Visian ICL eye surgery, the patient should have a follow-up visit with the ophthalmologist. The doctor will monitor the eye's intraocular pressure and will discuss your progress.
Patients need to follow physician instructions, especially regarding the needed use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications during the week following the refractive surgery.
Patients should contact their eye surgeon immediately if they experience severe eye pain or a sudden decrease in vision.
Improved vision may be evident the same day as the Visian ICL eye surgery, and you can expect a quick visual recovery. For more information on the Visian ICL refractive eye surgery, contact STAAR® Surgical Company today.
To learn more about the Visian ICL refractive eye surgery, contact STAAR Surgical Company.
When researching Visian ICL, you may encounter unfamiliar terminology related to this and other products and procedures. For your convenience, the Visian ICL Glossary defines many of the ophthalmic terms used throughout this website.