Visian Implantable Collamer Lens™

Beyond LASIK, one of the most exciting advancements for vision correction is now available. Implantable lenses, long used for treatment of cataracts, are now available for patients seeking vision correction.

With the Visian ICL, you can achieve high definition vision with a more reversible procedure. Rather than changing the shape of the cornea as in LASIK eye surgery, implantable lenses are placed inside the eye to enhance the focusing abilities of the eye's natural lens providing excellent quality of vision. Should your prescription change, the lens is removable and replaceable to maintain your vision for years to come.

The Visian ICL™, sometimes referred to as the implantable contact lens, is FDA approved to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness, as well as moderate astigmatism. Dr. Parkhurst is one of the most experienced ICL surgeons in the country. For those who qualify, Dr. Parkhurst believes this is the best option available for vision correction, and he specifically chose this procedure for his wife, Heather.

What is the Visian ICL™?

The Visian ICL™ is a special contact lens that is implanted inside the eye and works with the eye's natural lens to produce sharp, clear vision. Crafted from Collamer®, an advanced biocompatible material, the Visian ICL™ is safe and long lasting.

Visian ICL™ Candidates

The Visian ICL is intended for use by patients between the ages of 21 and 45 who are nearsighted and have no previous history of ophthalmic disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. Among patients who fit into the above demographic, the Visian ICL™ is also an excellent option for those who do not meet the eligibility requirements for LASIK. For example, patients with extremely thin corneas or those predisposed to dry eye syndrome might have less than optimal results from LASIK. However, the Visian ICL™ requires no change to the cornea and does not contribute to such conditions as dry eye, making it an excellent choice for these patients. The only way to determine if you are a candidate for the ICL is to have a thorough ophthalmic exam by a doctor familiar with this exciting technology.

The Visian ICL™ Procedure

During the ICL procedure, your eye will be numbed and a local anesthesia will be administered. There is little to no discomfort. Some drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed and a post-operative visit will be scheduled for the day after surgery. Patients are advised to arrange for someone to drive them to and from surgery.

Advantages of the Visian ICL™

More and more patients choose the Visian ICL™ because of its clear advantages over glasses, contacts, and, in some cases, LASIK and PRK.

• The Visian Implantable Contact Lens is designed to stay forever, but unlike LASIK, it is also completely removable and replaceable. If your prescription changes dramatically in the years following the implantation procedure, the lenses can be replaced easily.
• Most patients who receive the Visian ICL™ never need to have any replacement or maintenance on the lenses at all.
• Because Implantable Corrective Lenses do not disturb or change the corneal surface, side effects sometimes seen with LASIK such as halos, glare, and corneal flap complications are minimized or eliminated.
• Possibly the biggest advantage of the Visian ICL™ is that more patients than ever before are able to undergo surgical vision correction. People who cannot undergo LASIK, such as those with thin corneas, chronically dry eyes, or extreme refractive error, can enjoy the benefits of the Visian ICL™.

With more options than ever before now available for vision correction, you owe it to yourself to consult with McFarland Eye Centers first. A complimentary consultation will help determine which procedure is best for your eyes.