ICL (IMPLANTABLE CONTACT LENS)
Missoula's local CBS affiliate KPAX' follow-up coverage
of Casey Lang's improved vision; a result of Implantable
Contact Lens surgery performed by Dr. Chad Nedrud
Watch Missoula's KPAX coverage of Missoula's first
implantable contact lens featuring our own Dr. Chad
Nedrud
What Is the Visian ICL?
The Visian ICL is a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) used
during refractive surgery for correcting myopia
(nearsightedness). Unlike IOLs, which are used during
cataract surgery, the Visian ICL does not replace the
eye's natural lens. Instead, the ICL is placed between
the iris and the natural lens to allow the ICL lens to
work with your natural optical system and allow light to
better focus on the retina. Because the phakic IOL does
not replace the lens, but supplements it like a
prescription contact lens on the surface of the eye, it
is sometimes referred to as an implantable contact lens.
The Visian ICL offers another option for treating
myopia. Now, patients who are seeking the latest
approved procedures for vision correction, or who want
to avoid the permanence of laser vision correction, have
another choice for correcting their nearsightedness.
What Makes the Visian ICL Different?
Although the Visian ICL is often informally named an
"implantable contact lens," in the United States, the
acronym ICL in the Visian ICL stands for "Implantable
Collamer Lens." Collamer is the unique material that the
lens is made of.
Quality of Vision
The Visian ICL offers unparalleled quality of vision,
providing excellent contrast. Two unique factors help
explain this superior optical performance. First, the
Visian ICL is made of Collamer – a soft, flexible lens
material that contains a small amount of collagen –
making the lens extremely biocompatible for a lifetime
of clear vision. Second, the lens is placed inside the
eye, where it continues to focus light accurately
without any maintenance required.
Safe, Proven Procedure
The safety and effectiveness of the Visian ICL
implantation procedure has been proven with over 125,000
implants worldwide as well as recent U.S. FDA approval.
Unlike corneal refractive surgery, the Visian ICL does
not permanently alter the structure of the eye. Instead,
the phakic IOL is placed in the eye's posterior chamber,
where it works with the natural lens to correct vision.
Small Incision
Unlike other phakic IOLs, the Visian ICL is foldable.
This feature allows physicians to implant the lens using
a smaller incision. The small incision procedure is a
technique that is familiar to eye surgeons. The Visian
ICL requires a 2.8mm to 3.0mm incision as opposed to the
6.0mm incision required by other FDA-approved phakic
IOLs. This smaller incision is seen as less invasive,
does not require sutures, and is astigmatically neutral.
Removable, if Necessary
Although the Visian ICL is meant to stay in the eye
indefinitely, it is easily removed by a trained
ophthalmic surgeon, leaving the patient’s future options
open.
UV Protection
The Visian ICL features UV eye protection, assisting in
the prevention of the development of various eye
disorders. UV radiation may contribute to the
development of macular degeneration, the leading cause
of vision loss among older Americans; and cataracts, a
major cause of visual impairment and blindness around
the world.
A shorter alternative:
What are the advantages of the Visian ICL?
There are many unique advantages to the Visian ICL,
including:
1. Performance – provides excellent quality of vision
with predictable and stable results.
2. Simplicity – Inserted through a micro-incision
utilizing a procedure that is familiar to the surgeon.
The lens is invisible to both you and observers. It
requires no maintenance.
3. Versatility – Capable of correcting a wide range of
nearsightedness, and is removable if necessary.
4. Biocompatibility – Collamer, an exceptional lens
material offering unparalleled biocompatibility.
5. Safety – Safe, proven procedure that is familiar to
ophthalmologists.
