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 75,000 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.