The ophthalmic surgeons at UT Southwestern's Laser Center for Vision Care offer an exciting new technology that improves our ability to create clear, natural vision for nearsighted patients who are not good candidates for LASIK.  The VISIAN ICL^TM is implanted in the eye and designed to remain indefinitely, correcting the vision of patients whose eyes are beyond the limits of treatment with LASIK, in eyes with corneas that are too thin for LASIK, in patients with dry eyes, and other conditions that made them not good candidates for corneal refractive surgery such as LASIK, LASEK, or PRK.

Marketed under the brand name VISIAN ICL^TM, the STAAR ICL^TM is a refractive implant intended for placement in the posterior chamber of the eye, behind the iris/pupil and in front of the natural lens.  It is also known as a phakic IOL.  "Phakic" means that the natural lens is not removed during the procedure, and "IOL" means intraocular lens, or a lens inside the eye.

The best candidates for the VISIAN ICL^TM are between the ages of 21 and 50, with moderate to severe nearsightedness.  It is best if the candidate has not had any previous ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic retinopathy.

If there are major changes in a patient's vision, the ICL can easily be removed and replaced, or another procedure can be done at any time.  With the ICL, patients can still wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary.  The ICL does not help presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to age.

The ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means the patient has surgery and leaves the same day.  There is very little discomfort, and normally no pain, associated with the procedure.  Some drops will be prescribed and a follow-up visit scheduled for the day after surgery.

There are three basic steps in the implantation of the VISIAN ICL^TM:

• A small (approx. 3mm) incision is made in the eye;
• The ICL is folded, placed into an inserter, and injected into the eye, where it gently unfolds;
• The ICL is gently positioned in the eye

ICLS are intended to remain in place without maintenance.  If it becomes necessary, for any reason, they can be easily removed by a trained ophthalmic surgeon.  The implantation of the VISIAN ICL^TM is an elective procedure that is not covered by medical or vision insurance plans.

To learn more about the VISIAN ICL^TM, register for a free educational seminar today.