(IMPLANTABLE CONTACT LENS) TO CORRECT MYOPIA
Local Ophthalmologist offers Visian ICL tm to Correct Myopia
Lawrence E. Roël, M.D. Ph.D., F.A.C.S. of the Eastside Eye Center in Spartanburg, SC is the first surgeon in the State to implant the Staar Visian Implantable Collamer Lens TM. (ICL) is used to treat varying degrees of nearsightedness to myopic (nearsighted) patients. Dr. Roel performed this surgery in 2002 as part of the preliminary studies prior to receiving FDA approval. The results have been very impressive.
To understand how the lens works, imagine that instead of wearing a contact lens on the outside of the eye, the lens is worn on the inside, making it virtually undetectable to others. The Visian ICL TM corrects nearsightedness when it is implanted just behind the iris, and in front of the natural lens of the eye. The procedure requires an incision 50 percent smaller than any competing technology, so only seasoned micro-incision cataract surgeons will be offering the lens to their patients.
The lens has demonstrated superior clinical outcomes and a high satisfaction rate among patients. Approved for sale in 41 countries, including the European Union, the lens has successfully been implanted in more than 45,000 eyes worldwide.
For more information about this breakthrough procedure for vision correction, visit www.visianinfo.com or call the Eastside Eye Center at 864-542-1308 and ask for Tanya.
View a Video of the Implantation Procedure
The Visian ICL: Implantable Collamer® Lens - Vision Correction for Myopia
STAAR® Surgical Company began feasibility studies for treating vision disorders with an implantable contact lens (ICL) in 1993. By 1997, the company received approval to supply its ICL vision correction device to European markets. In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) for the reduction and treatment of nearsightedness (myopia).
What Is the Visian ICL?
The Visian ICL is a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) used during refractive surgery for correcting myopia. Unlike IOLs that 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. Because the phakic IOL does not replace the lens, but supplements it like a prescription contact lens, it is sometimes referred to as an implantable contact lens.
The Visian ICL gives 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 correction of nearsightedness.
What Makes the Visian ICL Different?
Although the Visian ICL is often informally defined as an " implantable contact lens," in the United States, the "ICL" in the Visian ICL stands for "implantable Collamer lens." This designation acknowledges the unique material that comprises the lens.
Unique Lens Composition
Unlike other phakic IOLs the Visian ICL is made from Collamer, a unique, organic lens material, designed especially for the Visian lens. This proprietary lens material has greater biocompatibility than acrylic and silicone lenses 1. The Visian ICL is also foldable, requiring a smaller incision during the surgical procedure than other available lenses.
Safe, Proven Procedure
The safety and effectiveness of the Visian ICL implantation procedure has been proven with over 55,000 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. Learn more about the Visian ICL vision correction procedure and how the ICL takes refractive surgery beyond the limits of LASIK.
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
The Visian ICL is meant to stay in the eye indefinitely. However, if overcorrection or undercorrection occurs, a complication develops, or a patient's vision changes, the Visian ICL can be removed or exchanged by a trained ophthalmic surgeon.
What Is on the Horizon?
A toric model of the ICL may offer another vision correction option. The Visian TICL™ used for treating myopia (nearsightedness) with astigmatism, has been submitted to the FDA and is currently under review. Additional information on the Visian Toric ICL™ is available on the STAAR Surgical Company corporate website, www.staar.com. (Link to International TICL section is currently under construction.)