The Visian ICL Lens (or ‘phakic’ lens) is an implantable contact lens that permanently reduces the need for glasses or contact lenses. The lenses are made from Collamer, a collagen co-polymer containing a small amount of purified collagen.
You may have heard of intraocular lenses, implanted in the eye when the natural lens becomes cloudy from cataracts. Phakic lenses, by contrast, are implanted in the eye without removing the natural lens. Visian lenses can correct many types of nearsightedness without removing corneal tissue but does not correct presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). Visian lenses remain implanted in the eye, and all that is needed to maintain the lenses is an annual eye examination. The lenses can be removed if necessary.
No one can tell that Visian lenses have been implanted in one or both eyes since the lenses can only be seen with a special microscope.
Am I a good candidate for Visian Lenses?
The best candidates for the Visian IOL are:
- Between the ages of 21 and 50
- Have moderate to severe nearsightedness
- Have not had previous ophthalmic surgery
- Have no history of ophthalmic diseases (glaucoma, iritis, diabetic retinopathy)
Visian IOL Risks and Complications
As with all procedures, complications are possible and include:
- Infection
- Cataract formation requiring removal of the lens
- Incomplete correction of nearsightedness or astigmatism
Implantation of the Visian lens will not prevent normal changes in the eye due to aging and other natural changes.
For most people, Visian lenses offer an expected, secure outcome and exceptional vision quality.
To learn more about how Visian intraocular lenses might help you conquer nearsightedness and astigmatism, please contact Dr. Stuart Lewis to schedule your initial consultation.