The Visian ICL: LASIK Alternative for Young Adults

LASIK in Arlington, Carrollton and Dallas, Texas

If you would like to have a vision correction procedure but have been told you are not a good LASIK candidate, you might like to consider the Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens). It is an artificial lens that can be implanted in the eye like an internal contact lens. The eye’s natural lens remains in place.

With a Visian ICL in position, your vision is clear at all distances as if you were wearing glasses or contacts, but you will be free of the annoying tasks of cleaning and keeping track of eyewear. You will still experience a decrease in near vision after the age of 40 due to the aging of the natural lens.

The Visian ICL is offered by the STAAR Surgical Company, a company that makes many ophthalmic devices, and it is FDA-approved for correcting nearsightedness (myopia).

How the Visian ICL is Positioned

Your eye surgeon will position the ICL in front of the eye’s natural lens. You will not feel its presence, or see it, and others will not be able to see it. It changes the way light entering the eye is bent (refracted). This change will cause images to be clearly in focus on the eye’s retina (inside back surface, filled with light-sensitive cells).

Who is a Good Candidate for the Visian ICL?

Healthy nearsighted people between ages 21 and about 45 are usually good candidates. The Visian ICL can treat myopia whether it is mild, moderate or severe, but it does not treat astigmatism. Dr. Carter performs an astigmatism correction procedure in conjunction with the ICL procedure.

It will be best if you have had no eye surgery in the past, and have no eye conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Carter will give you a thorough eye examination and you can discuss the Visian ICL option with him.

Advantages of the Visian ICL

If you are tired of dealing with contacts or glasses, you will be delighted with the vision improvement given by the Visian ICL.

• Since others will not be able to see it, nobody will know you have had any vision correction besides you and Dr. Carter.
• You may have freedom from eyewear, which is particularly beneficial for those with an outdoor lifestyle where good distance vision is an asset.
• There is no allergic reaction to the material used in making the Visian ICL.
• That material contains a substance that blocks ultraviolet rays. That gives your eyes some protection, although you would still need sunglasses for best protection and we would urge you to wear them when outdoors.
• If you are active in sports, you can gain a competitive edge by having no glasses or contact lenses to worry about.
• Your Visian ICL can be changed later on if your vision changes. Dr. Carter can replace it with one designed to correct your new vision.

If you would like to schedule a personal consultation and learn more about the Visian ICL, please call or email our office today. Dr. Carter and his staff serve the Dallas, Texas area and will be pleased to work with you soon.