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The Visian ICL: Implantable Collamer® Lens - Vision Correction for Myopia with or without Astigmatism* and Hyperopia*

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 with or without astigmatism* and hyperopia*. 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 with or without astigmatism* and hyperopia*. 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 with or without astigmatism* and farsightedness*.

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 60,000 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.

Visian ICL Models Available

In the United States, one version of the Visian ICL is FDA approved to treat myopia (nearsightedness). Internationally, two additional models of the Collamer ICL are available. The Visian TICL* (Toric Implantable Collamer Lens) can be used for patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism. The hyperopic* version of the Visian ICL is used to treat farsightedness.

Each of the Visian ICL models function similar to a contact lens, except the lens is implanted into the eye, not placed over it. Because of the similarities between the phakic intraocular lens and contact lenses, many replace the word "Collamer" in the ICL acronym and call the lenses "implantable contact lenses." (This term is widely accepted in international markets.)

To learn more about the Visian ICL, schedule an appointment with a qualified Visian ICL doctor or contact STAAR Surgical Company.

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1. Data on file at STAAR Surgical Company

Trademark Information.

To learn more about the ICL vision correction option with an implantable contact / Collamer lens for treating myopia, contact STAAR Surgical Company.






Visian ICL Glossary

When researching Visian ICL, you may encounter unfamiliar terminology related to this and other products and procedures. For your convenience, the Visian ICL Glossary defines many of the ophthalmic terms used throughout this website.

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