ALL ABOUT THE VISIANIMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS

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Mehta International Eye InstituteA s i a ' s M o s t A d v a n c e d E y e C e n t r e

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THE ICL :(IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS)

For some patients whosespectacle prescription is too higheven for LASIK or epi-LASIK tocorrect, the ICL may be anexcellent option. This implantablelens to correct vision has beenavailable internationally for nearlya decade with worldwideexperience in tens of thousands ofpatients.

The ICL (sometimes referred to asan implantable contact lens) isplaced within the eye during abrief, outpatient surgicalbrief, outpatient surgicalprocedure providing excellentquality of vision for many patientswho cannot safely have LASIK orother laser vision correction. TheVisian ICL is invisible to you andothers and requires nomaintenance. It is made fromCollamer, a collagen copolymer.

Collagen is the same naturallyoccurring substance present in theeye and in many other tissues ofthe human body. Collamer is verycompatible with the eye's naturalenvironment and the lens containsan ultraviolet filter that providesprotection to the eye.

VISIAN ICL INFO

Where is the Visian ICL placed?The Visian ICL is inserted through asmall micro-incision, placing theimplant inside the eye just behind theiris and in front of the eye's naturallens. The Visian ICL is designed not tocause trauma to other eye structuresand to stay in place with no specialcare.

Does it hurt?No. Most patients tell us they are verycomfortable throughout the procedurewhich is done using only anaestheticeye-drops. On the other hand, if you arenervous, a mild light sedative can begiven.

Will I be able to feel the Visian ICL onceit is in place?The Visian ICL is designed to becompletely unobtrusive after it is put inplace. It stays in position by itself anddoes not generally interact with any ofthe eye's structures. Even if you rubyour eyes you cannot feel the ICL

Is the Visian ICL visible to others?No. The Visian ICL is positioned behindthe iris (the colored part of the eye),where it is invisible to both you andothers. Only your doctor will be able totell that vision correction has takenplace.

Can the Visian ICL be removed from myeye?Although the Visian ICL is intended toremain in place permanently, you canremove the implant if necessary.

AM I SUITABLE FOR AN ICL

How do I know if I'm a good Visian ICLcandidate?

In general, ICL candidates:

14 years and above.

Are nearsighted (-3D to –20D eyeglassprescription) with mild or noastigmatism.

Have adequate anterior chamber depthand eye tissue cell density (determinedby a set of special tests.

Have not had a significant change intheir eyeglass prescription of more than0.5D in one year.

Are not currently pregnant. Are not currently pregnant.

Are not good LASIK candidates becauseof severe nearsightedness, thin corneas,severe dry eyes, or for some otherreason.

What if my vision changes after Ireceived the Visian ICL?

One advantage of the Visian ICL is that itoffers treatment flexibility. If your visionchanges dramatically after receiving theimplant, your doctor can remove andreplace it. If necessary, anotherprocedure can usually be performed at alater date to further correct your vision.After the age of 40, you can use readingglasses as needed after the ICL hasbeen implanted.

ICL AS COMPARED TO LASIK

Advantages of ICL as compared to Lasik

Many vision correction procedurespromise an improved level of vision, butfew vision correction alternatives offerthe qualify and features found with theVisian ICL.

Sharp, Clear Vision with great depth anddimension

Excellent Night Vision.

Great for those with thin corneas.

UV protection built into the biocompatiblelenses.

A typically quick, 8 minute procedure andmost people are able to resume dailymost people are able to resume dailyactivities the next day with clearer vision.

Treats moderate to high myopia(nearsightedness).

Does not induce dry eye syndrome.

How does the ICL differ from otherrefractive procedures?

Does not cut or remove tissue from thecornea.

Cornea retains it natural shape.

Safer for higher degrees of myopia,hyperopia, astigmatism and thin corneas.

Less glare issues on patients with largepupils.

Very stable overtime, no regression.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AND HOWTHEY ARE MANAGED

As with any type of surgery, the Visian ICL(Implantable Collamer® Lens may have problems . Tohelp educate prospective patients, the followinginformation outlines some of the most common risksof the Visian ICL implant procedure and those ofcorneal refractive surgery. All refractive procedures,from LASIK surgery to implantable contact lensinsertion, share the same possible complications.

Overcorrection and Undercorrection

The most common complications with any refractiveprocedure are overcorrection and undercorrection.Though meticulous measurements are taken beforesurgery to determine the right amount of correction;however, these measurements are not always perfect.No matter the refractive procedure, undercorrectioncan be fixed with an additional laser procedure.

Halos and Night Glare

The most common side effects of corneal refractivesurgery are halos and glare around lights at night.These are often barely noticeable to. In many cases,halos and night glare can be reduced with time as thebrain neuroadapts to this new optical system.

Affecting the Crystalline Lens

Since the Visian ICL is placed inside the eye, potentialrisk touching the eye’s natural lens may result.Damage to the natural lens may cause an opacity ofthe lens, in the most serious case, requiring removaland replacement of the natural lens with a syntheticlens. These opacities, requiring surgical intervention,occurred in less than 1 percent of the Visian ICLpatients.

Increase in Eye Pressure

In some cases, there may be an increase in eyepressure. If this occurs, a few drops quickly remedythe problem with additional medications or surgicalintervention.

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