Timetable icon Self-scheduling is currently available for select locations!

Lisa Velasquez & Visian ICLs: When LASIK Won’t Correct Your Vision

September 9, 2009

https://www.uclaser.com/images/photo1.jpg


Lisa Velasquez was very disappointed when she came in for her free LASIK screening last month after I told her she was not a good candidate for the procedure.  With a -11.0 diopter prescription, I determined that there was not enough corneal tissue to safely perform LASIK on her.  I went on to explain that I could treat this amount of nearsightedness by implanting an ICL into her eye.

The Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a Phakic intraocular lens. It is an alternative to laser eye surgery, and is similar to the intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery
but does not permanently alter the structure of the eye. No corneal
tissue is removed as in LASIK and other laser eye surgery procedures. The ICL resembles a traditional contact lens and is surgically
placed behind  the iris, in front of one's natural lens. Unlike the
intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery, ICLs do not replace
the eye's natural lens, but work with it, to correct moderate to large amounts of myopia (nearsightedness). Though phakic IOLs are intended to
be permanent implants, they can be removed if complications arise or if
the patient's vision changes.The insertion of the Visian ICL Implantable Collamer® Lens is 
made through a small incision in the surface of the cornea. The Visian
ICL is folded, requiring a smaller incision than other
implantable lenses. Once inserted, the lens unfolds to its full size.
No sutures are required in the procedure.  The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and is performed on an out patient basis.  One eye is treated at a time, a week or two apart.  Visual acuity is remarkably good, even 1 day after the procedure.

Lisa had her surgery last week on her right eye, and "has never seen better!"  She is anxiously awaiting surgery on her left eye.


Back to our blog

Services offered at OCLI

Our world-class team of professionals at OCLI can help you with the latest treatment options for you.

Schedule an appointment

Are you a new patient? *