The STAAR Visian ICL is a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses.

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The VISIAN ICL is a refractive phakic implant intended for placement in the posterior chamber of the eye (behind the iris). The word "phakic" means that your natural crystalline lens is left in the eye. This is important because your natural lens plays an important role in helping your eye adjust between seeing objects that are near and far. The VISIAN ICL is the only foldable, minimally invasive lens approved for the correction of myopia, or nearsightedness, in adults.

The VISIAN ICL's unique lens design allows for an incision 50% smaller than competing technology. Also, because the lens is placed behind the iris, a more aesthetically pleasing outcome is achieved. Although the VISIAN ICL is intended to be permanent, the procedure is reversible if desired. With over 40,000 procedures performed worldwide, results prove that the VISIAN™ design were determined by the FDA to be  safe and effective for very nearsighted people. It is indicated for highly nearsighted people. And in some instances can be appropriate for those who are and are not candidates for  LASIK.

STAAR VISIAN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. Am I a candidate for the ICL?
A. The best candidates for the Visian ICL are those over the ages of 21, with moderate to severe myopia. It is best if the candidate has not had any previous ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic retinopathy.

Q. What are the advantages of the ICL?
A. The Visian ICL is capable of correcting a wide range of myopia without the removal or destruction of corneal tissue. The ICL is a small, foldable, injectable lens that is inserted through a tiny, 3 mm incision that does not require sutures. The ICL provides predictable refractive outcomes and good quality of vision due to its placement inside the eye, as well as its optical performance. The lens is made of a  lens material called Collamer, which provides  good biocompatibility.

Q. What if a patient’s vision changes?
A. If there are major changes in ones vision the Visian ICL can  be removed and replaced.  With the ICL, one can still wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The ICL does not help presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to age. The ICL is available for different treatment ranges depending on what country you live in.

Q. Can they dry out or get dirty like a contact lens?
A. No. The Visian ICL is designed to remain in place within the eye without maintenance. An annual examination done by your ophthalmologist is recommended to make sure that everything is fine.

Q. Can the ICL be seen by the naked eye?
A. No. Because the lens is positioned behind the iris, neither you, nor an observer will be able to identify the lens in place. The cosmetic appearance of the Visian ICL is perfect, and there is no way for a non-professional to notice that a visual correction is in place.

Q. What are ICLs made of?
A. The material is called Collamer, a collagen co-polymer that contains a small amount of purified collagen. It is biocompatible (doesn't cause a reaction inside the eye) and stable. It also contains an ultraviolet light filter. This material is proprietary to STAAR Surgical.

Q. What is involved in the ICL procedure?
A. The ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient has surgery and leaves the same day. Please note that someone will have to drive the patient to and from surgery. Topical or local anesthetic is administered and there is usually very little discomfort and normally no pain associated with the procedure. The procedure is done with a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with I.V. sedation and a visit is usually scheduled the day after surgery.

Q. How long does the ICL stay in the eye?
A. ICLs are intended to remain in place without maintenance. If it becomes necessary, for any reason, they can be easily removed by a trained ophthalmic surgeon.

Q. Can the ICL be felt once they are in place?
A. The Visian ICL is not typically noticeable after it is implanted. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and should not move around after is placed.

Q. What kind of problems could be associated with the Visian ICL?
A. If the lens is making physical contact with you eye’s crystalline lens it could cause a cataract if left untreated.  In that case the implant should be exchanged for one of a slightly longer length to allow it to “vault” over your natural lens.