The Visian ICL™ Vision Correction Procedure
The implantation procedure for the Visian ICL
(Implantable Collamer® Lens) is refractive eye surgery that
involves a procedure similar to the intraocular lens (IOL)
implantation performed during cataract surgery. The main
difference is that, unlike cataract surgery, the ICL eye
surgery does not require the removal of the eye's
crystalline lens.
The Visian ICL procedure is a relatively short outpatient
procedure that involves several important steps.
Deciding on Refractive Surgery
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cheng. After a
comprehensive eye examination, Dr. Cheng will
discuss various refractive surgery options including the
implantation of a phakic IOL (like the Visian ICL) and/or
laser refractive surgery.
Based on your level of refractive error, eye health,
medical history, and desired outcome for refractive surgery,
Dr. Cheng will determine if you are a
good candidate for the Visian ICL.
One to Two Weeks before the Visian ICL
Eye Surgery
About one to two weeks prior to the insertion of the
Visian ICL Dr.Cheng will perform a
YAG laser iridotomy. During this procedure, Dr. Cheng
will use a YAG laser to make one or two small openings near
the edge of your iris, which is the colored part of the eye.
These openings serve as outlets that will allow the fluid in
your eye to circulate around the lens.
Prior to creating the small openings in the eye with the
laser, Dr. Cheng will apply numbing drops to make the
procedure more comfortable. Dr. Cheng will then
prescribe eye drops for you to use during the weeks leading
up to the Visian ICL procedure.
Day of the Visian ICL Surgical Procedure
The entire surgical procedure will take about 15 to 30
minutes and most patients say it is relatively painless
because of the numbing agents used. Someone will need to
drive you home following the procedure.
Topical Anesthesia
On the day of your procedure, prior to surgery, Dr. Cheng will administer topical anesthesia to minimize
discomfort, however you may still feel pressure in your eye.
Additionally, you may or may not be given a sedative.
Lens Positioning Openings
Once you are comfortable, your surgeon will begin the
procedure. First, the doctor will create one or two small
openings at the base of your cornea that will be used to
position the lens.
Gel-like Solution
Next, a gel-like substance will be placed inside your eye
to protect the eye during lens placement. This gel will be
removed at the end of the procedure.
Lens Incision
Following placement of the gel, a small incision will be
made, through which the lens will be inserted.
ICL Insertion
Prior to the Visian ICL procedure, your ICL lens was
selected based on your individual prescription. The lens was
folded and loaded into a small cartridge which will now be
placed through the incision. As the lens is injected, it
will gently unfold in your eye. Special marks on the lens
ensure proper positioning. Once the lens has fully unfolded,
the four corners of the lens will be placed behind your
iris. This makes the lens invisible to both you and others.
Removal of Substance
Once the lens is in place, your surgeon will remove the
gel-like substance.
Eye Drops
To complete the procedure, the surgeon will instill eye
drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. You will
continue to use these drops for several days after your
procedure.
Because the incision made during surgery is so small,
sutures are typically not needed following the Visian ICL
eye surgery. For comfort and protection, the doctor may
cover the eye with a patch or shield and prescribe drops or
medication.
You will not be able to drive immediately after the
Visian ICL eye surgery, so it is important that you arrange
for transportation home.
Follow-Up Care after the Visian ICL
Procedure
Within 24 hours of undergoing the Visian ICL eye surgery,
the patient should have a follow-up visit with Dr. Cheng. The doctor will monitor the eye's
intraocular pressure and will discuss your progress.
Patients need to follow physician instructions,
especially regarding the needed use of antibiotics and
anti-inflammatory medications during the week following the
refractive surgery.
Patients should contact their eye surgeon immediately if
they experience severe eye pain or a sudden decrease in
vision
