Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. While many people can enjoy the benefits that LASIK eye surgery can offer, some people’s eyes are simply not built for it. Particularly those who have severe myopia, corneas that are too thin or eyes that do not lubricate enough naturally. LASIK may not be an option. However, there is a procedure known as Visian ICL.
Visian ICL has been used in thousands of operations. More than 300,000 lenses of this type have gone into patients who otherwise would have had to endure having less than perfect vision. When LASIK is not an option, Visian ICL may be just what you need to experience the quality level of eyesight that you want.
What is Visian ICL?
Visian ICL is a method of counteracting astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia in patients who may not be good candidates for LASIK surgery. Originally entering the market in 1994, the procedure has become extremely popular in nearly every major market in the world. With tens of thousands of patients undergoing this procedure on a regular basis, the technology is proven and advancing at a rapid clip.
An ICL, also known as an implantable collamer lens, is a gel-based lens that can be implanted into the eye permanently. As an alternative to LASIK, this technique can work well because it does not require the surgeon to remove any corneal tissue. As well, in many patients, ICL can result in quality results.
LASIK and ICL are different because of how they change the shape of the eye. Both procedures alter the eye’s shape, but they do so differently. LASIK works by removing the cornea, which can be problematic for people whose corneas have problems that would interfere with the procedure. By contract, ICL involves inserting a lens into the posterior chamber of the eye. ICL completely avoids any type of corneal changes to the eyes and is similar to phakic lenses that can also be permanently installed.
What is the material made out of?
Visian ICL is made out of an advanced material known as collamer. The name of this material is a combination of polymer and collagen. Since collagen is used in the construction of this type of lens, your body is able to tolerate it well and the end result tends to be extremely clear vision.
Who should not have ICL lenses?
There are many risk factors that are associated with ICL lenses. Some of the worst involve the increased potential need for a corneal transplant due to developing a cloudy cornea. Further, there is no long term data that identifies the full range of risks that this procedure can bring about. Fortunately, Sugarland Eye & Laser Center is offering a one day special where you can learn all about what type of operation is right for you. Speak with technicians and LASIK doctors from the Houston area and learn all about how your individual health history and vision needs might be helped by ICL lenses. Better still, this way you can know if you are a candidate.
Sources:
http://ophthalmologytimes.modernmedicine.com/ophthalmologytimes/news/modernmedicine/modern-medicine-news/icl-implantation-hits-300000-mark
http://visianinfo.com/about-visian-icl/collamer-advanced-lens-material/
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/PhakicIntraocularLenses/ucm059238.htm
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
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