Latest Advances in Implantable Lenses: Visian ICL
A phakic intraocular lens (IOL), such as the Visian Implantable
Collamer Lens (ICL), is a permanent, artificial lens that is implanted in the
eye to correct vision – like a contact lens that doesn’t need maintenance.
Unlike other types of implantable artificial lenses, Visian ICL
does not replace the natural lens but works with it to provide clear vision. In
the procedure, doctors place the Visian ICL between the iris and the natural
lens.
At UT Southwestern, our ophthalmologists are nationally
known for advancing the science of eye care. We conduct research on new
treatments and diagnostic methods, publish papers on our findings, and teach
other doctors about the latest developments in laser eye surgery and other eye
treatments.
Conditions We Treat with Visian ICL
At UT Southwestern, we use Visian ICL to treat moderate to severe
nearsightedness (myopia). The lens can be an alternative to laser eye surgery,
especially for people who cannot have LASIK or other procedures for a variety
of reasons.
Treatment with Visian ICL
With normal vision, light enters the eye through the cornea
and lens, which work together to bend the rays and focus them on the retina
(layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye). The retina converts
light into electrical pulses, which travel through the optic nerve to the brain
to produce images.
Nearsightedness (myopia) develops when the shape of the
eyeball is too long from front to back, preventing the cornea and lens from
properly refracting (bending) light rays. Nearsightedness causes light to focus
in front of the retina, which results in clear close vision but blurry distant
vision.
Visian ICL works with the natural lens to focus light on the
retina for clear vision. ICLs can remain in the eye indefinitely, or they can
be removed or replaced with a new lens if necessary. At UT Southwestern, our
eye surgeons offer ICL implantation as an outpatient procedure that usually
takes 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure takes places in a surgical suite.