Embarking on the journey to clear vision can feel like a labyrinth, with countless treatments, technologies, and terminologies to navigate. A standout in this array of options is Visian lens, a revolutionary lens implant designed to deliver clear, sharp vision with unrivaled comfort. This blog post aims to illuminate every facet of the Visian ICL technology, dispelling any uncertainties and shining a light on a path toward greater visual clarity.
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What Is Visian Lens?
The Visian Implantable Collamer Lens, or Visian ICL, is a type of refractive lens that is implanted into the eye to correct common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness). Unlike traditional methods like LASIK and PRK, which reshape the cornea using lasers, the Visian ICL procedure involves placing a small, biocompatible lens inside the eye to improve vision.
It is made of Collamer, a proprietary, biocompatible material that is not perceived as a foreign object by the body’s immune system. Collamer also possesses UV protection properties and has high water content. This makes it similar to the eye’s natural crystalline lens.
Though it’s an effective solution for people with moderate to high myopia. Still, it’s crucial to note that Visian ICL might not be suitable for everyone. Thus, it is important to consult with an eye care professional. As this will be essential before deciding on any form of vision correction surgery.
Who Can Consider This?
While it is always best to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best treatment for your unique vision needs, Visian ICL is generally recommended for people who meet the following criteria:
- Age: Candidates for Visian ICL are typically between the ages of 21 and 45. This is because, by this age range, the eyes have generally stopped changing significantly, and vision is relatively stable.
- Degree of Refractive Error: Visian ICL is particularly effective for people with moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness). The procedure can treat myopia ranging from -3.0 to -20.0 diopters, and astigmatism up to 4.0 diopters.
- Unsuitability for Other Procedures: Some individuals may not be suitable for procedures like LASIK or PRK due to factors like thin corneas, dry eyes, or severe refractive error. In these cases, Visian ICL could be an ideal alternative.
- Eye Health: Candidates should have a healthy eye anatomy without any history of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, iritis, or corneal ectasia.
- The desire for Reversibility: Unlike LASIK, which permanently reshapes the cornea, Visian ICL is reversible. The implanted lens can be removed or replaced if the patient’s vision changes significantly or if complications arise.
- Pupil Size: Since the Visian ICL is positioned behind the iris, it is suitable even for individuals with larger pupil sizes. These individuals sometimes have issues with LASIK, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Remember, while these criteria provide a general guideline, the best way to know for sure if Visian ICL is right for you is to consult with an ophthalmologist. As they have a better experience with this type of procedure.
How Does Visian Lens Work?
The Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) works by bending (or refracting) light rays that enter the eye. So they focus properly on the retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual information to the brain.
Here’s a breakdown of how the process works:
- Preparation: Before the procedure, a laser is used to create one or two small openings near the edge of the iris, which is the colored part of your eye. These openings ensure proper fluid movement in the eye once the lens is inserted.
- Lens Insertion: During the procedure, the ophthalmologist makes a small incision in the cornea – the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Through this incision, the Visian ICL, which is folded and loaded into a small cartridge, is inserted into the eye.
- Lens Positioning: The lens is placed in the posterior chamber, behind the iris, and in front of the eye’s natural lens. Once in position, the Visian ICL unfolds to its full size and the doctor adjusts it to ensure proper placement. This positioning allows the ICL to work in harmony with the eye’s natural lens to correct vision.
- Post-Procedure: The procedure is minimally invasive and usually completed within 15-30 minutes. The incisions made in the cornea are so small that they typically seal themselves without needing stitches.
The Visian ICL starts working immediately to correct vision. By providing a single, fixed focus point, the lens can greatly improve visual acuity for people with myopia. Plus, since the Visian ICL does not alter any structures within the eye or remove corneal tissue, it is removable if necessary. And it does not prevent future eye surgeries or treatments.
What Are The Benefits You Can Expect?
The Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) has numerous benefits that make it an attractive vision correction solution for many individuals. Here are some key advantages:
- High Quality of Vision: Visian ICL is known for providing excellent visual outcomes, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. The quality of vision achieved is often reported as sharper, clearer, and more vivid than other forms of vision correction.
- UV Protection: The Collamer material that the Visian ICL is made from has unique UV protection properties, helping to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Preservation of the Cornea: Unlike procedures such as LASIK and PRK, which involve reshaping the cornea, Visian ICL leaves the cornea intact. This means that the procedure is reversible and does not permanently alter the eye’s structure.
- Quick Recovery: The recovery time from the Visian ICL procedure is typically very quick. Many patients report noticeable improvements in their vision within a day of the surgery and return to their regular activities shortly thereafter.
- Treats a Wide Range of Refractive Errors: Visian ICL can correct a wide range of nearsightedness, from -3.0 to -20.0 diopters, and can also treat astigmatism up to 4.0 diopters. This makes it an option for individuals who might not be candidates for other forms of refractive surgery.
- Compatibility with Other Procedures: Because the Visian ICL does not alter the structure of the eye, it does not preclude patients from other eye surgeries or treatments in the future.
- Comfort: Since the lens is positioned behind the iris, most patients cannot feel it in their eyes. After a short recovery period, the lens is virtually undetectable.