Visian Staar Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

For the majority of patients wishing to be free of the hassles of eyeglasses or contact lenses, Blade Free All Laser LASIK will be the procedure of choice. However, for certain patients who have extremely high nearsighted prescriptions or those with particularly thin corneas, Dr. Modi may recommend using the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) to correct their vision.

What Is the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)?

The Visian ICL is a type of intraocular lens implant called a “phakic intraocular lens” or “Phakic IOL”. It has been designed specifically for the correction or myopia or nearsightedness. It is different from the intraocular lenses used during cataract surgery in that the Visian ICL does not replace the natural lens of the eye but is instead placed between the iris and the natural lens. Because the phakic IOL does not replace the lens, but supplements it like a prescription contact lens, it is sometimes referred to as an implantable contact lens.

What does “Collamer” mean?

Collamer refers to the material that the lens in made of. The Visian ICL is made from a unique, organic lens material, designed especially for being implanted in the eye and being foldable so that requires only a small incision during the surgical procedure.

Since the Visian ICL is foldable it allows Dr. Modi to implant the lens through a 2.8mm to 3.0mm incision so it is only minimally invasive, does not require sutures, and does not cause astigmatism to be induced.

Who should have the Visian ICL?

During your consultation, you will be evaluated for Blade Free All Laser LASIK. In the event that you are not a good candidate for Blade Free All Laser LASIK, Dr. Modi and the staff will also take the necessary measurements and do the necessary clinical testing to determine whether the Visian ICL is a good choice for you. For patients who have already had been told that they are poor candidates for LASIK and would still like to be free of the hassles of eyeglasses and contacts, please call us at 877.MODI-EYE and arrange a consultation.