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The Official LASIK and SMILE Vision Partner of the Dallas Cowboys

Visian ICL Dallas

Do you desire LASIK but have been told your corneas are too thin?
Are you interested in a non-corneal surgery method to correct your vision?
If so, the Visian ICL may the surgical option for you.

What is the Visian ICL?

The Visian ICL is an Implantable Collamer Lens implant that is surgically placed in your eye between the iris and the natural lens.  It is sometimes called an implantable contact lens. The lens is used to correct nearsightedness or myopia. The procedure is performed in an operating suite with the help of an Anesthesiologist.

Who is a good candidate?

The ideal candidate exhibits the following characteristics:

  1. Is not a candidate for LASIK.
  2. Has an otherwise normal eye free of significant disease.
  3. Understands the risk of cataracts.
  4. Has a deep anterior chamber

Does the lens correct astigmatism?

The current Visian ICL lens does not correct astigmatism.  For patients with low astigmatism, we can perform a Limbal relaxing incision (LRI) to reduce astigmatism.  For patients with more than low astigmatism, the Visian ICL can be paired with a LASIK or PRK procedure.

What are the limitations of the procedure?

No man-made lens implant is perfect for every patient or in every situation.  From our experience, these are the top 2 limitations of the Visian ICL:

  1. There is a small risk of creating a premature cataract.  If this occurs, cataract surgery would be required and advanced technology lenses such as ReSTOR or Crystalens could be used to correct vision for near and far.
  2. Monofocal lens:  For patients with presbyopia, the Visian ICL can only correct vision at 1 distance.  It is not a multifocal lens and it will not correct vision at near, computer distance and far distance like the ReSTOR lens.

implantable-collamer-lens

Is the surgery expensive?

The Visian ICL procedure is not covered by insurance.  It is more expensive than LASIK because an operating suite must be used instead of a LASIK suite. We offer several financing options to make the procedure convenient, subject to credit approval. Learn more about the cost of ICL surgery.

How much does Visian ICL procedure cost?

The Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is used to correct some forms of nearsightedness. Often times it is used in patients that have too poor of eyesight to use LASIK or SMILE or other forms of surgery. Unlike contacts or glasses, this lens is semi-permanent and is surgically put into the eye. This is also a great option for those that have thin corneas or sufferers of dry eye. As LASIK often times creates worse dry eye issues. This can be used on patients with astigmatism as well. And, at times can be combined with LASIK to even further improve a patient’s eyesight.

ICL is considered to be a permanent correction. However, should your eyes change over time and the lens is no longer performing it can be removed and replaced with a new lens. ICL is simply a lens that is implanted into your eye. There are risks with this surgery, as there are with any surgery. However, it is a relatively low-risk surgery and is done rather quickly. The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes to complete. However, you will be at the appointment for about four hours for prep and post-surgery recovery.

What to Expect with ICL Procedure

Typically they do not use local anesthetic with ICL as the procedure is so quick. Most people do just fine with the numbing drops used to numb the eye. However, some people need a little something to help with their nerves and anxiety. For this group, an anti-anxiety medication is prescribed.

Feeling anxious about surgery is very common. When you are at the surgeon’s office deciding if this sort of surgery is right for you, be sure to ask a lot of questions. Remember, the surgeons do this every day and forget that you don’t. So, asking questions is certainly expected. And, you have a right to be a bit nervous, since this is the only set of eyes you have. Getting the answers to your questions can help ease the nerves a little. This can also be a good time to prepare yourself on what to expect in the surgery.

Most people report this surgery isn’t painful at all. You may feel some pressure on your eye. However, you will not feel the incision. It will go by rather quickly as the surgeon will be speaking to you the entire time. You don’t have to worry about blinking either, as there is a device that will hold your eyelid open so that it doesn’t disrupt anything. The only thing you need to do during surgery is to follow the surgeon’s instructions on where to look. Remember, where you look is where your eye will go. And, stay calm, sit back and the ICL will be done in no time.

Is ICL Covered by Insurance?

The cost of the ICL is typically not covered under insurance. It is considered a cosmetic type of surgery. However, there are cases where the insurance will cover it. It is great for patients with myopia and has been performed for over 10 years with great success. It isn’t a procedure that has been advertised as much as LASIK but it’s been around for a very long time as well. And, it costs anywhere from $1500-5000 per eye which is slightly higher than the cost of LASIK.

Which is better Lasik or lens implant?

Ready to ditch the glasses and contacts? Want to see the shampoo bottles while in the shower with ease? Forget what it’s like to roll over and check the time without grabbing glasses to see? No worries, there is hope. And, there are so many various options out there that you are sure to find something that can help. However, how do you know which is best for you? Well, you should start by seeing your optometrist. There are various levels of treatment options and what fits your particular case will narrow down even what to consider. Also, make an appointment with a surgeon’s office. This will allow you to ask questions and get a better understanding of the different procedures. And, finally, do your own research on what to expect and if this sounds like a treatment that you can afford.

LASIK is a procedure that is performed by a surgeon on the cornea of the eye. Some people cannot have this surgery for various reasons, but they qualify for the lens implant. Each corrective surgery option has its own set of windows of opportunity so to speak. It is not always what is “better” but what will work for your particular set of eye problems. However, it is thought that the lens implant does produce more predictable results than that of LASIK. Both are used to help correct myopia (nearsightedness) and LASIK can be used for some farsightedness as well as astigmatism which can be fixed by correcting the shape of the eye.

Both are Safe

LASIK uses a laser during surgery to correct the eye at the cornea. This procedure is a very popular and common procedure with little safety concerns. It is used for a variety of different seeing issues and has a rather large window of various issues it can assist with. Sometimes LASIK is combined with a lens implant to get the desired outcome of corrected vision. However, most times it is used on its own and has become quite popular.

With either procedure, people always have some anxiety over getting it done. And, with good reason, you only get one pair of eyes. Most of us have never seen a laser. And, the only reference we have to a laser is from TV or the movies which we certainly don’t need near our eyes. However, the lasers used for these procedures are actually cool to the touch. They are nothing like the shooting laser beams from the superheroes forearm. And, there really is nothing to fear. These procedures are done 1000’s of times a day.

With both procedures, your eye will be numb. There are drops that are put into the eye so that you will not feel anything. It is reported that some people feel pressure with either procedure but nothing painful.

The conclusion is that a lens insert offers a more predictable outcome than LASIK. However, LASIK has a broader window of opportunity. It is better to determine which is best for your particular eyesight and not what procedure is best. Both have positives and negatives.

Is lens replacement surgery permanent?

Are you tired of not being able to see without corrective lenses? Do you want to be able to wear those fun sunglasses like everyone else? Well, there is hope! In fact, there are all kinds of hope for people that wear corrective lenses. There are so many different types of procedures because not everyone qualifies for each one. Every type of sight correcting procedures has different windows of opportunity, so to speak. Not everyone will qualify for each type of procedure, which is why there are so many.

Lens replacement surgery comes in many forms. There are the Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Cataract Surgery and implantable lens types. Each of these gives you a different answer to the question “Is lens replacement surgery permanent?” However, they are all considered lens replacement surgery. So, let’s dive in and take a look at the different options.

Refractive Lens Exchange

RLE is a procedure used to correct vision at the lens level. Most of the time when someone is talking about lens replacement surgery, this is the option they mean. It also has some other unique names such as clear Lens Exchange (CLE and Clear lens surgery, to further make things confusing. However, it is all basically the same procedure. This procedure removes the lens on the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens. This procedure allows the patient to be free from glasses or contacts but also free from ever getting cataracts as well. This is not reversible, as the original lens cannot be put back on once the procedure is done.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a surgery that is done all the time. This is probably one of the oldest of any eye surgery as they have done this for years. However, when this is done, it is due to the cataract clouding up their vision. This lens is removed similar to the RLE with a laser and a new lens is put in its place. When doing this procedure, you can choose which type of lens you’d like as well. there are monofocal, multifocal and trifocal lenses. This procedure removes the original lens part of the eye and replaces it with artificial, so it cannot be reversed either.

Implantable Lenses

Implantable Lenses are lenses that are implanted into your eye. These lenses are typically positioned between the lens and the iris. These act as if they are a permanent type of contact that the wearer never had to clean or remove for any reason. This sort of lens is put into the eye by the method of a laser and is removable should the lens needs to be changed.

The cost of these lenses are $2k-5K and typically are not covered by insurance. Should you be looking to have one of the above procedures done it is important to speak with your optometrist as well as a surgeon’s office to see if you qualify. Remember, when looking for the right doctor’s office always check the reviews online and be sure to choose something that you both trust as well as have researched. You are only given one pair of eyes so doing a little due diligence is important.

How long does it take to recover from lens replacement surgery?

Lens replacement surgery is for a few things, not just ditching the glasses and contacts. It is used for people with cataracts as well. And, it is the process of removing the natural lens from your eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. This process is not reversible, however, it is a very safe process that is quick to complete. Most people do not undergo anesthesia, as the surgery is so quick, about 10-15 mins total. Of course, your eye is numbed for the procedure so it is virtually painless. However, some people are a bit anxious about the procedure and for those and an anti-anxiety med is given.

Lens replacement surgery works great for those with cataracts. The damaged lens is removed and a fresh new one is put in its place. In the process, it can also correct the person’s vision at the same time.

What is Lens Replacement Surgery?

Lens Replacement is exactly what it sounds like. It is replacing the lens of a person’s eye with a new lens. Often times this is done so the person will not have to wear glasses or mess with contacts. It is most of the time considered cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance. However, there are some exceptions to this as well. And, it is a very safe procedure with very little risk. However, just as with any surgery, there are still some risks. Most people state that the surgery doesn’t hurt at all, but just feel some mild pressure on their eyes.

Many claim to be very nervous in the days and even weeks leading up to the surgery. This is pretty common with any surgery, however, with eye surgery, there are lasers involved on well, your eyeball. We are only given one set of eyes and our vision is very important to all of us. So, be sure to ask your surgeon any and all questions you may have. This will help you better understand what you are going to be going through. This may help calm your nerves a bit. And, always keep in mind the millions of people that have had lens replacement surgery before you.

Recovery time is Quick

A laser is used to take off the damaged lens. This will allow the eye a clean slate for the new artificial lens. This lens will adhere to the eye and all it to heal rather quickly. In just a few hours you will be able to see the changes. However, if you work, you will return to work within 3 days of the surgery. This will be, of course, dependant on what you do for a living as well. If there is a lot of reading involved you may find you need more time to fully do your job. As your eyes are still in the healing process. Don’t push yourself. Remember, your health is important.

Immediately after the surgery, you should be able to do light tv watching, computer work and shower or bath. However, your doctor will tell you specific instructions for your particular case. Follow the doctor’s orders and you should have a great recovery!

How long does ICL surgery take?

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is the process of putting a corrective lens right inside the eye. This means that the patient will no longer have to depend on glasses or contacts to have the best vision. And, it is a semi-permanent solution. Most places call it permanent, however, the lens can be removed at any time should your eyes change. ICL is perfect for people that are active and do not want to mess with glasses or contacts. And, it’s a very simple and safe procedure with very little risk.

ICL is where the surgeons will put in a “permanent” style contact behind the lens of your eye. It is more of a semi-permanent as it can be removed. However, removal would mean another surgery. And, this is rarely done. This particular surgery has been performed on 1000’s of people with a very high success rate. ICL has a more predictable result than that of LASIK and some of the other procedures. However, it is not for everyone. Your doctor will be able to help you choose the best corrective eye surgery for your particular situation.

Corrective vision surgery

ICL is not as invasive as LASIK. It is used for people that have thin corneas or suffer from dry eye. ICL is an alternative to LASIK and other eye procedures that all patients to have better vision without corrective lenses. Most people claim the surgery for ICL is not painful at all. In fact, your eye will be numb for the entire procedure and there is no worrying about blinking. There will a device that is used to hold your eyelid open to stop you from interrupting the procedure. The most that people claim to feel with this procedure is pressure on the eye.

The surgeon will be speaking to you the entire time. This makes the procedure a little less nerve-racking. Many people claim that the anxiety leading up to the procedure is worse than the actual procedure itself. If you are struggling with anxiety, let your doctor know. There are medications that can help as well as speak to them about your concerns. There is nothing to fear with ICL surgery, however, there are risks and you should discuss these with your doctor.

ICL is not for everyone. This procedure, as well as any vision correcting procedure, is determined by your doctor. Every vision correcting procedure has its own set of criteria.

Understanding these criteria and figuring out what is best for your situation is important. Some people will have a choice in which procedure will work, however, others don’t. That’s why it is important to meet with your ophthalmologist as well as the surgeon to discuss your options.

The surgery will last about ten minutes. During which the surgeon will give you instructions on where to look. Simply follow the instructions and stay calm. It will be over before you know it. And, recovery time is relatively short, during which you will have eye drops and wear a protective shield to ensure proper healing of the eye.

How safe is ICL surgery?

Are you tried for glasses? Done with contacts and contact solution? If you are one of the 1000’s of people that are looking for a more permanent solution for your vision, ICL may be your answer. Each corrective surgery option is different and not designed for every need. This is why it’s important to speak with your doctor on what corrective surgeries fit best with your particular problem. If you are looking for a more permanent solution to your corrective vision issue, get an appointment with your ophthalmologist and discuss what might work best for you.

Most corrective surgeries are considered cosmetic surgery and are not covered by insurance. However, they are a great solution that will last for years to come. Imagine being able to read again without finding your glasses. Swimming and showering and being able to read the shampoo bottles. This can all be done with various corrective vision surgeries.

What is ICL?

ICL surgery is the process of putting a corrective lens behind your natural lens. This surgery has a more predictable outcome than that of LASIK. However, it’s not for everyone and is dependant on what your particular needs are.

Many people are anxious or nervous days or weeks before the surgery. Most are anxious about the unknown and not understanding how simple the procedure is. If you are anxious, talk to your doctor, there are medications that you can take. However, sometimes just asking your questions and getting answers helps. Remember, the surgeons do this every day, but you don’t. So, it is important for you to ask questions and fully understand what the procedure is about. It is a procedure that has been done 1000’s of times. However, there are risks, as with any surgery, and these should be discussed with your doctor.

When having ICL surgery, you will be in surgery for about 10-15 mins. During this time your eyes will have numbing drops in them to help with the pain. In fact, most people report that they don’t feel anything, while some feel a slight pressure on the eye. This means that it is relatively painless and the surgeon will be speaking to you the entire time. This makes the time go so much faster. General anesthesia is not used as the procedure is so painless and quick that it isn’t needed.

ICL is safe. It has been FDA approved and performed on 1000’s of people. It is safer than LASIK and typically has a better outcome.

Do your Homework

If you are thinking about getting ICL surgery to be sure to look around online. Most surgeons and clinics have an online presence. This will allow you to choose which clinic is best for you. Take a look at their reviews and see what others are saying about their own procedures. This due diligence could save you a ton of issues down the road. And, it also could help calm those nerves, by seeing that other people have had so much success with corrective eye surgeries.

Related Links

 
👁️ Is ICL better than LASIK or SMILE?

For some patients, usually those with a higher prescription, ICL surgery may be a better alternative to LASIK. It’s always best to see use for a free consult to determine candidacy of ICL, LASIK, or SMILE surgery.

👁️ How much is implantable contact lens surgery?

Patients should expect to pay from $3,000 to $5,000 per eye for implantable contact lenses.

👁️ What is an implantable collamer lens?

Implantable CollamerÂŽ Lens, is a type of refractive procedure to help correct the most common visual problem, myopia. Visian ICL is a removable lens implant that is an attractive alternative to LASIK and other refractive procedures

👁️ Is ICL surgery reversible?

Yes, ICL surgery is reversible although it is rarely necessary, the implantable contact lenses are removable.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00417-010-1322-0

https://journals.lww.com/ajg/00003226-200612000-00002.fulltext

https://www.healio.com/ophthalmology/journals/jrs/2011-10-27-10/%7Be59d49ec-4ca0-4f57-b8eb-7dbd12f6456b%7D/implantable-collamer-posterior-chamber-intraocular-lenses-a-review-of-potential-complications

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