Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)in Michigan
Page Updated: May 12, 2021
Fraser Eye / LASIK Eye Surgery / LASIK Alternatives / Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
Fraser Eye Center is committed to improving eyesight for residents of Detroit and all of Michigan with a variety of vision correction procedures. Our experienced ophthalmologists offer the implantable contact lens procedure with Visian ICL, an innovative procedure which can significantly improve vision for patients who may NOT be candidates for LASIK.
How Does the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Work?
ICL, also known as Implantable Collamer Lens, is a refractive vision correction procedure to treat mild to severe myopia (nearsightedness). The lens is made of advanced biocompatible collagen copolymer material and is designed to be placed in front of your eye's natural lens, near the pupil. Your eye doctor will custom order your lenses prior to your procedure in order to meet your vision correction needs.
How is ICL different than LASIK?
There are several factors that differentiate ICL from LASIK. Unlike LASIK, the ICL procedure does not use lasers and it does not alter the shape of the cornea. The results of ICL are immediate, and, unlike LASIK, the procedure can be reversed if the patient wishes to have the implantable contact lens removed.
What To Expect During Your Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Procedure
The eye surgeon will begin the ICL process by placing numbing drops on the eyes and offering you a mild sedative to ensure your comfort during the procedure. The surgeon will make a very small incision and place the lens in the eye. Results are immediate and unlike a regular contact lens, you will not be able to feel the ICL and other people will not be able to see it.
Results and Recovery with the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
Patients typically require very little downtime after the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) procedure and may return to work as soon as two days after surgery. Visual improvement is experienced the same day and studies show a very high satisfaction rate with the results of Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) procedures.1
1 Saudi Med J. 2013 Sep;34(9):913-9. Visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after implantable collamer lens and Toric implantable collamer lens correction for moderate to high myopia and myopic astigmatism. Bamashmus MA1, Al-Arabi AH, Alawad MA.
Benefits of the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
There are many potential benefits for ICL patients, including:
Significant visual improvement is possible
Visian ICL is FDA approved with over 800,000 procedures completed
Able to treat a wide range of vision needs
Maybe an option patients who aren't candidates for LASIK due to severity of nearsightedness or cornea thinness
Patients typically report the procedure to be pain free
Little to no downtime or recovery time required
Saves patients the maintenance of traditional contact lenses
Unlike contact lenses, patients do not feel the ICL
Removable and reversible
Visian ICL has UVA and UVB protection
No one will be able to see your ICL, which is implanted behind the iris
The Visian Toric ICL
Fraser Eye is thrilled to offer the Visian Toric ICL to treat patients with astigmatism. Previously, patients with astigmatism were not candidates for implantable contact lens procedures. The recent FDA approval of the Visian Toric ICL means that the many patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism may now have the option of undergoing this life changing vision correction procedure.
Am I A Candidate for Visian ICL?
The ICL procedure can be especially beneficial as a LASIK alternative for patients who do not qualify for laser vision correction due to thin corneas or dry eyes. If you think that an Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) may be the right vision correction option for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Fraser Eye to learn more and have an evaluation by one of our ICL specialists. You may be a candidate if you:
Are between the ages of 21 and 45
Have mild to severe nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism
Have maintained a stable prescription for at least six months
Are not pregnant or nursing
Do not have a history of eye disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy
Do not have corneal endothelial dystrophy or uncontrolled blepharitis
Learn More About the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
If you would like more information about the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) procedure with Visian ICL or Visian Toric ICL, we would be happy to help you in your pursuit of clear vision. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Michigan locations.