Implantable contact lenses Evo Visian ICL™: How do they work?

If you’re struggling with eyesight and are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses, refractive surgery might be a viable solution for you. The implantable contact lenses EvoVisian ICL are implanted between your natural lens and the iris. They are soft and flexible, and can be removed at any time. You can think of it as having permanent contact lenses without the hassle of taking them out or cleaning them.

The Visian ICL procedure is a modern and safe alternative to eye laser treatment, and it comes with a few additional benefits. Moreover, it can correct even the most extreme levels of defective vision. The procedure is minimally invasive and with over 1,000,000 lenses implanted worldwide over the last 20 years, it’s one of the most frequently requested treatments when it comes to vision correction.

In this article, we are going to delve into implantable lenses, their benefits, and how surgery is performed.

What are implantable contact lenses Evo Visian ICL™?

The implantable contact lenses Evo Visian ICL™, or Implantable Collamer® Lens, are proprietary to STAAR Surgical. As of today, they are the only lenses implantable through a minimally invasive procedure. At KCM Clinic, we perform ICL surgery using Evo Visian ICL™.

The Visian ICL is made from Collamer®, a collagen co-polymer that is biocompatible and stable. Its flexible structure allows an easy insertion into the eye. It will help you achieve a sharp and clear vision if you’re affected by nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism.

Who are implantable contact lenses Evo Visian ICL™ for?

The implantable contact lenses Evo Visian ICL™ are intended for the correction of moderate to high nearsightedness. Surgery aims to:

• Correct nearsightedness between -3.0 D to -15.0 D
• Reduce nearsightedness up to -20.0 D
• Treat astigmatism from 1.0 D to 4.0 D

The Visian ICL does not correct farsightedness, so you might need to wear reading glasses at some point, even if you have never worn them before.

This treatment is considered to be a safer choice than laser eye surgery for anyone with pre-existing cornea or eye surface problems. We will evaluate each case on an individual basis, but generally, patients need to be over 21 years old and need to have a stable glasses prescription.

If you suffer from eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, or recurrent inflammation, then the Visian ICL procedure might not be a viable option for you. We might require an eye scan during the consultation to assess whether you have enough room in the front of your eye to fit the implantable lenses safely.

What are the advantages of implantable contact lenses?

The implantable contact lenses Visian ICL boast a series of benefits compared to other treatments for vision correction, including:

• They can correct or reduce very advanced defective vision
• The procedure is minimally invasive and takes 10 to 30 minutes for both eyes
• Your cornea is not modified as it would happen with other eye surgeries, including LASIK
• It’s a reversible procedure as the lenses can be removed anytime
• Quick recovery time
• The procedure is also suitable for patients with dry eyes or thin cornea
• No risk of laser-induced dry eye
• The lenses are comfortable and you cannot feel them after their implantation

How are implantable contact lenses Evo Visian ICL™ implanted?

The first step of the Visian ICL procedure is a consultation with an ophthalmologist. You will discuss your medical history and what you expect from the procedure. You will also be advised whether this procedure is right for you. You can contact us at KCM Clinic anytime and one of our patient coordinators will be in touch with you in no time.

ICL surgery is an outpatient procedure and lasts 20 to 30 minutes for the treatment of both eyes. Your eyes will be anaesthetised with a few eye drops, so you won’t feel anything throughout the procedure. To avoid blinking, the surgeon will insert a lid opener on each eye.

Then, a small keyhole incision (2-3mm) is created at the edge of the cornea. The folded lens is then inserted into your eye and it is positioned correctly behind the iris with the help of a special device. The surgeon will finally apply a bandage on the eye treated that may need to stay up to 7 days after the procedure. The incision made will close on its own in a day or two.

What should I expect after surgery?

After the contact lenses Evo Visian ICL™ have been implanted, you might experience blurry vision, discomfort, or sensitivity to light, but these side effects are only temporary and should subside one or two days after surgery. Recovery time for ICL is fairly short and most patients can go back to work the day after surgery. However, we recommend that you only do what feels right, as everyone heals at different speeds.

In the first 24 hours, it is advisable to not shower or wash your hair to limit the risk of infection. You will be given antibiotic eye drops to use for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.

Activities such as swimming or sauna should be avoided for two weeks, while you can undergo other sports activities 2-3 days after surgery.

What are the next steps?

If you need more information on the Visian ICL procedure or implantable lenses, feel free to get in touch with us anytime. During our first consultation, we will discuss your current eyesight, your medical history, and eventually how to make your trip to our clinic in Poland as comfortable as possible. We have extensive experience with international patients and offer convenient treatment packages if you’re travelling from abroad. Get in touch here, we’re happy to assist you!