LASIK Eye Center of Silicon Valley - Dr. Gary Kawesch

For some people, LASIK is not the best option to correct refractive errors in vision. There are a variety of alternative vision correction procedures available today which yield results that are comparable to those experienced with LASIK. One of these options is the Visian™ Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).

The Visian ICL is a phakic intraocular lens inserted into your eye to correct moderate to severe myopia. Since no corneal tissue is removed during the procedure, San Francisco ophthalmologist Dr. Gary Kawesch often recommends the Visian ICL to patients with corneas that are too thin to successfully undergo LASIK.

The majority of Visian ICL candidates are between the ages of 21 and 45, have healthy eyes, and experience myopia ranging from -3.0 diopters to -20.0 diopters. Mild astigmatism does not rule you out as a candidate; however, your astigmatism must not exceed 2.5 diopters. You must also have sufficient anterior chamber depth to support the lens.

Your Visian ICL procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and can be completed in less than a half hour. Dr. Kawesch will apply anesthetic eye drops to numb the area. He will make a small incision in your cornea and place the Visian ICL between the iris and your eye’s natural crystalline lens. Once the ICL is centered behind your pupil and supported by the inside walls of your eye, Dr. Kawesch will close the incision.

You should notice the results immediately, and your vision will most likely continue to gradually improve over the next few days. About 95% of patients achieve vision of 20/40 or better, and approximately 60% achieve 20/20 vision or better. Therefore, you will most likely not require glasses or contacts after surgery.

The Visian ICL is intended to be a permanent correction for your refractive error. However, it is possible to remove or replace the lens at a later date, providing a significant advantage over several other refractive procedures which are irreversible.