Board-Certified | Corneal Refractive Specialist
Lawrence C. Chao, M.D.
Refractive Vision Correction with Phakic Lenses
Phakic intraocular lenses, or phakic lenses, are a new generation of implantable contact lenses created to work with your natural clear lens.
Implanting a phakic lens is an outpatient procedure, requiring the use of topical anesthetic eye drops and a micro-incision no stitch surgical technique. Phakic lens implant is a safe and effective lens-based refractive vision corrective option for those in whom LASIK or PRK is not recommended (e.g. extreme refractive error, thin corneas, dry eyes, etc.).
Two lenses have been approved by the FDA for phakic lens implantation, the Visian ICL (Staar Surgical) and the Verisyse Phakic IOL (AMO). Both lenses are removable should it become necessary such as when cataract surgery is performed.
At Chao Vision Institute, Dr. Lawrence Chao offers consult and second opinions to see if you're a candidate for ICLs.
Considering -> Consult -> Experience CVI -> Results
Visian ICL™
The Visian ICL™ Implantable Collamer Lens is an ultra thin implantable contact lens which is placed behind the colored iris and infront of the natural lens. This lens provides exceptional quality of vision in patients without signs of cataract formation.
Quality of Vision - Because the Visian ICL is placed inside the eye, where it continues to focus light accurately without any maintenance required. Refractive outcomes and optical performance are consistent. The result is outstanding quality of vision, providing excellent contrast.
Safety - In an outpatient setting, the Visian ICL is inserted into the eye by an ophthalmologist through a small, micro incision. The lens unfolds in the eye and is positioned between the iris and the natural lens where it stays indefinitely.
Advanced Lens Material - Staar Surgical Company makes the Visian ICL from a collagen co-polymer called Collamer which is composed of approximately 40% water. This material is biocompatible, meaning it does not cause a reaction in your eye and does not break down over time.
Removable - The Visian ICL does not alter any structures within the eye or on the cornea. If necessary, it can be removed by your eye surgeon by a simple procedure. When eyesight changes, the lens can be replaced; eyeglasses and contact lenses may also be worn; or another eye procedure can be done (e.g. cataract surgery) if necessary.
Invisible and undetectable - Invisible to the naked eye, only you and your doctor will know that the Visian ICL is there. Because the Visian ICL does not attach to any eye structures or move around in the eye, most patients do not feel it or notice that it is there. Other than annual ophthalmic exams to ensure that your eyes stay healthy, the Visian ICL is intended to be maintenance-free.
Excellent for a wide range of vision correction needs
Extreme refractive error - While anyone seeking clear vision may be a candidate for the Visian ICL, Dr. Chao recommends it for those with moderate to severe myopia and those with special vision correction needs.
Thin corneas - The cornea is the curved surface on the front of the eye. The Visian ICL does not have any effect on the cornea and may be appropriate if you have thin corneas.
Dry eyes - Visian ICL does not cause or contribute to dry eyes.
While it offers excellent quality of vision, the Visian ICL does not correct for presbyopia (the need for reading glasses due to age).
Verisyse™ Phakic IOL
The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is the other FDA approved phakic lens used to treat moderate to severe myopia. It does not correct for presbyopia.
The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is implanted behind your cornea and infront of your iris. The Verisyse Phakic IOL is made from a material known as polymethyl metacrylate (PMMA), also a biocompatible material that can remain in the eye for decades without changing its properties or losing stability.
If Vision Changes, Verisyse Phakic IOL implantation is reversible. If, in the future, your surgeon determines that there is a better procedure, the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL can be surgically removed.
Chao Vision Institute specializes in cataract, cornea, LASIK, and refractive vision correction, providing patients with university-level expertise and personalized care. See Dr. Lawrence Chao for a consult or second opinion if you are considering eye surgery, including Crystalens ™, ReStor™, Visian ICL™, and LASIK surgery in Irvine, Orange County, or the Los Angeles , Riverside, and San Diego areas.
Call us at 888.OCEYEMD in our Irvine, Orange County office in the Los Angeles area to make an appointment or get more information.
Cataract surgery | CRYSTALENS | Refractive Lens Exchange | ReSTOR | Toric IOL
Dr. Lawrence C. Chao, MD - Corneal Refractive Subspecialist | Your Focus | Experience CVI
Custom LASIK | Visian ICL | Wavefront Technology | Corneal Care & Surgery
Privacy Policy | LEGAL DISCLAIMER Copyright © 2009 CHAO Vision Institute, Inc., All rights reserved.
Considering Eye Surgery?
If you are considering LASIK, ICLs, cataract, or corneal refractive vision correction eye surgery, make an appointment with Dr. Chao at Chao Vision Institute in Irvine, CA to explore your options for seeing clearly.
When you email us, please let us know if you'd like to get access to 3D-animated topics including eye conditions overview and surgical treatment options.
"I had severe myopia and had worn contact lenses for over 20 years. When I found out about this ICL surgery and that I was a good candidate for it I decided to do it.
Dr. Chao has a great reputation and was recommended to me by a friend. When I met with him he answered all my questions and spent a lot of time with me so I was fully informed about the procedure.
Overall my experience was exceptional.
I have much more confidence - no more worries about being blind in an emergency! Both my distance and close vision are better than they were with contact lenses." - Leanne K, Tustin, CA.
Beyond LASIK -
LASIK often cannot be performed if very high degrees of correction are needed: too much thinning of the corneal bed may result in loss of structural integrity.
Patients with extreme degrees of nearsightedness are at a higher risk for retinal detachment.
For women who are are pregnant or nursing, laser-based or lens-based refractive surgery is contraindicated.
You May Also Want to Know...
CHAO VISION INSTITUTE
2500 Alton Pkwy Ste 102
Irvine, CA 92606
949.679.2426
toll fee 1.888.OCEYEMD
Premiere eye care provider specializing in LASIK, ICLs, Cataract, Cornea, and Refractive Vision Correction Consult, Second Opinions, and Surgery.
lnk