Visian ICL

Originally developed for patients who are severely myopic, or nearsighted, the excellent visual outcomes have led to some surgeons offering this option to many of their myopic refractive patients, even ones that qualify for LASIK.

One benefit to the ICL procedure is that it is reversible. While the Visian ICL is intended to be a permanent vision treatment, it can be removed or replaced by your ophthalmologist, should it be needed.

​​​​​​​Other benefits include:

• Patients do not experience dry eye during the post-operative period

• Excellent night vision

• Almost immediate improvements to visual acuity

• UV protection built in to the ICL lens

• No changes to the shape of the cornea

• Approved for patients with thin corneas

The ICL procedure is ideal for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, and severely myopic prescriptions. Generally, these factors prevent patients from being a good LASIK candidate, but are not a limiting factor for the ICL procedure. The ICL is not indicated for patients who are hyperopic (farsighted) or presbyopic.

The Visian ICL can treat myopia, or nearsightedness, as low as -3 diopters and up to -20 diopters of correction.

The ideal candidate for a Visian ICL is:

• Are between 21 and 45

• Are nearsighted, with or without astigmatism

• Have had little to no change in your eyeglass prescription in the last year

• Are not pregnant

• Have no allergies to medications used during the surgery

• Have dry eyes, severe myopia, or a thin cornea that would disqualify you from LASIK surgery

​​​​​​​To find out if you’re a good candidate for a Visian ICL, we recommend scheduling a free consultation. Our counselors and doctors will perform diagnostic testing and work with you to assess your particular situation to determine if you’re a good candidate.

One to two weeks before your ICL procedure, your surgeon will perform an in-office procedure called a YAG laser iridotomy. This laser procedure creates two small openings near the edge of your iris. Our medical staff will apply numbing drops to your eye to make this procedure comfortable for you.

The surgeons at Whitsett Vision Group perform the ICL procedure at an outpatient surgery center. On the day of your procedure, a topical anesthetic will be applied to your eyes, and you may also receive a mild sedative. During the procedure, your surgeon will create a tiny opening in the cornea, and insert the ICL. This ICL will be customized to your unique prescription, and placed between the iris and the eye’s natural lens. The flexible lens will gently unfold in your eye, and provide almost immediate visual improvement.

The Visian ICL typically costs more than the LASIK procedure. This is due to the cost of the lens implant, as well as the laser treatment required prior to the ICL procedure.

Payment Options

• Cash / Money Order / Cashier’s Check
• Credit Card – We accept most major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
• Combination – Cash, Credit Card, and/or Financing (with approved credit; see CareCredit information below.)

Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts

Even though most insurance companies do not cover the cost of LASIK, you are eligible to use your Flex Spending (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for your LASIK procedure. The best part of using these funds for your LASIK procedure is that the money you’re using is tax-free. To learn more, schedule your free consultation, and ask our LASIK counselors about using your FSA or HSA account to help cover your LASIK procedure!

Financing with CareCredit

We’re pleased to offer our patients the CareCredit® card, North America’s leading patient payment program. CareCredit® is an exclusive healthcare services credit provider, offering low monthly payment plans for healthcare procedures not commonly covered by insurance, including LASIK and refractive procedures.

Learn more by contacting our LASIK counselors today. You can also visit CareCredit.com, or apply online for your CareCredit® account today.