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Candidate Selection: The Ideal Visian ICL Patient

Any adult who seeks clear vision may be a potential Visian ICL patient, including patients with moderate to severe myopia and myopic astigmatism. (The Visian TICL* for treatment of myopic astigmatism is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.) The ideal candidate for implantation of the Visian ICL is between 21 and 45 years of age.

Characteristics of a Suitable Visian ICL Patient

Treatment Range

The Visian ICL is recommended to correct myopia ranging from -3.0 diopters to ≤ to -15.0 diopters with ≤ 2.5 diopters of astigmatism at the spectacle plane. The phakic IOL can also be used to reduce severe myopia that is greater than -15.0 diopters to -20.0 diopters with ≤ 2.5 diopters of myopic astigmatism at the spectacle plane.

The Visian Toric ICL (currently only available outside of the United States) is recommended to treat myopia ranging from -4.0 diopters to -20.0 diopters with astigmatism of 1 diopter to 4 diopters.

Stable Refractive History

A stable refractive history is also required of the ideal Visian ICL (and Visian TICL*) patient, who must exhibit stability within 0.5 diopter for a minimum of one year prior to implantation.

Also the patient should have no history of glaucoma, cataracts, Fuch’s dystrophy or keratoconus.

Proper Anterior Chamber Depth

The Visian ICL patient must also have an anterior chamber depth (ACD) of 3.00 mm or greater. The Visian TICL* patient must have an ACD greater than 2.80 mm.

Additional Features of the Visian ICL for Patient Selection

Because no corneal tissue is removed during Visian ICL implantation, patients who have thin corneas and are therefore not considered good candidates for LASIK and other refractive procedures can be suitable candidates for the Visian ICL.

For patients with severe myopia who are outside of the range for LASIK or PRK, the Visian ICL is the most promising option for high-quality vision, with rapid recovery, excellent tolerance, and outstanding results.

Patients at high risk for postoperative inflammation may also be suitable Visian ICL candidates.

Because the lenses are made of Collamer, a highly biocompatible material that is used exclusively by STAAR Surgical Company, the Visian ICL is ideal for many patients who suffer from severe dry eyes or are prone to ocular infection, and are therefore unable to use traditional contact lenses.

Contraindications

Patients who are under 21 years old are not suitable candidates for the Visian ICL. The Visian ICL is also contraindicated in patients:

  • With ACD less than 3.00 mm.
  • With anterior chamber angel less than Grade II as determined by goinoscopic examination.
  • Who are pregnant or nursing.
  • Who do not meet the minimum endothelial density.
  • Who are affected by the following conditions: corneal pathology, keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts, collagen sensitivity, or a previous history of iritis, pigment dispersion syndrome, or pseudoexfoliation.

Contact STAAR Surgical Company

For more information on selecting the proper Visian ICL or Visian TICL* patient, please contact STAAR Surgical Company today or enroll in the Visian ICL Certification Course.

*Not available in the US

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