The Visian ICL™ is an implantable lens, one of the latest advances in vision correction that helps individuals 21 to 50 who have nearsightedness between -3 and up to -15 to -20 diopters with 2.5 diopters or less of astigmatism. Previously, patients with high myopia were sometimes unable to experience the benefits of other refractive procedures such as LASIK or PRK.
Of the original patients to receive this lens, after three years 92.1 percent were very satisfied; 77 percent rated their quality of vision very good/excellent (an increase of 22%), and most experienced no to mild glare, night vision and/or night driving difficulties.
The Visian ICL is implanted inside the eye through a small incision. The Visian ICL rests naturally in front of the natural lens. It is made of a soft plastic and stable, biocompatible material called Collamer - a collagen co-polymer developed by the manufacturer STAAR surgical -- that has been used in eye surgery for many years.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis such that the patient can leave the same day, however, someone is needed to drive the patient home on surgery day. A light, topical or local anesthetic is administered. There should be little discomfort during or after surgery. Some eye drops or medication may be prescribed and you will visit with me the day after surgery.
The Visian ICL is intended to remain in place without maintenance. In most instances, I can remove or adjust your Visian ICL in the future. In other words, the Visian ICL is adjustable or replaceable, whichever will serve your vision needs in the future.
Patients with eyes that healthy but too nearsighted for laser vision correction, or have thin corneas or have dry eyes are potential candidates.
Individuals who are pregnant or nursing or have glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy (or insulin-dependent diabetes) are some of the more prevalent groups who should not have this surgery. Also, patients with a narrow angle in the front chamber of the eye may be excluded.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED PERSONALLY
As with any surgery, risks and complications may occur. I will be glad to discuss these during our COMPLIMENTARY consultation to determine if you are a candidate. As always, I am personally involved in these consultations and will be glad to answer your questions privately. For more information, visit our website (www.doctorwhitsett.com) or call Poppy, our coordinator at 713-365-9799 to schedule your FREE consultation.
Dr. Jeffrey C. Whitsett 
Jeffrey C. Whitsett, M.D., has twice been named a VISX Star surgeon, an honor bestowed on the top 100 providers of Laser Vision Correction in the United States. A 1986 graduate of the University of Oklahoma Medical School, he has been in private practice for more than a decade specializing in refractive and cataract surgery.
Dr. Whitsett is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. He is involved in several major national and international ophthalmology organizations, and lectures nationally for Alcon Surgical about the most current concepts in cataract and refractive surgery.
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