Implantable contact lenses (ICLs), also known as phakic IOLs, correct vision in much the same way that external contact lenses do, except ICLs are placed inside the eye where they permanently improve vision. ICLs are also similar to intraocular lenses which are used during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s natural lens. Permanent contact lenses give those who are not candidates for laser vision correction an option for permanent vision correction.

The phakic IOL is unique in that the thin intraocular lens implant is placed in the eye without removing the natural lens of the eye, as is required in cataract surgery. There are two lens types currently available. The main difference in implantable contact lenses is the type of material used to make each ICL. There are only two types of ICLs approved for use in the United States today: the Versyse ICL made of a type of acrylic called polymethylmehtacrylate (PMMA), and the Visian ICL made from STAAR Surgical’s blend of collagen and copolymer called Collamer.

The Verisyse IOL is implanted in front of the iris and, in fact, is actually attached (enclavated) to the peripheral iris. The Visian ICL is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye. Because of the positioning of the Visian ICL, it does not come in contact with any moving structures within the eye. Given that the natural lens of the eye is not removed, the patient retains its natural focusing capability (accommodation) for near focusing tasks.

In 2004, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released an update on the long-term clinical trial of implantable collamer lenses being studied for moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness). People with myopia have more difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as near objects. The ICL’s, which are as stated above inserted through a tiny incision and placed in front of the eye’s natural lens, had already been shown to be safe and effective. Sometimes called "implantable contact lenses", the FDA prefers the term “implantable collamer lenses” to avoid any confusion with corneal (external) contact lenses.

The trial focused on 526 eyes among some 294 people aged 22-45. After three years with an implantable collamer lens, nearly 59% had 20/20 vision (normal vision) or better, and nearly 95% had at least 20/40 vision (near-normal vision) or better. Side effects such as seeing glares or halos, experiencing double vision, or having problems with night vision weren’t any worse vs. glasses and contact lens and decreased in some cases. Nearly 97% said they would choose to have the implantable collamer implant again. Since all the participants were 45 or younger, no one knows if the same results would hold true for older patients. The lenses have been FDA approved for over a year now.

Implantable contact lenses have many benefits over other types of vision correction. They can permanently improve the vision of those with moderate to severe nearsightedness by working with the eye’s natural lens and unlike Laser Vision Correction, the procedure is completely reversible.

No surgical procedure is without risk, however, rarely do patients experience complications with implantable contact lenses. When complications do occur, they are typically minor.

The cost of implantable contact lenses depends greatly on the surgeon you choose and the area of the country in which your procedure is performed. In general, it costs several thousand dollars per eye for the surgery. (approximately $3000 per eye)

If you have any questions concerning Laser Vision Correction or ICL’s please contact our offices in Stillwater @ 405-372-1715 or Pawnee @ 918-762-2573. We also invite you to our monthly Laser Vision Correction seminars every second Tuesday of the month @ 6:00pm in our front reception area in Stillwater. The seminars in Pawnee are about every six weeks. Call for your reservation today. We have a drawing following the seminar for $500 off per eye for one person. You do not have to be a patient in this office to attend the seminar, everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!