Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

One of the most exciting advancements in nearsighted correction!   In December 2005 the FDA approved the STAAR Visian  implantable collamer lens.  This internal (intraocular) contact lens-type device allows patients with high degrees of myopia another option for dramatically improving their nearsightedness.  This device is an ultrathin lens placed inside the eye in front of the natural lens.  This allows a dramatic reduction in nearsightedness, while preserving the patients natural lens, which under age 45 can still autofocus.  For patients who are too nearsighted, or have corneas that are to thin to undergo a significant laser procedure, this technology offers an exciting alternative.

This procedure has been showcased on the "Today Show"

Dr. Mitchell is a Leading STAAR Visian ICL Specialist surgeon and has been implanting ICLs domestically for over 5 years.

Who is a candidate?

Generally patients mid 20's to 45 who are nearsighted and not good LASIK candidates because:

  • prescription is outside the approved parameters of the excimer laser up to -20.00 Diopters
  • insufficient corneal thickness for full correction by the excimer laser and at least -3.00 Diopters
  • cornea is too flat to allow full correction by the excimer laser
  • have not yet developed presbyopia (i.e. less than 45 years of age)
  • prescription is -8.00 Diopters or above regardless of LASIK candidacy

What do I need to know?

The ICL is a brief outpatient surgical procedure performed in an operating room under sterile conditions.  You will have the procedure performed in the morning and will be re-examined in the early afternoon of the same day.  Most patients will already be able to see a dramatic improvement before they leave the surgery center.

This procedure requires a significant amount of preoperative testing, measurements, and preparation.  Dr. Mitchell will personally perform your consultation and surgery, and will insist on an extensive discussion with you to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.  Dr. Mitchell is very excited about this newer technology and began implanting the ICL domestically as soon as it became FDA approved.  Our results have been outstanding and the visual quality is often superior to LASIK for high prescriptions.  To see if you are a candidate, please arrange a complimentary "ICL consultation" with Dr. Mitchell.
Media
Click Movie Icon to see ICL Instructional Video
Media
ICL surgical animation

This procedure was shown on an ABC affiliate in San Francisco http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/drive_to_discover&id=5942815

Testimonial

"As a heavy business traveler, I used to take off my contacts while in flight.  Five weeks after my ICL procedure the power inside the plane's cabin was lost momentarily and passengers started screaming.  I realized I would have been stomped and crushed by a panic crowd had I not had my ICL surgery ... Later that week, while plunging for an 80 foot scuba dive in the Bahamas, when I carefully closed my eyes for fear of losing my contacts, I realized again that Dr. Mitchell set me free.  For life.  Period.  I can see!  Everywhere: under the sea and up above in the sky.  Thank you for changing my life forever!"

Ulyana B., MA, MBA, PhD, 34 y.o. female, Senior Strategic Marketing Manager of a multinational S&P 500