Visian ICL vs. LASIK

Two of the most popular vision correction surgeries available today are Visian ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). Dr. Ilan Cohen can help you determine which procedure is best for your unique vision. Each procedure accomplishes specific goals and just because you’re a candidate for one doesn’t mean that you qualify for the other and vice versa. To best understand which procedure is right for you, you should contact us to schedule a screening exam.

Visian ICL

During Visian ICL surgery, your surgeon will implant a Collamer lens behind your iris to correct your myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, if needed. ICL implants protect your eyes from harmful UV exposure from the sun, which can in turn prevent degenerative conditions like cataracts. The lenses are invisible to the naked eye and provide high vision clarity as well as acuity. This is an outpatient surgery that takes around 15 minutes per eye and produces little to no pain.

LASIK

Also an outpatient surgery, LASIK is quick (under 20 minutes per eye in most cases) and is virtually painless for most people. During this procedure, the cornea of the eye (the rounded clear dome) is permanently reshaped in order to enhance vision that has been hampered by misshapen corneal tissue. LASIK surgery is an effective and safe vision correction procedure. It has been around longer than Visian ICL (introduced in 1992, as compared to 2005 FDA approval of Visian ICL) and has been used in millions more people.

Which is Better?

In order to determine which surgery is better for you, you have to think about your needs. Do you want this to be a permanent solution that can’t be reversed? Because there is removal of corneal tissue with LASIK surgery, it is an irreversible solution. However, if the need for glasses is eliminated, then this is not a problem for most people. Visian ICL implants, on the other hand, can be replaced or removed as needed with changes in eyesight.

Both Visian ICL and LASIK have very high success rates (between 95% and 99%). Either may be covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary, but as a rule, Visian ICL is about twice the cost of LASIK per eye and is considered “elective.” In the end, the decision as to which is best is up to you and your surgeon, so it makes sense to discuss all your options thoroughly before making a decision.

At the 5th Avenue Eye Center in New York, we have years of experience in helping people just like you decide the best course of action to take when it comes to vision correction surgery. Our surgeon, Dr. Ilan Cohen, will work with you during your consultation to explain your options for implantable contact lenses, microkeratome surgery or other procedures in an easy-to-understand way. Contact us today and let us help you gain the eyesight you deserve. We take most health insurances and Medicare plans.

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