Dr. Paul Harton was the first surgeon in Georgia to implant the recently FDA approved Visian ICL. This exciting technology received final approval on December 23, 2005. Dr. Harton implanted this new lens into 6 patients on February 13, 2006 with excellent results.
Dr. Harton performs the VisianICL procedure in Rome at The Surgery Center of Rome on the campus of Redmond Regional Medical Center. For the convenience of our Acworth and Metro Atlanta patients, the VisianICL procedure is also available at Marietta Surgical Center located at 780 Canton Rd. NE in Marietta.
Dr. Harton with the first people in
Georgia to have the ICL procedure
The Visian ICL will offer another option for those seeking reduced dependence on glasses and contact lenses. In addition, the ICL will provide many, who are not candidates for LASIK, a way to achieve this goal.
The
STAAR ICL™, marketed under the brand name VisianICL,
is a refractive lens also known as a phakic IOL. “Phakic”
meaning that the natural lens of the eye is not removed during the procedure.
Instead, the natural lens is left in place. IOL means intraocular lens,
or a lens inside the eye. The ICL is a posterior chamber implant that
is situated behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline
lens. The ICL is considered an alternative to corneal refractive surgery
such as LASIK, PRK or incisional surgeries.
The best candidates for the Visian ICL™ are between the ages
of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe nearsightedness. It is best if
the candidate has not had any previous ophthalmic surgery and does not
have a history of ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic
retinopathy.
If
there are major changes in ones vision, the ICL can easily be removed
and replaced, or another procedure can be done at any time. With the
ICL, one can still wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The
ICL does not help presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to
age.
The ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means
that the patient has surgery and leaves the same day. Please note that
someone will have to drive the patient to and from surgery. A light,
topical or local anesthetic is administered and there is very little
discomfort and normally no pain associated with the procedure. Some
drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed and a visit is usually
scheduled the day after surgery.
ICLs are intended to remain in place without maintenance. If it becomes
necessary, for any reason, they can be easily removed by a trained ophthalmic
surgeon.
Basic Steps in the Implantation of the Visian ICL
Small (approx 3 mm) incision is made in the eye
ICL is folded, placed into an inserter and injected into the eye where
it gently unfolds
After gentle positioning, the ICL is in nice position
The
STAAR ICL™, marketed under the brand name VisianICL,
is a refractive lens also known as a phakic IOL. “Phakic”
meaning that the natural lens of the eye is not removed during the procedure.
Instead, the natural lens is left in place. IOL means intraocular lens,
or a lens inside the eye. The ICL is a posterior chamber implant that
is situated behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline
lens. The ICL is considered an alternative to corneal refractive surgery
such as LASIK, PRK or incisional surgeries. 
If
there are major changes in ones vision, the ICL can easily be removed
and replaced, or another procedure can be done at any time. With the
ICL, one can still wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The
ICL does not help presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to
age. 
