Keratoconus, Visian ICL, LASIK, Cataracts and Eye Care: Free Eye Surgery Tips Blog by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler

Posts Tagged ‘Visian ICL’

Visian ICL (Insertable Contact Lenses): Correct Keratoconus Vision with Visian ICL Lens

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

What are Visian ICL lenses?

Visian ICL lens inserts are highly biocompatible lenses that are positioned behind the irises to reverse the symptoms associated with keratoconus. They are manufactured from Collamer and cause no reaction in the eyes. Collamer also contains a filter for providing protection from ultraviolet rays of light.

How long have Visian ICL lenses been available?

Visian ICL lenses were researched and developed over 13 years in Europe. They are now available in the US as well. In fact, more than 50,000 people have now been fitted with them.

Do Visian ICL lenses eliminate the need for eye glasses and contact lenses?

That depends on the severity of an individual’s keratoconus. Most patients have a 70-90% reduction of overall prescription. Some patients will wear a light pair of glasses for driving or reading. On occasion patients will wear contact lenses when they desire crisper sharper vision.

How long can Visian ICL lenses be worn?

Visian ICL lenses are intended for permanency and maintenance-free performance. They are inserted behind the irises in the posterior chamber, in front of the natural lenses. They cannot be detected by others. If your vision changes over time, or other procedures become necessary, Visian ICL lenses can be easily removed, changed and/or reinserted.

Is the procedure for inserting Visian ICL lenses complicated?

Visian lenses are inserted on an outpatient basis and each eye can be completed in roughly 15 minutes. The procedure is minimally invasive and has very few post-operative complications associated. Also, little discomfort is reported from patients. Eye drops and case-dependent medications will be prescribed. A follow-up visit is required the day after the procedure. In addition, most patients report that they cannot even feel the lenses after placement.

Visian ICL permanent lenses provide a cost-effective way to alleviate the severe vision impairment symptoms associated with keratoconus.

View a free information webinar: www.FixesYourKC.com

Learn more about keratoconus treatments today: www.KeratoconusInserts.com

Tags: Boxer Wachler, Keratoconus, Keratoconus advice, Keratoconus Inserts, Keratoconus Treatment, Lens Implant, Lens Surgery, Visian ICL, visian icl information
Posted in Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, Visian ICL | 10 Comments »

Olympic Bobsled Driver Steve Holcomb’s Miracle Story of Overcoming Keratoconus

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Last Thursday I, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, was in Vancouver for the Olympic press conference with the U.S. Bobsled team. “Why would an eye surgeon be at an Olympic press conference?” is probably going through your mind. I didn’t give up my day job to join the U.S. Bobsled team. My patient Steve Holcomb and his story has become one of the most remarkable stories in this Olympics.

Steve is the driver of the U.S. Bobsled team’s top sled nicknamed “The Night Train”. Two years ago, he became legally blind due to a degenerative cornea condition called Keratoconus which just about forced him to retire and give up the sport. The Olympic Committee and his team refused to let him give up. That’s when they found me. I had the honor of treating Steve’s condition with C3-R along with corrective lens implants. C3-R saved Steve’s eyesight.

He then went on to win Gold in the World Bobsled Championship – a U.S. first in 50 years.

Hence the reason for being part of the press conference last week. It will filled with TV crews and journalists.

Full details about Steve’s story is at: www.BoxerWachler.com

In just 10 more days, Steve and the Night Train will be going for Gold! I’ll be there personally rooting for Steve and I’ll be posting updates on this blog and tweeting at www.twitter.com/drboxerwachler

Tags: C3R, KC, Keratoconus, loss of vision, Olympic Bobsled, Olympic Bobsledder Keratoconus, Olympic Bobsledder Vision Loss, Olympic Bobsledder Vision Restored, Steve Holcomb, Visian ICL, vision loss
Posted in C3R/CXL, Crosslinking, Keratoconus, Visian ICL | No Comments »

At the Eye of the 2010 Olympics, There’s Gold: Dr. Brian Administers Eye Exam

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Eyes are peeled: on February 11, 2010 a press conference will be held for world renowned eye surgeon Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Boxer Wachler will discuss his breakthrough C3-R procedure that restored the vision of U.S. Olympic bobsled pilot, Steve Holcomb, and administer one last eye exam before Holcomb goes for the gold.

Unbeknownst to fans and his team, Holcomb had been battling a degenerative eye disease known as keratoconus, which cause the eye’s cornea to bulge outward. Glasses and contact lenses had failed to repair Holcomb’s sight, leaving his vision of winning the Olympic gold in 4-men bobsled blurred.

“I was so nearsighted, I was ready to quit,” says Holcomb. “I had to get right up to the eye chart just to make out the big E at the top.”

Fortunately, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler had just developed the C3-R procedure, a relatively new procedure that could restore Holcomb’s vision. by administering drops to strengthen the cornea. After administering the eye drops to strengthen the cornea, Dr. Brian restored his vision by embedding a lens (Visian ICL) behind the iris of each eye. Luckily, Holcomb proved to be the perfect candidate for this groundbreaking procedure. With the support of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the U.S. Bobsled Federation, Dr. Brian was able to perform the surgery, restoring Holcomb’s vision from worse than 20/500 to a miraculous 20/20.

“I am honored to have helped Steve finally achieve his dream of competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics and bring Gold back to the U.S.,” says Dr. Brian, “and I look forward to watching him and his team make history.”

The C3-R procedure, performed march of 2008, took only 30 minutes to complete – a near blink of the eye – and allowed Holcomb and his team to then go on and win the world championship last year, a U.S. bobsled first in 50 years.

“I can now focus on what’s important out there,” adds Holcomb. “It’s a new world.”

Now, for the first time in the U.S. since 1948, the U.S. Olympic bobsled team is ready to bring home the gold.

Tags: C3-R, Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, Visian ICL
Posted in C3R/CXL, Crosslinking, Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, Visian ICL | No Comments »

Olympic Athlete Overcomes Keratoconus and Ready for Winter Olympics

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Bobsled driver Steve Holcomb was ont he verge of giving up his passion for the Bobsled sport due to his keratoconus. The U.S. Olympic Team, coaches, and team doctors virtually refused to let him quit.

They found alternative treatments to a cornea transplant that would allow Steve to return tot he sport. Two years ago, Steve was sent to Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler for C3-R and 3 months later Visian ICL. C3-R is a breakthrough procedure Dr. Brian developed in 2004 to strenghthen the cornea and stop the progression of keratoconus. The procedure consists of applying a special solution of riboflavin drops to the cornea, which then are activated with a special UV light to encourage bonds to grow and strenghten the cornea. 99% of patients have full stabilization after 1 treatment and 1% will need a second treatment.

Steve Holcomb’s story was captured by NBC Nightly News with Bryan Williams wich can be viewed on www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yYZct6G4dU.

What makes Steve’s story particularly moving was that he went from nearly giving up the sport to winning a World Gold Medal for the U.S. in Bobsled - which had not been done in the past 50 years.

With his Keratoocnus cured, Steve’s going into the Olympics in Vancouver with his team, the “Night Train” as the favorites.

I’ll be there rooting for Steve and his team. We hope hisotry will again be made and we will all be cherring for Steve and the team!

You can learn more about keratoconus treatments at: www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

Tags: C3-R, KC, Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, loss of vision, Visian ICL, vision loss
Posted in C3R/CXL, Crosslinking, Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, True Testimonials, Visian ICL | No Comments »

True Testimonials: Meeting David Bonifanti

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Many of us argue with ourselves on having procedures done to our eyes. Quite frankly the thought of getting surgery of any kind on our eyes does not sound so appealing. But the truth of the matter is over the course of the last 20 years many advancements in technologies have allowed vision correction procedures to be minimal to non-invasive and take little to no time to heal. This means not only will you receive the benefits but in most cases it won’t interfere with your daily schedule- and who could ask for anything better than that.

David Bonifanti can tell you from his experience that the Visian ICL is worth all the risk. He studied and researched these procedures for 15 years before meeting Dr. Boxer Wachler.

He said:

“I researched this doctor for a long time and I was comfortable with Dr. Boxer Wachler.”

He knew Dr. Boxer Wachler for about 4 to 5 years before he decided to get the treatment of the Visian ICL. Though the doctor knew of its benefits he understood David’s concern and respected his choice to wait.

In fact David liked his results so much after three months he had to tell his story.

Dr. Boxer Wachler still says:

Quote:

“Visian ICL can correct vision better than glasses and contact lens.”

The Visian ICL:

The Visian ICL is a small implant that is placed behind the iris. The lens will fold out after it is placed in position. The overall procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes. The patient is given numbing medications and there is no pain during the procedure.

To find out more about the Visian ICL procedure visit: http://www.iclinformation.com

To view a free webinar visit: http://www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

Now you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
www.boxerwachler.com/facebook
https://twitter.com/DrBoxerWachler

Tags: Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, Dr. Boxer Wachler, Keratoconus, Keratoconus Inserts, Keratoconus Treatment, Visian, Visian ICL, visian icl information, visianicl
Posted in Visian ICL | No Comments »

Optimizing Vision for Keratoconus Patients: The Visian ICL

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Visian ICL is a remarkable transparent contact lens that is placed behind the eyes iris. The transparent ICL can not be seen by you or anyone else and takes only a mere 9 minutes to implant. The Visian ICL was made by Staar Company and is a bio-compatible lens. It is durable and doesn’t break down over time as other products may.

The Visian ICL is used to correct vision in patients with keratoconus, once their vision has been stabilized. The Visian ICL is used after other Keratoconus treatment options are used such as Intacs and C3-R® as a “Part 2” to vision correction. There are some eligibilities of the Visian ICL procedure. Below is a short list to get you started:

Good Candidates should:

Should be at least 21 years of age.

Stabilized Keratoconus Progression for at least 6 months.

Not pregnant

No known allergies to medication for procedure

Have glaucoma

Have Macular degeneration

The Visian ICL gives options to remove them when your prescription needs to be changed without irritation or disturbances in vision. The Visian ICL has been used for over the last 14 years in Europe and has gained popularity in the United States within the past 2 years. It shows great improvement in the eyes of their patients. The Visian ICL gives great options for those suffering with Myopia up to 20 diopters. Depending on the surgical technique used up to 4 diopters of astigmatism can be corrected with the current lens. A new lens should be approved shortly that would allow up to 6-8 diopters of astigmatism corrected.

The Staar Surgical Company is a proven surgical eye correction technology leader and to be a cut above the rest. Providing us with very dependable and advanced technologies for vision correction in the past and present. The Staar Surgical Company provides many advanced technological instruments and has been since 1982.

Over all the advances that the Visian ICL is providing for patients with Myopia is great. Surgeons around the nation are using these techniques to improve the vision of many of their patients. If you are interested in learning more about the Visian ICL procedure for myopia visit us at: www.ICLinformation.com. To learn more about the Visian ICL for Keratoconus patients visit us at: www.keratoconusinserts.com

Keratoconus patients no longer need to despair, find hope: www.keratoconusinserts.com

Tags: Kerat, Keratoconus, Keratoconus advice, Keratoconus Inserts, Keratoconus Treatment, Visian ICL, visian icl information
Posted in Keratoconus | No Comments »

Advancement in Surgical Technology

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

Staar Surgical Company–

It is not only important to ensure that you have the right surgeon in your corner. It is equally important to know what tools they are using. Why is that so important you ask? Simply because even if you have the best doctor in the country; if his tools are of poor quality it will not be as effective. Just ask Staar Surgical Company.

Staar Surgical Company was founded in 1982 and are now one of the leading Surgical product manufacturers for Corrective Devices in the world. Their product line is not just put out and forgotten. Staar makes it a point to put out only the best Surgical technology. They re-create and are constantly improve their products. Through research and lots of creativity Staar Surgical Company is able to not only create the device but also create the material some of their products is made of!

Their latest work of art? Collamer—this lovely material is used throughout the affinity Line. Which gives more durability to their lenses as well as creating a natural lens improving the quality of vision and bio-compatibility with the use of their lenses.

So by now you are probably asking yourself what products do they make? Well below are just a few of these fine products produced by Staar Surgical Company:

Aquaflow Collagen Glaucoma Drainage Device

STAAR Silicone IOLs

Visian TICL (Toric Implantable Collamer Lens)

Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

The Art of any surgical procedure is not only about the artists but his tools and how he uses them. STAAR Surgical Company is truly a remarkable place. Its people are continuing to bring technology to our doctors to give the most accurate and convenient care. As well as improve our surgical experience. To learn more about STAAR Surgical Company you can visit their website at: http://www.starr.com.

Tags: ICL, Lens Implant, Lens Surgery, Staar Company, Visian ICL
Posted in Visian ICL | No Comments »

Benefits of Visian ICL

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

There are many improvements in medical technology’s today allowing us to improve our quality of vision. Lasik has been a great gift to many however on that is moving up in the ranks is Visian ICL. This is also known as a Phakic Intraocular lens or an Implantable lens or Insertable Contact Lens. The Visian ICL was created by Staar Surgical company to help improve the quality of vision in patients with myopia nearsightedness; with or without Astigmatism.

These nifty little lenses are beneficial to us because they give us a much clearer view of the world and are bio-compatible with our eyes. The Visian ICL isn’t designed to sit in front of the natural lenses to enhance the quality of our vision producing a better picture.

Some benefits of the Visian ICL are:

Better Quality of Vision-

The Visian ICL is made of a special material which gives the patient a better quality of vision. It is also more durable them most ICL’s. Many patients refer to having HD (High Definition) vision after this procedure; everything is remarkable clear and crisp and often clearer than what they saw with the contacts or glasses.

Small Entry Site-

The Visian ICL is foldable allowing the surgeon to make a small entry site in the cornea, which is less than half the size of most ICL’s entry sites and it doesn’t require sutures.

Removable-

The Visian ICL’s are removable in case the patient suffers vision changes over the years or over/under correction occurs.

Safety-

The procedure requires small entry to insert the lens, which makes the procedure less invasive compared to other ICL procedures.

This procedure is becoming more and more common in the world of corrective surgery. The STAAR Surgical Company continues to improve their techniques and technologies. Though in the end the decision is up to you. If you are interested in learning more on the Visian ICL visit ICL information.

Tags: ICL, Lens Implant, Lens Surgery, Staar Company, Visian ICL
Posted in Visian ICL | No Comments »

Visian ICL: Taking a Closer Look at the Material

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

One of the best characteristics of the Visian ICL procedure is the fact that the actual lens is made from a material called Collamer. Vision ICL is the only eye implant that is made from this material, which makes it truly unique when compared to other types of implants. In order to better understand the benefits to using Visian ICL, it is helpful to first gain a better understanding of the composition of this lens.

Understanding the Collamer Composition

The Collamer used in Visian ICL is actually a special type of co-polymer collagen. In fact, the word “Collamer” is created by combining the words “Collagen” and “Co-polymer.” In scientific terms, the material is created by bonding collagen with a special chromophore that is capable of absorbing UV light. Once bonded, the materials form a poly-HEMA based co-polymer.

Since Collamer is made entirely from the collagen co-polymer, it is biocompatible with the eye and is capable of providing a very high level of optical performance. It is also easy to implant in the eye because it can be folded and it unfolds easily once it is inserted. As a result, only a very small incision has to be made. This means no sutures are needed and the incision is able to heal quickly.

The Benefits of Visian ICL

Aside from the fact that implanting Visian ICL is a relatively simple procedure, there are several other benefits associated with this Collamer lens.

One of the benefits to using Visian ICL is the fact that Collamer is able to transmit light in a manner that is very similar to the eye’s lens. This is because Collamer is almost identical in composition to the crystalline lens found in the human eye.

Collamer also has a built-in anti-reflective interface, which is caused by the fact that 40% of the Visian ICL lens is actually made from water. Due to the higher water concentration, it gradually changes the refractive index from the aqueous to the lens. Since the light patterns created with the Visian ICL are almost the same as the natural lens, less light is reflected and potentially helps reduce dysphotopsias.

Since Visian ICL is made from collagen, it is able to attract fibronectin after the implant has been inserted. Fibronectin is found naturally in the eye, so having a layer of this substance form around the lens helps to prevent white cell adhesion to the lens. This means the body does not look at the lens as a foreign object and it is able to remain unnoticed by the body.

The Visian ICL lens also remains free from protein build-up because the Collamer contains a slight negative iconic charge. Since protein also has a negative charge, the two repel each other and protein is unable to adhere to the surface of the lens. This means vision remains clear and crisp indefinitely, unless an actual change to the eye occurs.

The Collamer used in Visian ICL is truly unique. With the help of these unique characteristics, it provides a superior means for improving the vision of those that qualify for the procedure.

Tags: chromophore, Co-polymer, Collamer, Fibronectin, HEMA, ICL, icl information, Visian, Visian ICL
Posted in Visian ICL | No Comments »

Deciding if Visian ICL is Right for You

Sunday, April 6th, 2008

Are you considering getting Visian ICL in order to correct your vision? If so, you are likely to be very pleased with the results. At the same time, you should understand the benefits of the procedure and know for certain whether or not you are a suitable candidate before you start looking at having Visian ICL performed to improve your vision.

Why the Visian ICL Procedure is a Good Choice for Vision Correction

There are many advantages to using the Visian ICL procedure to correct your vision. Namely, the procedure helps most people gain freedom from their glasses by improving visual acuity and helping to make the vision sharper. In addition to improved vision, the Visian ICL procedure also offers benefits such as:

Only requiring a small incision, which means no sutures are required and healing time is fast
The lens is inserted in the posterior chamber of the eye, which makes it invisible
It is made from Collamer, which is biocompatible with the eye

To date, the Visian ICL implants have been placed in over 60,000 eyes around the world. It also has a proven track record of success, having been used to help improve the vision of others for the past 15 years.

What Makes for a Good ICL Candidate?

In order to be considered a good candidate for Visian ICL, you should:

Be between the ages of 21 and 45.
Not be pregnant
Not have allergies to the medication that is used during the procedure
Not have health problems that may cause complication
Have enough eye tissue density and a proper anterior chamber depth, which can be determined with an eye examination
Not have experienced changes to your eyeglass prescription of more than 0.5 over the past year

Most people that meet these criteria will be eligible for the Visian ICL procedure. Whether you are farsighted or nearsighted and whether or not you have astigmatism does not affect your eligibility for Visian ICL. Even if you have severe myopia of up to a -20D prescription, you can still be eligible so long as you have an only minor case of astigmatism. It should be noted, however, that the Visian Toric ICL is currently under review with the FDA and is capable of correcting myopia that is accompanied by astigmatism.

The Visian ICL procedure is also a good alternative for people that are no candidates for LASIK surgery because their cornea is too thin or because they suffer from dry eyes. It should not be looked at as only an alternative for those that are not eligible for LASIK, however, as Visian ICL is a much safer choice that does not create a permanent change to the eye. For that reason, even individuals that may qualify for the LASIK procedure may wish to use the Visian ICL procedure instead.

The Visian ICL procedure can help literally thousands of people enjoy better vision. With its fast recovery time, excellent results, and lack of permanent change to the eye, it is clearly a great choice for anyone looking to finally say goodbye to their glasses.

Tags: eye surgery, icl information, lasik, Visian ICL, visian icl information, visianicl
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