Dr. Donald Bennett of Bennett and Bloom Eye Centers performed the first implantation
of the newly FDA approved Visian ICL in Kentucky and Kentuckiana on Tuesday, April 11 at the Bluegrass Surgery and
Laser Center. Referred to as a “phakic IOL,” the Visian ICL is a refractive surgical
procedure for patients who are too nearsighted or whose corneas are too thin for LASIK.
The Visian ICL is a soft refractive implant that is inserted into the eye behind the iris (the colored part of the eye)
where it remains invisible, yet corrects vision like a contact lens. Unlike a contact lens, in this position it does not
have to be replaced.
The FDA approved the Visian ICL for patients ages 21 to 45 who can benefit from their natural ability to focus for
reading. The approval is for the correction of nearsightedness from -3.00D to -15.00D and for the reduction of
nearsightedness with those from -15.00D to -20.00D.
“I am thrilled to be able to offer the ICL procedure to patients,” said Dr. Bennett. “This exciting new technique
will help many people whom we could not help before see without their glasses and contacts. For many, this is the answer
they’ve been waiting for… for a long time!”
The Visian ICL is inserted into the eye through a small incision that requires no stitches. It takes only a few
minutes and is performed in an outpatient surgical center.
The ICL is approved for sale in 41 countries, including the European Union and has successfully been implanted in
more than 40,000 eyes throughout the world. In clinical trials, 99.4% of patients were satisfied with their results
and 97% of patients said they would elect to have the surgery again.
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