Implantable Contact Lenses in Sioux Falls, SD

LASIK and PRK laser vision correction are often excellent options for patients with refractive errors who are considering a long-term solution for their vision impairment. However, for those with high degrees of nearsightedness and /or astigmatism, these surgeries may not be an appropriate option. In many cases of severe nearsightedness, the cornea is too thin to treat with laser vision correction techniques. When this is the case, surgically implanted contacts called phakic intraocular lenses or implant contact lenses (ICL) may be an excellent alternative. These specialty devices act like semi-permanent contact lenses and work to correct nearsightedness and/or astigmatism, improving your ability to focus without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Dr. Alison R. Tendler, the leader and owner of ART Vision in Sioux Falls, SD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and certified in EVO Visian ICL™ implantable contact lenses, has the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to determine the best treatment option for individuals who seek a long-term solution to their vision needs. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your treatment options.

At ART Vision, we offer several ICL solutions. The most popular among our brands include:

The Visian ICL (implantable collamer lens) is placed behind the iris and does not require the natural lens to be removed. This is an excellent alternative to laser vision correction surgeries, like LASIK and PRK, and is the refractive surgery procedure that Dr. Tendler chose for herself.  The lens is FDA approved for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism.

The Verisyse ICL is an implantable lens made of medical-grade polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) that is placed in front of your iris. The Verisyse is FDA approved for the correction of nearsightedness only.

Those most likely to benefit from ICLs are those with moderate to severe nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism, and who are between the ages of 21 – 45 years old. Certain medical conditions may prevent you from being considered a candidate for ICLs. This includes eye diseases, such as glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy. During a consultation at ART Vision, Dr. Tendler will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and refractive error to determine a treatment method that will work for you and help to meet your unique needs.

Prior to your procedure day, Dr. Tendler will perform a peripheral iridotomy (YAG PI) to reduce any chance of pressure buildup within your eye due to the ICL placement. The ICL insertion, itself, is a brief procedure that is completed on an outpatient basis in the comfort of our ART Vision facility. Light anesthesia will be used while your ICLs are placed to keep you comfortable and relaxed.  To complete the surgery, Dr. Tendler creates a very small incision at the outer edge of your cornea before folding the lens and inserting it through the incision and placing it into the proper position in the eye.  From start to finish, the procedure should last no more than 15-30 minutes.  Unlike other refractive laser procedures, only one eye is done at a time.

Your vision will be noticeably better almost immediately following the surgery and will continue to improve over the coming days. You will be able to return to work and most of your daily activities soon after your procedure. Patients should be careful not to rub or touch the eyes for five days after their placement surgery. An initial follow-up appointment will be scheduled by our team and will take place the same day, only a few hours after your procedure. Other appointments will be required so that Dr. Tendler can ensure you are recovering and healing well.

If you are in search of a long-term solution for your vision impairment and have moderate to severe nearsightedness with or without astigmatism, schedule a consultation at our Sioux Falls, SD office today. Even if you were told you could not have LASIK, there may still be alternatives for you. Dr. Alison Tendler can help reduce the impact of your nearsightedness in a fast and effective ICL placement procedure that will improve your vision and quality of life for years to come. Contact our helpful team today to set up your appointment at ART Vision.  Let us help make the lifestyle change you seek so you can See the World Better and See Yourself Better.