THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE The Visian ICL procedure is a short 15 minute outpatient procedure that involves several important steps. Topical Anesthesia On the day of your procedure, prior to surgery, your surgeon will administer topical anesthesia to minimize discomfort, however you may still feel pressure in your eye. Additionally, you may or may not be given a sedative. Lens Positioning Openings Once you are comfortable, your surgeon will begin the procedure. First, the surgeon will create one or two small openings at the base of your cornea that will be used to position the lens. Gel-like Solution Next, a gel-like substance will be placed inside your eye to protect the eye during lens placement. This gel will be removed at the end of the procedure. Lens Opening Following placement of the gel, a small opening will be made, through which the lens will be inserted. Insertion of Corrective Lens Prior to the Visian ICL procedure, your correctivelens was selected based on your individual prescription. The lens was folded and loaded into a small cartridge which will now be placed through the incision. As the lens is inserted, it will gently unfold in your eye. Once the lens has fully unfolded, the four corners of the lens will be placed behind your iris. This makes the lens invisible to both you and others. Completion of Procedure To complete the procedure, the surgeon will administer eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. You will continue to use these drops for several days after your procedure. Because the incision made during surgery is so small, sutures are typically not needed following the Visian ICL surgery. For comfort and protection, the surgeon may cover the eye with a patch or shield and prescribe drops or medication. Follow-Up Care after the Visian ICL Procedure Within 24 hours of undergoing the Visian ICL surgery, you will have a follow-up visit with the ophthalmologist. The surgeon will monitor the eye's internal pressure and will discuss your progress.