Allen’s ICL Story

Allen L. underwent vision correction surgery with the Visian ICL at San Francisco Eye Institute. Like so many of our patients, Allen had less-than-perfect vision and was tired of the hassle of wearing glasses and contacts. Before his procedure, Allen mostly wore his glasses. He switched to contacts for sports and other activities, but found them to feel dry and uncomfortable and was frustrated that he constantly needed to replenish his supply of lenses. 

Allen had considered vision correction surgery for some time, and after exploring his options with Dr. Margaret Liu of San Francisco Eye Institute, decided that Visian ICL was the best solution for him. This is Allen’s story.

What is Visian ICL?

The Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) is different from other vision correction procedures because it does not involve any permanent alterations to the patient’s corneas. The ICL is a micro-thin lens implant that can be removed at any time and is made of a 100% biocompatible collamer that also provides UV protection. 

For Allen, the Visian ICL was the most appealing vision correction option for a number of reasons, including:

• The procedure is totally reversible
• Recovery is fast
• The procedure itself takes only minutes
• No permanent changes are made to the cornea

Allen’s ICL Experience

Like most patients, Allen felt a bit nervous on the day of his vision correction procedure. However, the team and environment at San Francisco Eye Institute all helped to put his mind at ease. Allen says, “The office was clean, quiet, and serene, with calming music playing in the background. Dr. Liu also calmed and reassured me before my procedure, and the team took great care of me the entire time.”

Allen says the procedure was entirely painless, and reports that the results were almost instant. Before he even left the office, Dr. Liu asked him to read a clock across the room. Prior to the procedure, there was no way Allen could have seen the numbers on that clock. Just moments after implantation with Visian ICL, however, he could read the time clearly. Allen says, “I could see right away. This was surprising—I didn’t expect that!”

Not only was the procedure painless, but Allen says that his recovery period was comfortable and much faster than he expected it to be.

Allen’s Vision After ICL

In the first few weeks after undergoing vision correction with Visian ICL, Allen frequently forgot that he no longer needed to wear glasses. He says, “I’d wake up in the morning and reach for my glasses. I had to remind myself I didn’t need them anymore!” As a busy software engineer and father of two very young children, Allen reports that undergoing vision correction with Visian ICL has been life-changing. Now, he can get on the floor and play with his kids without worrying about damaging his glasses and enjoy so many other activities without any hassle. The only negative thing Allen has to say about his ICL experience? “Now that I don’t need to wear my glasses, I feel like I’ve lost some of my geek cred!”

When asked if he had any advice for people considering Visian ICL, Allen said immediately, “Given my personal experience, I’d totally recommend ICL. I regret not doing this earlier.”

Ready to Improve Your Vision?

Like Allen, many of our patients choose vision correction surgery because they are frustrated by the inconvenience of depending on glasses and contact lenses to see clearly. If this sounds familiar, maybe it’s time for you to look into Visian ICL or other vision correction options available at San Francisco Eye Institute. To learn more, please contact us to schedule a consultation.