Watch video of an implantable lens being removed due to a sight-threatening complication.

Lens implants, or phakic intraocular lens, are sometimes referred to as "implantable contact lens", which is a marketing term used to take the fear out of having a dangerous device implanted inside your eye. These devices carry serious risks and potentially blinding complications. Dr. Stephen Updegraff who practices in the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg area advertises the Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens).

I would recommend that you ask Stephen Updegraff, MD of Updegraff Vision about endothelial cell loss associated with phakic intraocular lenses, which affects 100% of patients implanted with this device. Elevated rate of endothelial cell loss persists for years after surgery and may lead to corneal transplant.

Some of the known risks of implantable lenses include glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, infection, inflammation, visual disturbances, and clouding of the cornea requiring corneal transplant.

Please see the FDA web site: Phakic Intraocular Lenses

Also read the patient forum regarding lens implants: Patient Forum

For more information about risks and complications of intraocular "contact lenses", Read Medical Journal Articles

Additional information: Visian Implantable Collamer Lens

Visian ICL FDA approval

Visian ICL Patient Information Booklet

To view serious problems of Visian ICL reported to the FDA, go to FDA Maude database search. Type "Visian" in the Brand Name field, and type "MTA" in the Product Code field. Change the date range, and click "search".

If you experienced problems after lens implant surgery performed by Dr. Stephen Updegraff or any other surgeon, you should report it to the FDA at this link: MedWatch