New procedure helps correct vision

September 2, 2010

A new procedure to help correct vision in those who may not benefit from lasik or refractive surgeries is offering patients another chance for perfect vision, The Press Republican reports.

The procedure involves the insertion of a lens, referred to as an intraocular collamer lens, that is placed between the eye's natural lens and the iris. In lasik surgery or other refractive procedures, the surface of the eye is altered, unlike the new procedure where the surface is not sliced or lasered.

The procedure can correct high levels of myopia and also help patients who suffer from an irregular astigmatism. However, the affects aren't as permanent as lasik surgery.

"The biggest difference between ICL and Lasik is that ICL is reversible," eye surgeon Dr Robert Johnson told the news source. "If there's any situation that a patient is uncomfortable with, the lens can be taken out."

According to the American Optometric Association, myopia is a very common vision condition that affects nearly 30 percent of the American population.