Looking for an alternative to LASIK in Raleigh? Dr. Dean Dornic offers implantable contact lenses as safe, effective options for patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness. As the first surgeon in the Raleigh-Durham area to provide implantable contact lenses and a nationally recognized leader in vision correction, Dr. Dornic brings extensive expertise to every procedure. We offer two advanced options: Visian™ phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) for moderate to severe myopia, and Intacs® corneal ring segments for mild nearsightedness and keratoconus.
What Are Implantable Contact Lenses?
Implantable contact lenses (ICLs), also known as phakic intraocular lenses, correct vision by placing a lens inside the eye—much like a contact lens—while preserving your natural lens and focusing ability. Unlike traditional contacts or glasses, ICLs become a permanent part of your eye, eliminating daily maintenance. This procedure is ideal for patients with higher degrees of nearsightedness or those who aren’t candidates for LASIK or PRK. Unlike laser procedures that permanently reshape the cornea, ICLs can be removed if needed.
Visian Phakic IOLs
Visian ICLs work by reacting with your natural eye to focus light properly on the retina. The lens power matches your prescription precisely. Rather than reshaping the cornea, Dr. Dornic makes a tiny incision and inserts the lens into your eye, correcting your vision while maintaining your natural focusing capability for near tasks.
The Visian ICL Procedure
The implant procedure is quick and comfortable, lasting about 20 minutes. After arriving at the surgery center, you’ll receive a sedative and numbing eye drops. An eyelid holder keeps you from blinking, and Dr. Dornic precisely places the lens through a small incision. Candidates are typically over 21, nearsighted, and free from serious eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
Intacs® Corneal Ring Segments
Intacs® are ideal for patients with mild myopia or keratoconus who prefer an alternative to laser surgery. These small, crescent-shaped segments flatten the cornea to reduce nearsightedness. Dr. Dornic numbs the eye with medicated drops, makes a small incision, and inserts ring segments on each side of the cornea. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Because no tissue is removed, Intacs® can be adjusted or removed, allowing for future vision correction options if desired. Unlike laser surgery, this reversible approach provides flexibility for evolving vision needs.
Why Choose Laser Eye Center of Carolina?
Dr. Dean Dornic was the first surgeon in the Raleigh-Durham area to offer implantable contact lenses, and he’s recognized as one of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” and among Newsweek’s “15 Leaders in Laser Eye Surgery.” With thousands of successful procedures and over 15 years of surgical experience, Dr. Dornic provides expert, personalized care you can trust.
Ready to explore your vision correction options? Contact our Cary location at (919) 467-9955 or our Smithfield location at (919) 938-2010 to schedule your consultation today.
