Visian or Visian Toric?

[Shari3145]

I am not a Lasik candidate because of thin corneas. I also have dry eyes and have not been able to wear contacts for several years. I turned 44 this year. I went in for an evaluation for the Visian ICL and was told I was a good candidate. I've been doing some research and am excited about the results I've seen. However, I also have learned that there is a Toric version that is not yet FDA approved. If I give you my prescription, can you tell whether I would be a better candidate for the Toric version?
Sphere: -5.75 and -5.50
Cylinder: -1.50 and -2.00
Axis: 90 and 78
ADD: +1.5 and +1.5

Question 1) Why is the age cut off 45 for the implantable lenses?
Question 2) Would the Toric version be a better solution?
Question 3) There is a Dr. doing a clinical trial, putting the Verisyse in one eye and the Veriflex in the other eye. Do you think this could be a good option for me, based on the information I gave you? It's appealing to be part of the trial because the cost is 1/2.

Thank you for your time,
Shari

[Shari3145]

One other piece of information. The Dr. that evaluated me and that said I was a good candidate for ICL, also said he would do limbal relaxing incisions to
correct the astigmatism. Does this sound reasonable?
Thanks again,
Shari

[Brian Boxer Wachler MD]

I am not a Lasik candidate because of thin corneas. I also have dry eyes and have not been able to wear contacts for several years. I turned 44 this year. I went in for an evaluation for the Visian ICL and was told I was a good candidate. I've been doing some research and am excited about the results I've seen. However, I also have learned that there is a Toric version that is not yet FDA approved. If I give you my prescription, can you tell whether I would be a better candidate for the Toric version?
Sphere: -5.75 and -5.50
Cylinder: -1.50 and -2.00
Axis: 90 and 78
ADD: +1.5 and +1.5

Question 1) Why is the age cut off 45 for the implantable lenses?
Question 2) Would the Toric version be a better solution?
Question 3) There is a Dr. doing a clinical trial, putting the Verisyse in one eye and the Veriflex in the other eye. Do you think this could be a good option for me, based on the information I gave you? It's appealing to be part of the trial because the cost is 1/2.

Thank you for your time,
Shari

The age is 45 years old only because the FDA study was not done on people older than that. Patients older than 45 can have the procedure done, but it is called "off label". Off label is used quite frequently throughout the medical field.

The astigmatism could be handled with toric ICL or limbal relaxing incisions. Once you have an evaluation, it's best to discuss with the surgeon once measurements are made on your eyes.

Only you can make the personal decision to be part of a clinical trial. Best to discuss with your doctor.