Introduction: A History of Visionary Innovation
The history of Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) is a journey of technological excellence where Italy has consistently led the way. From the world’s first implant in 1993 to the latest presbyopia solutions, Italian surgeons have defined the global standards for refractive surgery.
1. The 1993 World First: An Italian Milestone
In September 1993, at the Clinica Eporediese in Ivrea, a pioneering Italian team performed the world’s first ICL implant for high myopia. This historic moment occurred exactly one month before international clinical trials began in South America.
- Lead Surgeon: Prof. Paolo Maria Pesando.
- Clinical Key Figure: Dr. Maria Pia Ghiringhello (Orthoptist and Surgical Assistant), who remains a bridge to modern ICL excellence.
2. Global Timeline & Technical Evolution
Europe (and Italy specifically) has often remained years ahead of the U.S. market in adopting these life-changing technologies.
| Year | Milestone / Version | Key Innovation |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | First World Implant (Italy) | Introduction of flexible Collamer lens in the posterior chamber. |
| 1997 | CE Mark (Europe) | Official European approval for 41 countries. |
| 2011 | V4c CentraFLOW | Revolutionary: The central port eliminates the need for peripheral iridotomy. |
| 2016 | EVO+ (V5) | Enlarged optic zone (up to 6.1mm) for superior night vision. |
| 2022 | V6 VIVA (Presbyopia) | EDOF technology to correct presbiopia (21-60 years old). |
3. Dr. Alberto Bellone’s Leadership in Italy
Dr. Alberto Bellone continues this legacy of excellence, introducing the most advanced ICL platforms to Italian patients.
First ICL V5 EVO+ in Italy (June 2016)
At the MOD Eye Clinic in Turin, Dr. Bellone performed the first Italian implant of the V5 EVO+. This version significantly reduced glares and halos by enlarging the optic zone.
The 30-Year Connection: ICL VIVA (December 2022)
Exactly 30 years after the first world implant, Dr. Bellone performed the first Italian implant of the ICL V6 VIVA for presbyopia. Notably, he was assisted by Dr. Maria Pia Ghiringhello, the same professional who assisted in the 1993 world-first surgery—creating a unique historical bridge.
4. Comparison: Europe (CE) vs. USA (FDA)
Due to different regulatory processes, European patients often access these technologies a decade before they reach the US.
- Toric ICL (Astigmatism): Available in Europe 15 years before the USA.
- EVO/EVO+: Available in Europe 5 years before the USA.
- EVO Viva: Approved in Europe (2020), currently pending FDA approval.
Conclusion: A Safe, Reversible Future
With over 3 million implants globally and a 99.4% patient satisfaction rate, ICL represents the gold standard for high-quality refractive surgery. Unlike laser surgery, ICL is completely reversible and uses biocompatible Collamer® material.
