ICL Implantation for Lifelong Clarity.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) implantation is a surgical procedure in which a specially designed artificial lens made of plastic and collagen is placed between the natural lens and the iris. Unlike laser eye surgery, ICL is an “additive” technology that does not involve reshaping the cornea. It provides excellent vision by focusing light sharply onto the retina. ICL is an ideal option for many patients as it can eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. This innovative approach offers decades of clear vision without altering the structure of the cornea.
Who Should Opt for ICL?
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a suitable option for individuals seeking vision correction, especially those with conditions like myopia, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. Compared to laser eye surgery, ICL offers similar final vision outcomes but provides superior quality of vision.
Unlike laser surgery, ICL does not involve corneal treatment, reducing the risk of induced aberrations and enhancing aspects like colour saturation, contrast sensitivity, and low-light vision. ICL is particularly beneficial for individuals with thin corneas or dry eye symptoms that make laser surgery unsuitable.
The ideal candidates for ICL are typically between 21 to 45 years old, have stable prescriptions, and exhibit appropriate eye measurements for safe implantation
ICL surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure and will not experience any pain. In some cases, local anesthesia may be used, where the eyes are numbed to ensure comfort and eliminate any discomfort. The aim is to ensure that patients do not feel any pain or discomfort during the ICL surgery.
The ICL lens, made of biocompatible materials, can remain in your eye and provide support for a lifetime unless vision changes occur.
ICL surgery is minimally invasive, and most patients can expect to heal and resume normal activities within 24-48 hours after the procedure.
While the risks associated with ICL implantation are generally low (less than 1%), there are a few potential complications, including blurred vision, early cataracts, cloudy corneas, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and vision loss. It is important to discuss these risks with your eye surgeon before deciding on the procedure.
Yes, individuals who have previously undergone LASIK surgery can opt for ICLs (Implantable Collamer Lenses) and can often achieve excellent outcomes.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) are two different approaches to vision correction.
ICL involves the implantation of a biocompatible lens between the natural lens and the iris, without altering the cornea's shape. This lens is foldable and can remain in the eye for a lifetime. It is suitable for individuals with thin corneas or dry eye symptoms. ICL preserves the natural corneal tissue and provides excellent quality of vision.
LASIK, on the other hand, reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct refractive errors. It involves removing a thin layer of corneal tissue to modify its curvature. LASIK is suitable for individuals with thicker corneas and is a common procedure for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
The choice between ICL and LASIK depends on various factors such as corneal thickness, dry eye symptoms, and individual preferences. A consultation with an ophthalmologist can help determine the most appropriate option for each patient
To prepare for the surgery, it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. They may advise you to discontinue certain medications a few days before the surgery. Contact lenses can be worn until the day of surgery itself. Since you won't be able to drive immediately after the procedure, it is recommended to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital.
In certain cases, the ICL lens may need to be removed from the eye. The most common reason is the development of cataracts as a person ages. Additionally, increased intraocular pressure can also necessitate removal. The procedure to remove the ICL is typically performed through keyhole surgery, and it is generally safe with minimal side effects.