Implantable Collamer Lens surgery (ICL), as the name itself defines, is a process, wherein a pair of lens is implanted into the eyes which are not required to be removed like normal contact lenses. These lenses are similar contact lenses but are inserted within the eyes for long-term vision correction and works with the natural lens of your eyes to improve the vision. During the procedure, through a tiny incision near the cornea a lens is inserted between your iris and your natural lens. How is ICL surgery performed?
- On the day of the surgery,the doctor applies anesthetic drops to your eye to numb it.
- To prevent you from blinking, eyelids holders are used to keeping your eyelids open.
- The eye surgeon makes two tiny micro incisions at the base of the cornea.
- Through the incisions, the doctorsinject the lens into the eye. The lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
- To keep your eye safe while the lens is being positioned, a gel-like substance is placed in your eye. After positioning of the lens, the gel is completely removed from the eye.
The surgeon then applies eye dropsto your eye to prevent inflammation and infection. With the latest centraflow technology very few patients need a pre surgery iridotomy or hole creation in the iris to prevent pressure build up behind the implant. After the surgery, you will be required to continue with the eye drops for some days. Once the process is completed you will notice the difference in your vision quality immediately. This procedure can be repeated with another eye after a span of 2-4 weeks. Due to some exceptions and depending on the patient’s condition sometimes both the eyes are operated on the same day. Are you an ideal candidate for ICL surgery? If you are between 21-45 years of age, are nearsighted (myopic), astigmatism, possess general good health, not eligible for LASIK Surgery, and do not have a history of glaucoma, iritis, and diabetic retinopathy then you are an ideal candidate for ICL surgery. For more information about ICL, book your appointment with your nearest eye doctor now.
