ICL Surgery and Refractive Errors

“The eyes are more exact witnesses than the ears.”

The above quote captures the true essence of the importance of eyes in human lives. They enable us to see and perceive the world around us and enjoy its beauty. Cultures around the globe have time and again placed importance on the beauty of eyes, and even the Indian tradition is filled with references of the same.

Unfortunately, just like all other human faculties, the human eye also changes. It starts experiencing a visual impairment because of various factors like age, family history, complications like diabetes, glaucoma, etc. Refractive errors are another cause of ocular disease and bring us to a discussion on Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery and how it helps to correct refractive errors like myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (having a distorted vision at all distances), and presbyopia. It is also advised for people who are unsuitable for going under the knife for laser eye surgery, which is also commonly referred to as LASIK.

What exactly is an Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery?

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery can be defined as an answer to all refractive errors for people wanting to get rid of power. It involves placing an artificial, phakic intraocular lens between the eye lens and the iris of the eyes with the help of small incisions. It works in tandem with the natural eye lens and helps restore vision. ICL surgery is a quick procedure and, on average, requires just 20 to 25 minutes. Also, for performing an ICL surgery, eye experts customise the intraocular lenses depending on factors like the shape of the eyes and the size of the eyes.

ICL Procedure

Preoperative procedure –

Before undertaking an ICL surgery, eye specialists perform a pre-surgery process called Iridotomy in some cases. It is a bladeless and painless procedure done via laser technology and is undertaken two weeks prior to the ICL surgery to create a small opening between the lens and the front chamber of the human eye.

Operative Procedure-

This procedure involves the insertion of two micro incisions on the base of the cornea. After this, eye experts place a phakic intraocular lens between the iris and the natural lens. The lens so placed is made from a material known as Collamer, which is biocompatible and is safe to stay in the eye for long periods. Improvements in visual quality are perceived immediately after the procedure.

Benefits of ICL Surgery

• Increased vision quality –

ICL not only helps in correcting the refractive power of the eyes but also helps in improving vision and providing vision acuity.

• No bleeding, no pain, and no hospitalisation –

ICL is an entirely painless procedure and does not require people to stay in the hospital after the surgery.

• The broadest range for correcting power –

Almost all levels of powers can be treated with the help of an ICL surgery. Eye experts opine that eye powers ranging anywhere between +10D to -20D can be treated with ICL surgeries. It can also help people who have cylindrical powers up to 6D.

• Invisible –

An ICL lens is designed to remain hidden in the eyes and is placed on the posterior end of the eyes. It is thus imperceptible.to the patient and to others as well. Also, because of its characteristic property of being foldable, doctors make a small incision during the surgery and do not remove the corneal tissues. It doesn’t even require sutures and has a faster recovery and healing time.

Who can benefit from ICL surgery:

• People who have thin corneas
• Whose corneas which are not fit for routine refractive procedures
• Who have very high myopia or hypermetropia

Besides having the above-listed advantages, ICl surgery is an additive procedure and can be reversed on demand. It also helps in preserving accommodation and helps in retaining the corneal asphericity.

Where can you get an ICL procedure done?

If you wish to get an ICL surgery performed, head to Centre for Sight now as we have a dedicated team of eye specialists equipped with state of the art technology. We are also proud of the fact that we have been serving patients with ocular diseases for more than 20 years and offer the best in class eye treatments for a multitude of eye ailments. Apart from having a pan India presence and being a leading name in the eye care industry, Centre for Sight has been serving patients from all parts of the world. For more information, reach us now or visit the nearest Centre for Sight branch today.

Article: ICL Surgery and Refractive Errors
Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Sept 16 2020 | UPDATED 08:10 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.