Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

While laser refractive surgery is still the mainstay to correct short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism, unfortunately not everyone is suitable for this procedure. This may be due to a new number of reasons, primarily being either your cornea is too thin or your spectacle power too high. Now though laser refractive surgery is not your only option. It is becoming increasing common to perform phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implants, also known as implantable contact lens (ICL). This is a procedure where an artificial lens, somewhat like a contact lens, is implanted into the eye, in between the cornea and your natural lens. This procedure is an option for those people who have been told they are unable to do laser refractive surgery. This is due to the fact that it is not limited by the shape or thickness of your cornea, and is able to correct higher powers than laser refractive surgery. Arrange an appointment with OPTIMAX to assess if you are suitable and let us help you achieve NEW VISION NEW LIFE!

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What’s involved?

First a detailed eye examination is required to ascertain your exact power and whether you are suitable to perform this surgery. Once you are found suitable, the surgery will then be scheduled approximately 5 days later. This is an out-patient procedure which takes approximately 15 minutes per eye. A small opening is created at the side of your cornea, about 3mm wide and the lens is injected and positioned in your eye, with no stitches being required.

Possible Side Effects and Complications

Damage to Crystalline Lens

Due to the ICL being placed inside the eye, near to our crystalline (natural) lens, there is a potential risk of the ICL touching your natural lens. This can result in damage to the lens, creating opacities in the lens. This can happen to approximately 1% of people, but less than 1% (around 0.6%) will require any surgical intervention.

Possible Increase in eye pressure

Rarely there can be an increase in eye pressure after the surgery. This can be corrected by intervention with either medicine or surgery.

 

FAQ

Who are suitable to do ICL?

Good candidates include patients who:

• Are between the ages of 21 and 45.
• Are shortsighted with or without astigmatism or long sighted, including those with mild, moderate, and severe myopia (as low as -3D to as high as -20D prescription)
• Have sufficient anterior chamber depth  (Determined during detailed eye examination)
• Have not had a change in their eyeglass prescription of more than 0.5D in a year.
• Are not currently pregnant.
• Have no other contraindications including no known allergies to medications used during refractive surgery.
• Have dry eyes, severe myopia, or a thin cornea (non-LASIK candidate).

 

Will the procedure be painful?

No, anesthetic eye drops will be used prior to the procedure to prevent any pain.

 

How long will the lens last?

The lens is designed to remain indefinitely in your eye, however it can be removed if seen to be necessary by your ophthalmologist.

 

Will I still need reading glasses?

Yes. The procedure only corrects your distance vision, your reading problems will progress at the normal rate.

 

How soon will I be able to see?

Due to the surgery only creating a small opening on the side of the cornea, visual recovery is very fast. Even immediately after the surgery you should be able to see quite well.

 

Will I be able to notice the lens in my eye?

No, you will not be able to feel or see the lens after the surgery.

 

Are there any other benefits to the lens?

The advanced lens material contains a UV blocker that actually prevents harmful UVA and UVB rays from entering the eye; long-term exposure to UV radiation can damage the eyes.