WHAT IS AN IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS?
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens and is also known as Implantable Contact Lens. It is an ultrathin, intraocular lens, like a contact lens, that is implanted into the eye to correct vision.
The Collamer lens is made from flexible UV-absorbing polymer materials that include small amount of collagen. The lens is stable and biocompatible and has been used to correct vision for many years.
ICL surgery is a long term solution for those who have been advised that they are unsuitable for laser eye surgery.
You may have been told your cornea is too thin or your prescription is too high for laser eye surgery. The implantable Collamer lens is a permanent correction for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.
WHAT IS ICL SURGERY?
The ICL is an intraocular Lens that is implanted in the eye behind the Iris (the coloured part of your eye).
The eye surgery does not require removing tissue with a laser or reshaping the eye as it occurs in Laser Eye Surgery. The synthetic len sits over the original lens and the patient’s own lens is not removed.
Unlike laser eye surgery, ICL surgery is completely reversible.
As each person’s eye is shaped and sized differently, the ICL is manufactured precisely for your eye to correct your prescription and to fit perfectly.
Benefits of ICL surgery include:
- Excellent quality of vision in thin corneas or high scripts unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery
- Permanent implant that is fully reversible if needed
- Performed under assisted local anaesthetic with sedation
- Both eyes may have implants the same day
- The ICL cannot be felt inside the eye
- Lenses are hypoallergenic and biocompatible and can remain in place for a long time
- Safe procedure with minimal risks
WHAT HAPPENS DURING ICL PROCEDURE?
Upon arrival, you will be offered a mild oral sedative to help you relax and feel comfortable before the procedure.
Once ready for the surgery, local anaesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes.
Your eye surgeon will then perform the surgery by inserting the Collamer lens and correctly position it on your natural lens. No stitches required.
The procedure lasts an average of 20 minutes.
Why Choose the ICL ?
- You want visual freedom from glasses or contact lenses
- You have been advised you are not suitable for Laser Eye Surgery or think your script is too high for Laser Eye Surgery
- You like the fact that the procedure is fully reversible
- You want a permanent solution to your dependance on glasses or contact lenses
IS ICL SURGERY FOR ME?
If you are looking for an alternative to wearing contact lenses or glasses, ICL surgery may be considered as a way of correcting your vision long-term.
The ICL procedure is recommended for patients with high prescriptions for short-sightedness or long-sightedness as often their cornea is too thin to be treated with LASIK eye surgery.
Note that patients with previous eye surgery or with conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease or iritis are unlikely to be suitable.
If you are considering ICL surgery, book a consultation with Dr Binetter to have a detailed discussion about the procedure, your suitability and potential complications.