We know how important good vision is and we are dedicated to providing high-quality vision correction options at Anand Hospital & Eye Centre in Jaipur. We offer the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Procedure for patients who would like less dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
What is ICL Vision Correction?
ICL is a vision correction procedure that can treat vision problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness with or without astigmatism. While commonly referred to as an implantable contact lens, the lens is inserted during a quick 20 to 30 minute procedure. The ICL is a type of refractive lens called a phakic IOL. The phrase “phakic” denotes that the eye’s original lens stays in position and an IOL is an intraocular lens that is added to the eye’s optical system. The ICL is made of a biocompatible collagen material that is designed to work in harmony with the eye so patients will not feel or see it once in place. It is also designed to be permanent, although it can be removed by an eye doctor for added peace of mind.
How Does ICL Vision Correction Surgery Work?
Refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism (cylinder) are due to the shape of the eye. As a result, the light does not focus correctly on the light-sensitive tissue called the retina, located at the back of the eye. The ICL can correct refractive errors by focusing light properly onto the retina. An ICL procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb the eyes. The lens is placed behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), and in front of the eye’s natural crystalline lens. During an ICL procedure, the eye surgeon usually proceeds in the following three steps:- A small opening is created in the cornea of the eye.
- The lens is folded and gently inserted through the opening.
- The surgeon will carefully position the lens in the eye.
- The opening is self-sealing and typically no stitches are needed.
Facts About ICL Vision Correction
- ICL is an additive procedure that works without removing corneal tissue.
- In a survey, 99.4% of ICL patients reported they would have the procedure again.1
- The special material of the lens provides UV protection.
- In clinical studies, ICL is shown to give significant improvement in vision, day and night.2,3
- Studies show that ICL surgery does not induce dry eye syndrome.4,5
- ICL is designed to be permanent but can be removed by a doctor for added peace of mind.
- More than 3 million ICLs have been distributed worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICL Vision Correction Surgery
Is ICL a Suitable Vision Correction Option for Me?
ICL may be a vision correction option for people seeking to improve nearsightedness or farsightedness with or without astigmatism. ICL may be an option for patients who are not eligible for LASIK because they have thin corneas or dry eye concerns. Only a qualified eye doctor can determine if ICL is right for you. General guidelines for ICL patients include:- Age 21 to 60 years old
- Myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism
- Hyperopia (farsightedness) with or without astigmatism
- Seeking less dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- No changes in eye prescription within the last year
- Not currently pregnant or nursing
- No eye diseases such as glaucoma or history of prior eye surgery
What range of refractive errors can be treated?
ICL is designed to correct or reduce -0.5 to -20.0 diopters of myopia and up to 6 diopters of astigmatism and +0.5 to +10.0 diopters of hyperopia and up to 6 diopters of astigmatism.Is the ICL procedure painful?
Patients may experience a sense of pressure, but do not typically feel pain during the procedure. Numbing eye drops will be administered before surgery.How is recovery after ICL surgery?
Many patients notice an improvement in vision right away. Your eye doctor will advise you on recovery procedures and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least one week and swimming for at least two weeks after surgery.Can patients feel or see the ICL lens once it is in place?
The ICL is not usually noticeable once in place and can only be detected by your eye doctor during an eye exam.How much does ICL cost?
Individual costs can vary depending on the needs of each patient. Contact us to learn more.What are the risks associated with ICL vision correction?
Any medical procedure carries some risk of complications or side effects. ICL surgery is widely considered to be a low-risk procedure. Common side effects, such as mild glare or halos in vision, are usually temporary. Rare complications such as a lens exchange may occur. Talk to your eye doctor about all of the potential risks and benefits of ICL surgery.Can I travel by plane shortly after ICL surgery?
There is no restriction on travel after ICL surgery, although it is recommended to wait 5 days after surgery so patients can have follow-up appointments with their eye doctor.Will I still need eyeglasses after ICL surgery?
ICL surgery is designed to improve vision so patients can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or daily contact lenses. Some ICL patients do not need glasses after surgery, while some with very high prescriptions may still have some dependence on glasses. After ICL surgery, patients may still experience normal age-related vision loss (presbyopia) which affects many people in their mid-40’s to 50’s. With presbyopia, people often need reading glasses to see up close, while distance vision will remain corrected after ICL surgery. Important Safety Information for EVO/EVO+ ICL and Visian ICL Implantation of the ICL is a surgical procedure, and as such, carries potentially serious risks. The EVO/EVO+ ICL is designed for the correction/reduction of up to -20 diopters (D) of nearsightedness with up to 6 D of astigmatism for patients who are 21 to 60 years of age and the Visian ICL is designed for the correction/reduction of up to +16 diopters (D) of farsightedness with up to 6 D of astigmatism for patients who are 21 to 45 years of age. Before considering ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about the procedure, especially the potential benefits, risks, and complications. You should discuss the time needed for healing after surgery. For additional information with potential benefits, risks and complications please visit DiscoverICL.com.Sources
1 Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:2427-2438.
2 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125.
3 Parkhurst GD. A prospective comparison of phakic collamer lenses and wavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:1209-1215.
4 Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A. Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017;11:1253-1263.
5 Naves J.S, Carracedo G, Cacho-Babillo I, Diadenosine nucleotid measurements as dry-eye score in patients after LASIK and ICL surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.