What is an ICL?
The Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is a synthetic lens that
can remain permanently inside the eye correcting vision.
It is also referred to as a Phakic Intra-ocular lens. It
is placed behind the iris and invisible to the naked eye.
What does the ICL procedure involve?
The ICL procedure is similar to cataract surgery.
However,
with cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens is removed.
With an ICL, the structure of the eye remains unchanged.
The implantable contact lens is inserted through a tiny incision
and positioned in place just behind the iris (the coloured
part of the eye), in front of the natural lens. The whole
procedure takes about 15 minutes and the results can be immediate.
We will not operate on both eyes in the same session as an
added precaution against infection. Generally we recommend
waiting 1-2 weeks before the second implant.
As a precaution
against the rare risk of glaucoma two micro holes are placed
in the iris, either before surgery using a Yag laser (laser
iridotomy), or at the time of surgery (surgical iridotomy).
This is a painless procedure.
Once in place the ICL works in the same way as a regular
contact lens.
What are the
advantages of ICLs?
- They are removable so the procedure
can be reversed.
- They can be used in people with a thin
cornea.
- Suitable also for dry eyes.
- Even suitable for high prescriptions
including astigmatism.
- No induced higher-order aberrations
(this means less risk of glare, haloes or problems with low
lighting which can result from high laser treatments).
- The
procedure does not permanently change the structure of the
eye.
- No structural change means that the focussing ability
of the eye is preserved in young patients.
- There is no
ongoing maintenance of the lens.
- It is an outpatient procedure
performed using anaesthetic eye drops.
- There is minimal post-operative
pain.
And the disadvantages?
As with any surgery there are risks, including complications
due to infection. We reduce these risks by operating in a
modern new ophthalmic theatre within a quality private hospital.
All our staff are highly experienced in a wide variety of
intra-ocular surgical techniques.
There is a slight long-term
risk of inducing a premature cataract. Cataracts are a natural part of
aging so cannot be avoided, even without an ICL, but to reduce the risk
of a cataract developing prematurely it is advisable to choose an experienced
and competent Eye Surgeon.
Who is suitable for an ICL?
We have found the STAAR ICL to be most successful in patients
with severe short-sightedness (myopia). For mild myopia,
laser vision correction may be more suitable. There are also
some ICLs suitable for long-sighted patients.
As with all refractive surgery,
each patient must have had a stable prescription for at least
12 months. They must have good general eye health and be
over 21 years of age. And, they must have a genuine desire
to be rid of glasses or contact lenses. As with all surgery,
there are some risks and these need to balanced against
your desire to be free from glasses or contacts. These
risks can be discussed in detail with your surgeon
during your consultation.
Are all ICL’s the
same?
No. ICL’s are individually selected and based on detailed
measurements of each eye. This includes refraction, corneal
thickness, diametre and length if the eye.
Will the ICL eliminate the need for glasses?
Not necessarily. Some patients may have a residual refractive
error which may mean glasses for certain situations such
as reading or driving. This is still seen as a significant
improvement on the extremely high refractive error prior
to surgery. Also, as we age and the natural lens becomes
less able to focus, many people in their 40s and 50s find
themselves needing reading glasses or bifocals for the first
time in their lives. This age-related affect remains in ICL
recipients so as the natural lens works in tandem with the
ICL, the deterioration of the natural lens will affect your
vision long term. If a residual refractive error remains
an issue, a laser treatment can be performed to ‘fine-tune’ this.
How
much does the ICL procedure cost?
Our Practice Managers will be able to offer guidance on the cost of an initial consultation and the various treatment options available.
What does it feel like to have an ICL?
If you are considering this procedure you may find it helpful
to read the story of one of our previous ICL patients. For
Glenys Cookman’s story click
here.
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