ICL (implantable collamer lens) surgery is a method used to implant a special lens into the eye to correct high degrees of myopia. The implant is referred to as a phakic intraocular lens (IOL).
Phakic IOLs function like contact lenses to help light focus properly on the retina. However, they are permanently implanted either between the cornea and iris or behind the iris.
Unlike laser refractive surgery, ICL surgery is commonly used to improve visual acuity for severe cases of nearsightedness. Additionally, it can be used to balance vision that significantly differs between eyes due to issues such as keratoconus.
Before ICL Surgery
At your ICL surgical consultation, we’ll discuss your lifestyle and goals and mention any associated risks of ICLs. Additionally, we’ll test your vision and check for other eye problems that may increase the risk of complications.
Before the surgery, you’ll visit us for an initial procedure. We’ll use a laser to make a small hole in your iris, called an iridotomy to prevent fluid and pressure from building up after the ICL surgery.
We may also give you antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory eye drops to use a few days before the procedure.
The Procedure
ICL surgery is done similarly to cataract surgery, except your natural lens is left intact and the phakic intraocular lens is added. The entire procedure takes around 20 to 30 minutes per eye.
First, we’ll apply numbing eye drops so you won’t feel any discomfort. We’ll use a special device called a speculum to hold your eyelids open.
We will make a small incision in your eye then insert the ICL through the incision. If necessary, we may close the incision with small stitches.
Healing
Following ICL surgery, we’ll give you eye drops or ointment to promote healing and prevent infection, and place a patch over the eye. You’ll need a ride home.
You will return for a follow-up appointment the next day to check how your eyes are healing. We will then see you for follow-up appointments at 1 month and 6 months following the surgery to ensure your eyes continue to heal correctly.
Your eyes should be fully healed after several weeks, and most patients report being able to return to work within a few days.
If ICLs interest you, we would love to discuss the procedure with you in further detail. Please contact us if you have any questions.
