What is Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) ?
The ICL is an implantable contact lens that works with the eye to correct vision. Unlike tradition contact lenses that go on the surface of the eye, the ICL is positioned inside the eye between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the natural lens. Once implanted, the lens stays indefinitely. However, if the vision changes dramatically over time, the lens can be replaced or removed from the eye.
What it is made of ?
The ICL is made from collamer, a technically advanced lens material. Because of the collagen base in Collamer, it is biocompatible with the eye, not seen as a foreign object to the body and provide exceptional quality of vision.
Who is a good candidate for ICL ?
- Aged between 21 to 45 years old.
- People with thin cornea.
- With the correction of myopia ranging from -0.5 D to -18.0 D with or without astigmatism up to 6.0 D.
- With the correction of Hyperopia ranging from +0.5 D to +10.0 D D with or without astigmatism up to 6.0 D.
- Those who are looking for procedure that doesn’t create dry eye syndrome.
- No previous eye surgery or history of eye diseases such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic retinopathy.
What are the advantages of ICL ?
- Sharp, Clear Vision.
- Does not induce dry eye syndrome
- Excellent Night Vision
- Great for those with thin corneas and not suitable for LASIK
- UV protection built into the biocompatible lens.
- A typically quick procedure 20-30 minutes procedure and most people are able to resume daily activities in just few short days with clearer vision.
- Treats moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
How the surgery procedure goes ?
It is important that patient does not drive back to home on their own, so make arrangements before the day of surgery. Prior to implantation, you will receive anesthetic eye drops to minimize any discomfort. Then a small opening will be made into the cornea that will be used to insert and position the lens. Next, the lens is injected, gently unfolding in your eye. The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Recovery time is short. After few hours after the procedure, you will be able to leave the clinic.
Post-Operative care
To complete the procedure, the surgeon will provide eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. Patient need to continue use these drops for several days at home. DO NOT rub the eyes, especially for the first 3 to days. If experience pain or notice any sudden decrease in vision, contact the doctor immediately. Then routine follow up with doctor is a must.