Implantable collamer (contact) lenses (ICL)

(Visian ICL)

An implantable contact lens (ICL) offers you freedom from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The ICL is inserted into the eye during a short surgical procedure. Unlike LASIK or PRK, ICL implantation does not permanently change the shape of the cornea. Also, the ICL can improve the quality of your vision better than many other refractive surgeries.

Quality of vision

The ICL can provide not only excellent visual acuity but also excellent quality of vision. Potentially, contact lenses or glasses are not needed. With the ICL, most patients are able to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses. The ICL achieves a high level of postoperative acuity, which is obtained almost immediately after surgery.

Stable results

Once the ICL is placed, it does not require maintenance other than routine eye exams.

The lens is made of Collamer, a highly biocompatible material that contains a small amount of collagen. The ICL is placed inside the eye and is thus protected from wear. This allows the ICL to provide clear vision that will last for a very long time.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for an implantable contact lens (ICL)?

ICL candidates are between 21 and 45 years old, suffer from myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism and wish to have refractive correction. The ideal candidate has not undergone eye surgery and has no history of eye diseases such as iritis, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

Patients with special or extreme vision correction needs may be suitable for ICL implantation.

People who do not have sufficient anterior chamber depth or endothelial cell density may not be suitable for ICL.

How is the ICL test done?

The preoperative checkup includes:

Your vision test. This is done to confirm that your vision has not changed. It also shows how high your refractive error is and whether ICL can be used to correct your vision.

Checking for other eye problems. The eye doctor will make sure that you do not have any eye problems. This is because other problems could affect your surgery or its prognosis. For example, if you have dry eyes, it may become worse after ICL.

Measuring and mapping your corneal surface. The ophthalmologist will check the thickness of your cornea and take precise measurements of the corneal surface. The surgeon uses these measurements to program the laser used during surgery.

Anterior chamber measurement

Where is the ICL located?

The surgeon will insert the ICL through a small incision into the eye just behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye. The ICL is designed not to affect the internal structures of the eyes.

Will I have pain?

No, most patients report being very comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

Your ophthalmologist will use a local anesthetic before the procedure and may choose to administer a light sedative as well.

What happens if my vision changes after ICL placement?

One advantage of the ICL is that it offers flexibility. If your vision changes dramatically after the lens is inserted, your doctor can remove it and replace it.

What kind of procedure is involved in ICL implantation?

The surgery for ICL implantation is simple and painless. The implantation procedure itself takes about 10 minutes and is performed as a day surgery. You may experience very mild discomfort during the ICL implantation. After the surgery, you will be given eye drops to use for the first few weeks after surgery.

Can the ICL be removed from my eye?

Although the ICL is intended to remain in place permanently, the eye doctor can surgically remove the implant if necessary.

Will I feel the ICL when it is in place?

The ICL is designed to be completely discreet after insertion. It stays in place on its own and does not interact with structures of the eye.

Is the ICL visible to others?

The Visian ICL is placed behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it remains invisible to you and others. Only an ophthalmologist can determine the presence of an implantable lens by examination.