Implantable Contact Lens

What is an ICL?
This solution is ideally suited for patients with refractive error requiring high quality correction. As the name suggests in this procedure contact lens which are implantable are inserted and fitted surgically in the eye. This is a phakic intraocular lens which when permanently placed in front of the natural lens of the eye is able to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. This lens is can be customised as per the individual correction required in a patient’s eye. It is made of a bio compatible material called the “Collamer” and is safe for the eye. It is the apt alternative for patients who are not right candidates for Lasik, Laser or PRK. It is a better solution as compared to glasses and contact lens as there are devoid of cumbersome maintenance issues.
It is recommended that pregnant women or lactating women should delay getting the procedure, also patients having less anterior chamber depth and low density of endothelial cells are also not a good candidate for ICL.
Lastly, those without a large enough anterior chamber depth or endothelial cell density may not be a good ICL candidate.

What is the ICL procedure?
The implantation procedure is painless and quick for the ICL (Implantable Contact Lens). This refractive eye surgery lasts only 10 – 15 minutes. The procedure involved in the surgery is similar to the cataract surgery intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The major difference between the two is that in the ICL eye surgery eye’s natural lens is not removed as in the cataract surgery. Several important steps are involved in the simple day care procedure. The eye is prepared prior to the surgery by a small procedure called the IRIDOTOMY. In it with the help of laser a small opening is made between the lens and the anterior chamber. This prevents intraocular pressure build up post surgery. On the day of the surgery, eyes are cleaned and a sterile drape may be put around the eyes. Then the eyes are numbed with the use of local anaesthetic drops. The procedure is short and painless. The eye speculum is used to hold eye in place for the implant. Recovery time is short and on the day of the surgery patient will someone to drive them home. Following the surgery as post op care, surgeon will advise eye drops and/or oral medication. The doctor will provide you with detailed post op care and follow up schedule.