Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery

Known as ICL implants, this is an ideal option for patients with high prescriptions or patients who are not necessarily a good candidate for laser eye surgery due to a thin cornea, an excessively high prescription or dry eyes.

Our team will take you through a suitability evaluation to determine which option is best and safest for your eye condition. Please book an appointment with us at Optimal Vision to know more about options available to you.

How does an ICL work?

An Implantable Collamer Lens is a soft, flexible lens that is positioned in the eye  between the iris (coloured part of the eye) and natural lens, the new version of these lenses called EVO/EVO+ Visian ICL can be described as additive vision correction. Unlike other procedures, the EVO Visian ICL procedure does not remove corneal tissue, but works in harmony with your natural  eyes to provide exceptional quality of vision.

Our eyes, akin to sophisticated cameras, capture the world's beauty through a remarkable process. When light gracefully traverses the cornea and lens, it converges on the retina. The optic nerve dutifully transmits this visual information to our brain, orchestrating the miraculous act of interpretation.

At the heart of our vision's prowess lies the cornea, working in tandem with the eye's lens. This dynamic duo ensures our ability to perceive the world with clarity across varying distances. The intricate dance of light and anatomy enables us to enjoy clear vision, a feat orchestrated by the cornea's focal prowess.

However, when the eyes deviate in length—either too short or too long—the delicate balance falters, leading to poor vision. In cases of short-sightedness, where the eyeball extends beyond the norm, images fall short of the intended mark on the retina. Conversely, long-sightedness, characterised by a shorter eyeball, projects images that overshoot the retina. The names succinctly capture these visual nuances.

For those blessed with naturally keen eyesight, the lens within gracefully adjusts its shape, facilitating clear vision across varied distances. Yet, for those grappling with significant long or short-sightedness, the innate flexibility of the natural lens may fall short in rectifying vision.

Enter the game-changer: ICL implants. These revolutionary implants infuse an extra layer of focusing power into the optical landscape, empowering light to converge precisely. The result? Enhanced vision without the reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

In the intricate symphony of vision, ICL implants stand as a testament to innovation, offering individuals the opportunity to rediscover the world with newfound clarity. As we navigate the realms of vision correction, let the power of technology and precision guide us toward a future where clear sight knows no bounds.

How does the ICL (Implantable contact lens) procedure work?

Who can get ICL surgery?

ICL surgery is an ideal option for patients with high prescriptions or patients who are not necessarily a good candidate for laser eye surgery. This could be due to a thin cornea, an excessively high prescription or dry eyes or even pre-exciting eye conditions.

Our team will take you through a suitability evaluation to determine which option is best and safest for your eye condition. Please book an appointment with us at Optimal Vision to know more about options available to you.

As professionals in the field, we have surgeons who will do an extensive examination of your eyes and recommend the appropriate solution according to your eye condition. Always get eye care from experts who are highly experienced and trained, so you don't end up with a more severe issue than you had before.

More about Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

An ICL is made from Collamer, which is a biocompatible material. It is a combination of collagen and polymer which is inert. This means it does not cause any side effects or discomfort for patients.

These implantable lenses are surgically placed inside the eye. They are extremely thin and implanted in the front part of the eye through a small incision and is positioned between the iris and the natural lens. Therefore they make minimal changes to the natural structure of the eye and they are removable. In rare case there are any major changes in the vision or any other issues, the ICLs can be removed or replaced easily.

Another name for this procedure is the Visian ICL Phakic Lens Implant.

One the advantages of ICL surgery is that the process is easily reversible, unlike all other eye surgery types. This means our surgeon can remove the lens implant and replace it should there be changes in your vision or a clinical concern. Alternatively, you can go for laser refinement if necessary. Another use is implantation of multifocal ICL lenses as people grow older and experience the inability to read.

Benefits of ICL surgery

ICL surgery offers several benefits besides improved vision.

They include:

• Correcting high prescriptions like nearsightedness
• Reduced risk of dry eyes (making it suitable for people with dry eyes)
• Permanent treatment option (but reversible)
• Improved night vision
• Fast recovery (because it doesn’t involve removing tissues)
• Suitable for some patients who aren’t good candidates for laser eye surgery

Risks of ICL surgery

Although ICL is safe, it can, on rare occasions result in the following complications:

• Raised eye pressure

The implant can reduce fluid turn over and cause a raised eye pressure. This is a rare complication with modern ICLs. A surgeon can always remove the ICL on the rare occasions if the pressure does not stabilise in time.

• Early Lens changes

ICLs reduce fluid circulation in the eye, increasing the risk of touching the natural lens into developing cataracts. Reduced fluid circulation leading to cataracts may also occur if the artificial lens isn’t fitted properly and can cause chronic inflammation.

• Cloudy vision

ICL surgery, in addition to ageing, reduces the cornea’s endothelial cells. If the cells reduce rapidly, you may have a cloudy cornea and blurry vision.

Precautions

At Optimal Vision, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. While ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery has proven to be a transformative solution for many, it's essential to recognise that this procedure may not be suitable for everyone. To ascertain the appropriateness of ICL surgery for your unique circumstances, we strongly advise consulting with our experienced ophthalmologists.

Precautions before ICL Surgery:

• Contact Lens Usage: Discontinue wearing contact lenses in the days leading up to the procedure. This step is critical to ensure accurate measurements and optimal planning for your surgery.
• Consultation with Our Ophthalmologist: Schedule a consultation with our skilled ophthalmologists to undergo a thorough examination, assessing the health of your eyes and determining the suitability of ICL surgery for your specific case.

Considerations for Suitability:

ICL surgery may be deemed unsuitable for individuals falling into the following categories:

• Pregnant or Breastfeeding Patients: Due to potential hormonal changes affecting vision, it is advisable to postpone ICL surgery until after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Patients Below 21 Years Old: Individuals under the age of 21 may be encouraged to wait until their eyes have fully matured.
• Patients Above 60 Years Old: While age is not a strict limitation, advanced age may impact the overall suitability for ICL surgery. This will be assessed during your consultation.
• Patients with Very Small Eyes: The anatomy of very small eyes may pose challenges for ICL surgery, and alternative options will be explored during your consultation.
• Patients with Chronic Hormone-Fluctuating Conditions: Chronic conditions impacting hormone levels may affect vision and require careful consideration before proceeding with ICL surgery.
• Patients Taking Medications Affecting Vision: Certain medications may impact vision, and their effects will be assessed during your consultation.
• Patients with Medical Conditions Affecting Wound Healing: Conditions that impede proper wound healing may make ICL surgery unsuitable.
• Patients with Low Endothelial Cell Count: A diagnostic scan during your consultation will determine endothelial cell count, influencing the decision on the suitability of ICL surgery.

Your journey to improved vision is unique, and our dedicated team is here to guide you. Book a consultation with our ophthalmologists to discuss your specific circumstances and ensure that ICL surgery aligns with your individual needs and expectations.

ICL surgery

Preparing for ICL Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on the journey of ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a significant step toward clearer vision. Before undergoing this transformative procedure, meticulous preparation and professional guidance are crucial. Here's what you can expect during the process:

1. Consultation with Your Ophthalmologist:

• A visit to an experienced ophthalmologist is the first step. Through screening scans, tests, and examinations, the ophthalmologist will assess your eye health and determine your suitability for ICL surgery.

2. Prescription of Preoperative Medications:

• Your ophthalmologist may prescribe anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops several days before the surgery to ensure optimal eye health. However, many patients only need these drops after the procedure.

3. ICL Procedure Overview:

The ICL procedure involves several key steps:

• Local anesthesia is administered to numb your eyes, ensuring a pain-free experience.
• A mild sedative may be given to enhance relaxation, and an injection is administered around your eyes to prevent blinking temporarily.
• The surgeon cleans your eyes and the surrounding areas before using a small speculum to hold your eyelids open.
• A tiny incision is made, and a gel-like fluid (Visco) is applied to protect the eye.
• The ICL is carefully inserted through the incision. Its thin structure allows it to be folded for insertion and unfolded once inside the eye.
• The surgeon removes eye fluid, seals the incision, and applies ointment or eye drops before covering your eyes with an eye patch.

4. Duration of the Procedure:

• The actual ICL procedure typically takes 10-20 minutes. However, plan to spend a few hours in the clinic for preparation and postoperative care.

5. Postoperative Care:

• Discomfort after the surgery is normal, and your surgeon may prescribe oral medications or eye drops to alleviate any discomfort.
• The procedure is outpatient, but you'll need someone to drive you home afterward.
• A follow-up appointment the next day is essential for a thorough examination and assessment of the healing process.
• Subsequent follow-ups at two weeks and two months after the surgery, along with regular annual check-ups, are recommended for ongoing care.

Choosing ICL surgery give you the opportunity to improved vision without spectacles, and our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of the process. If you have any questions or concerns, your ophthalmologist will provide the personalised care and information you need for a successful and comfortable ICL experience.

Post ICL surgery recovery

The majority of patients recover quickly as there are minimal incision on the surface of the eyes however minor discomfort including watery and red eyes are expected for the first two days after surgery. Your vision will improve immediately however you may need patience for a few days to notice the best outcome. You should be able to resume work after a couple of days (job dependent). As said earlier the procedure is safe and pain-free and should not be a cause for concern.