Implanting an ICL requires surgery. A surgeon places the lens between the eye’s natural lens and colored iris. The lens works the eye’s existing lens to bend (refract) light on the retina, which produces clearer vision.
The ICL is made of plastic and a collagen called collamer. It’s a type of phakic introcular lens. “Phakic” refers to how the lens is placed in the eye without taking out the natural lens.
ICL surgery
You’ll visit your ophthalmologist one week before the surgery. They’ll use a laser to make tiny holes between the front of your eye (anterior chamber) and natural lens. This will prevent pressure and fluid buildup in the eye after the procedure.
The procedure is done by an eye surgeon. Generally, here’s what happens:
1. You’ll lie down on your back. You’ll be given a mild topical or local anesthetic. This numbs your eye so you won’t feel anything.
2. You might be given a mild sedative to help you relax. You might also get an injection around the eye to temporarily stop you from moving it.
3. Your surgeon will clean the eye and the area around it. Your eyelids will be held open with a tool called a lid speculum.
4. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your eye. They’ll put a lubricant to protect your cornea.
5. They’ll insert the ICL through the incision. The lens is very thin, so it might be folded then unfolded in the eye.
6. Your surgeon will remove the lubricant. Depending on the incision, they might close the opening with small stitches.
ICL surgery vs. LASIK
TLASIK is another type of eye surgery. Like ICL surgery, it’s also used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. But instead of implantation of a permanent lens, it uses a laser to correct vision problems.
A surgeon uses a cutting laser to slice a flap in the front of the eye. Next, they use a programmed laser to remove a thin piece of tissue from the cornea. This allows light to refract on the retina, which improves vision.
Since LASIK removes tissue from the cornea, you might not be a good candidate if you have a thin or irregular cornea. In this case, ICL surgery might be a better choice.
Takeaway
ICL surgery can permanently reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Usually, the surgery takes about 30 minutes and recovery is quick. The procedure is also considered to be safe, but it may cause side effects like cataracts or vision loss.
Your doctor can help you decide if ICL surgery is safe for you. They’ll consider factors like your age, eye health, and medical history.
