There is more than one way to correct blurry vision.
LASIK may be one of the first procedures that comes to mind when you think about vision correction, but it is not the only way to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts. For some people, ICL surgery may offer another option.
A Different Way to Correct Your Vision
Think of an ICL a little like a contact lens, except you do not have to put it in and take it out every day.
Instead of reshaping the cornea, ICL surgery places a small corrective lens inside the eye. ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens, and the lens sits behind the iris, which is the colored part of your eye, and in front of your natural lens. Once in place, it helps focus light more accurately on the retina so you can see more clearly. Your natural lens stays right where it is.
The EVO ICL is made from a biocompatible Collamer material designed to work with the eye. Because the procedure does not remove corneal tissue, it may be an option for some people who are not well suited for certain laser vision correction procedures.
What Happens on Surgery Day?
The procedure itself is relatively quick, generally taking about 20 to 30 minutes.
First, numbing drops are used to keep the eye comfortable. Your surgeon then creates a very small opening in the cornea. The EVO ICL is inserted through that opening and carefully positioned behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. The incision is typically small enough to heal on its own without stitches.
The EVO ICL also has a tiny opening in the center that allows fluid to circulate naturally within the eye. This design eliminates the need for an additional laser procedure that was commonly required before earlier versions of ICL surgery.
How Is ICL Different From LASIK?
The biggest difference is where the vision correction happens. LASIK reshapes the cornea so light focuses more accurately. ICL surgery leaves the corneal tissue intact and instead adds a corrective lens inside the eye.
Another important difference is that the ICL can be surgically removed if necessary. That does not mean you should think of the procedure as temporary, but it does give your eye doctor the ability to remove or replace the lens if circumstances change.
ICL surgery may also be considered for some patients whose prescriptions or eye characteristics make other vision correction procedures less suitable.
After Surgery: What to Expect
Recovery is generally fairly short. Many patients notice clearer vision soon after ICL surgery, although some temporary blurriness or irritation can occur while the eye adjusts.
Depending on the individual patient and the surgeon’s instructions, some people may return to work within a day or two. Prescription eye drops may also be used during the healing process, and follow-up visits allow your surgeon to check how the eye and lens are doing.
As with any eye surgery, ICL implantation is not risk-free. Potential complications can include increased eye pressure, cataract formation, inflammation and the need to reposition, replace or remove the lens. A thorough eye examination and discussion with your ophthalmologist are important parts of deciding whether the procedure makes sense for you.
Are You a Candidate?
Whether ICL is a good fit depends on more than your prescription. Your surgeon will also look at the health and structure of your eyes, how stable your vision has been and other measurements that help determine whether the lens can be safely implanted.
For some patients, ICL may be a better fit than laser vision correction. For others, a different procedure may make more sense.
Schedule a consultation with The Cataract Surgeons to find out whether ICL is a good fit for you.
