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A Guide to Understanding Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

Your eyes are one of your essential body organs. They’re the gateway to the world around you and play a crucial role in your survival, help spot potential dangers, and recognize your loved ones. However, they are vulnerable body parts that can suffer from severe vision problems, which can negatively affect your quality of life. 

Fortunately, thanks to technological advances in the medical industry, ophthalmologists are offering vision correction solutions, such as Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery. This procedure is increasingly gaining popularity among patients because it’s a permanent solution that requires no maintenance. 

If you want to see the world better, this article will help you understand ICL surgery. 

What Is ICL Surgery? 

ICL surgery is a procedure that requires an ophthalmologist to insert a lens behind the iris of the eye. Your healthcare provider creates these lenses from plastic and collagen and can modify your eye’s focusing power and reduce the need for glasses or contacts. This treatment corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism and works by bending the light on the retina to improve vision. 

The lens is soft and flexible and protects the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. Other people call it an “implantable contact lens” or “permanent contact lens” because it functions like traditional ones.

Who Can Qualify for This Treatment?

You’re qualified for ICL if you’re suffering from nearsightedness between -3D and -20D and are between 21 to 45 years old. You can also consider this treatment if you haven’t changed your prescription by more than 0.5D in the past year and have enough endothelial cell density and adequate anterior chamber depth. 

Before proceeding with any vision correction procedures, you must discuss your best treatment options with an experienced ophthalmologist. You should also consider your lifestyle requirements, vision deficiencies, astigmatism, and other eye conditions. 

What Can I Expect during ICL Surgery?

Before your ICL surgery, your eye doctor will perform a laser peripheral iridotomy. During the primary procedure, your healthcare provider will administer eye drops to dilate the pupils and sedate the eyes. They’ll then insert the ICL through a small three-millimetre incision at the base of your cornea. Remember that they won’t remove any corneal tissue, and you don’t need stitches because the incision is usually self-sealing. 

What Happens After the Procedure?

After the eye procedure, your ophthalmologist will provide guidelines for taking care of your eyes and prescribe medications to avoid infection. You should also ask someone to drive you home because you may still feel the effects of sedatives, and your vision will be adjusting.

Your eye will usually heal and return to its normal state within 24 hours after the procedure. Your sight and vision will also improve over the next two to three days. Eventually, your eye doctor will examine your eye and advise you on how long it will take to recover.

Is ICL Surgery Painful?

This treatment is usually a pain-free outpatient procedure that takes less than 30 minutes and involves a mild sedative and a local anesthetic to numb the eye. 

Is This Procedure Safe?

ICL surgery has benefited over a million patients since 1993. It goes through thorough safety precautions and requires a comprehensive pre-op eye exam to ensure a successful operation. Moreover, it’s a safer alternative to LASIK for low myopia patients. 

Is ICL Permanent?

While ICL surgery is a permanent vision solution, your ophthalmologist can reverse it without damaging the eye if you experience adverse side effects. Potential side effects that may need ICL removal or adjustments include inadequate correction, glares, increased eye pressure, inflammation, and vision changes. They’ll also remove and replace the ICL with an intraocular lens (IOL) if cataracts form. 

Conclusion

Everybody deserves to enjoy a clear vision. You can enjoy the world better by investing in ICL surgery and consulting with a professional ophthalmologist. 

If you need an ophthalmologist in Abbotsford for your ICL surgery, visit Valley Laser Eye Centre! We’re a vision correction centre ready to help people see the world better with our latest technology, comfortable setting, and accommodating staff. Schedule a consultation today!

This blog post does not replace medical advice and should not be implemented prior to consulting a fully certified medical professional.

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