Laser vision correction (LVC), which includes LASIK, Epi-LASIK, TransPRK and ReLEx SMILE, is a type of commonly performed refractive surgery which helps those who no longer like to use glasses and contact lenses to see well.
Another common type of refractive surgery is implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery. While all forms of LVC use an excimer laser to remove corneal tissue to reshape the cornea, ICL surgery does not involve the removal of any part of the eye. It can correct a wide range of eye prescriptions, up to 1,000 degrees of hyperopia, 2,000 degrees of myopia and 600 degrees of astigmatism. Hence, it is especially suitable for those with high levels of eye prescription or extremely dry eye.
Overview of the ICL surgery procedure
Prior to the ICL surgery, contact lens users are advised to lay off soft lenses for 3 days and hard lenses for 14 days.
On surgery day, take a good shower before coming in. Before the surgery commences, the surgical staff will install dilation eyedrops, go through consent forms, medication instructions, post-op care and prep the eye by cleaning it with iodine.
You will thereafter be asked to lie on the surgical bed and the ICL surgeon will position your head comfortably. He/She will use numbing eyedrops and give a small anaesthetic jab at the side of the eye. Hence, there is minimal pain and discomfort during the surgery.
The procedure takes about 20 minutes for 2 eyes and involves implanting a permanent contact lens in the eye, between the natural lens and the iris, which does not require maintenance or exchange. There is no need for overnight hospitalisation. When surgery is completed, you are able to return home to rest.
Post-operative recovery and discomfort management
Immediately after surgery, some may experience a foreign body sensation in the eye, tearing, sensitivity to light, giddiness and misty vision. You are advised to rest up for the rest of the day; sleeping pills are provided to help you sleep better at night if needed. Eyedrops from antibiotics to lubrication are provided to assist with healing and to minimise the risk of infection.
Most people can recover about 75% of their vision the next day and resume daily activities with the exception of not rubbing the eye for 2 weeks and avoiding contact and water sports for 1 month.
It is important to attend scheduled post-op reviews with your ICL surgeon:
- 1-day post-o
- 1-week post-op
- 1-month post-op
- 3 to 6 months post-op
This is to ensure the eye and vision are healing well, and the ICL is positioned well in the eye.
If the eye is red, swollen, in pain and there is blurring of vision, these are all possible signs of infection, you are advised to seek immediate medical help.
Why choose ICL surgery?
Akin to LASIK surgery, the ICL surgery has been around for about 30 years. It has a proven track record and efficacy. There are a myriad of advantages and benefits of ICL surgery:
- Fast vision recovery: Most can regain 75% of their vision the next day and are able to resume most daily activities.
- For those who have been rejected for LASIK surgery due to high eye prescription, thin or irregularly-shaped corneas, ICL surgery proves to be a good alternative as it can correct a wide range of eye prescriptions and at the same time, unlike LASIK, it does not remove corneal tissue or alters the shape of the cornea. This also means the eye structure is left in its original state.
- Unlike LASIK where corneal tissue does not regrow when removed during surgery, the ICL surgery is reversible. If need be, it can be exchanged or removed, though this is rarely required.
- Compared to LASIK surgery, there is a lower incidence of dry eye and seeing haloes and starbursts at night.
- Better quality of vision especially for those with a high level of eye prescription above -9.00.
- The ICL works harmoniously with the natural eye is biocompatible (does not cause a reaction in the eye) and is stable.
- The ICL has an ultraviolet light filter that provides UV protection from the sun.
Possible risks and complications of ICL surgery
All surgeries carry elements of risk and ICL surgery is no exception though it is still considered a generally low-risk and safe eye procedure. There are basically 2 common risks:
- Early formation of cataract: There is a 0.5% to 1.5% chance of developing an early cataract, which is the eye’s natural lens becoming cloudy over time resulting in decreasing vision. Most people though will choose to leave the ICL in the eye until such time when the cataract progresses to affect the vision to the extent of not allowing one to carry out daily activities.
- Risk of glaucoma: The risk of this has further decreased as the current ICLs with CentraFlow do not require a peripheral iridotomy* which was previously needed prior to surgery.
*A small hole is created on the iris with laser energy to minimise the risk of glaucoma
ICL evaluation in Singapore
To evaluate your suitability for ICL surgery, please contact Lang Eye Centre at +65 6884 1000 or [email protected] to schedule an ICL evaluation.
