If you are unsuitable for laser-assisted procedures such as LASIK due to high refractive errors or very thin corneas, you may consider having an implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure done. This involves the implantation of a phakic intraocular lens (phakic means ‘having a lens’ as the natural lens of the eye is left untouched).
The surgical implantation of an ICL can help to correct refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (‘lao hua’).
ICLs are easy to implant and feel natural in the eye because of their soft and flexible structure. The surgery involves inserting the ICL through a small 3mm incision at the edge of the cornea and is placed between the iris and the natural crystalline lens.
The most widely established phakic intraocular lens is the Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens. The lens is made from a polymer with collagen which is biocompatible; it is compatible with living tissue and does not cause a reaction. In addition, it also has an ultraviolet filter that protects your eye from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Implantable Contact Lens Surgery
The implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery can correct a wide range of refractive errors. It can correct refractive errors from 1,000 degrees of long-sightedness to 2,000 degrees of short-sightedness, with up to 600 degrees of astigmatism.
The surgery is a simple and painless procedure that takes about 15 minutes for 2 eyes. Once implanted, the lens is invisible to the naked eye. The wound heals on its own without stitches.
Benefits of ICL Surgery
Suitable For Those With High Refractive Errors And Thin Corneas
The ICL surgery does not cause any alteration to the shape and structure of the cornea, which makes it suitable for those with high refractive errors (above 900 degrees) and thin corneas.
Optimal Quality of Vision With Fewer Side Effects
Especially for those with higher degrees, ICL surgery is able to offer a higher quality of vision. Compared to LASIK surgery, there are fewer night vision phenomena such as haloes and starbursts with ICL surgery. In addition, the procedure has a low incidence of dry eye.
ICL With CentraFLOW
This eliminates the need for peripheral iridotomy (a laser procedure that was previously required prior to ICL surgery), hence shortening procedure time and enhancing the overall surgical experience.
Fast Recovery
As ICL surgery is minimally invasive and the recovery is quick, most people are able to return to work or school within a few days with minimal discomfort and low incidence of dry eye.
Reversible procedure
The ICL surgery is entirely reversible and the lens can be removed and replaced if necessary, for example, when there is a major change in prescription but this rarely happens.
You may be a suitable candidate for ICL if you:
ICL evaluation
If you have been informed that LASIK is not a suitable option for your eyes, schedule an ICL evaluation with us to better understand your suitability and benefits of the surgery.