Implantable Contact Lens

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. But what if you still want to improve your vision while reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses?

A popular alternative to LASIK surgery is ICL, or implantable contact lenses, sometimes called a permanent contact lens. An ICL is a soft contact lens that is attached to the eye to correct myopia. An implanted contact lens is intended to be permanent, but it can be replaced if changes are needed in the future. Unlike LASIK eye surgery, the ICL procedure is completely reversible.

There are some advantages to ICL over LASIK. For example, with LASIK, permanent changes are your eyes and these changes are something you have to live with. If the LASIK procedure developed you are OK, but if it does not, you're stuck with it. In contrast, implantable contact lenses may be changed at any time if corrections are needed.

If you've ever worn contact lenses, you already know the hassle of normal contacts - the cleaning, soaking, remove and replace, etc., but with implantable contact lenses, all these frustrations will disappear soon. The implants are permanent and should never require any attention unless your vision changes with age. Implantable contact lenses provide improved vision contact lenses that temporarily normal, but they require no attention and the maintenance of normal contact lenses.

The ICL procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and you have little or no experience of pain. A mild sedative is administered to provide a calming effect and an incision 1 / 8 inch is made for the insertion of the lens. Once inserted, the lens is properly positioned. In almost all cases, the sutures are not required to close the point of incision. If you have the procedure performed on both eyes, they will both be completed in one sitting. The entire procedure is usually completed in about 30 minutes.

After ICL procedure, you will be sent a post-op 'recovery area. Once staff determined that you are stable, you will be sent home to relax for the rest of the day. You'll come back tomorrow for a follow-up, just to make sure everything is OK.

There may be mild blur at the end of implantation, but it usually clears itself in a short period of time. Most patients with rapid improvements in vision, with approximately 90% of normal vision restored within the first 24 hours. Normally, your vision of the second day will be good enough for you to drive you to the exam.

The main concern with implantable contact lenses is the risk of infection. Infection is a serious disease that can cause loss of vision, if your doctor will take the necessary precautions when performing the procedure.

Implantable contact lenses are a reasonable alternative to LASIK surgery for patients who have difficulty seeing far. However, ICL does not help you if you need reading glasses.