ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) Surgery
Why People choose ICL?
ICL is designed to reside inside your eye where the natural lens is still intact. It's like inserting the patient's own glasses or contact lenses inside the eye. The lens does not alter any structures within the eye or on the cornea and can easily be removed or replaced if required.
ICL is ideal for patients with symptoms of myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and/or astigmatism, ICL's are also suitable for patients whose corneas are too thin, too flat or too steep to undergo large amounts of laser reshaping required for LASIK.
Advantage of ICL
Excellent quality of vision
Easily removed or replaced (5-10 minutes)
Cosmetically good as it's INVISIBLE
Fast recovery
Disadvantages of ICL
❌
Invasive Surgery – Although less invasive than other procedures, it still involves surgery inside the eye, which carries risks of infection or complications.
❌
Requires a Small Incision – Though small, the incision needs to be precise and is done inside the eye, requiring careful post-surgical care.
❌
Cost – ICL is typically more expensive than LASIK or other laser vision correction options.
❌
Not for Everyone – It is not suitable for patients with certain conditions, such as
glaucoma or
severe cataracts.
Who is a Good Candidate for ICL?
🔹 People with
high refractive errors (extreme myopia or hyperopia)
🔹 Those with
thin corneas who are not candidates for LASIK
🔹 Individuals with
dry eyes who are concerned about post-surgery dry eye complications
🔹 Patients who prefer a
reversible procedure
🔹 Those aged
21 or older with stable vision for at least a year
Comparison: ICL vs. LASIK vs. SMILE
| Feature | ICL | LASIK | SMILE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reversibility | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Surgical Approach | Implantation of a lens | Reshaping of cornea | Reshaping of cornea |
| Suitable for High Myopia/Hyperopia | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited | ❌ Limited |
| Dry Eye Risk | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Corneal Thickness Requirement | No | Must be sufficient | Must be sufficient |
| Recovery Time | Fast (1-2 days) | Very fast (1-2 days) | Very fast (1-2 days) |
Conclusion
ICL is a safe and effective alternative for people with high refractive errors or those who may not be good candidates for traditional laser procedures like LASIK. It offers a reversible and less invasive approach with minimal dry eye risks.
Would you like to explore how it compares to other procedures, or need more details on the process? 😊