IntraCameral Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery
Though laser eye surgeries are safe and effective treatments for correcting refractive errors such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness, some patients may not be candidates for treatment. IntraCameral lens eye surgery can correct nearsightedness and astigmatism and reduce the dependency on glasses and contacts for patients who are not candidates for laser eye surgery.
Learn more about IntraCameral Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery)
What is IntraCameral Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery and How Does it Work?
IntraCameral lens (ICL) is an implantable lens used to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. The term ICL refers to the lens implant itself, but it has also become the common name for the procedure done to implant it. During treatment, your surgeon will place an implantable collamer lens (a type of ICL) behind the iris to enhance your vision and reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and contacts.
ICL eye surgery is a fast and effective way of correcting vision. Rather than correcting the vision by reshaping the cornea, as done with SMILE, LASIK, or PRK, ICL enhances vision by implanting a silicone lens behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). This lens focuses light directly onto the retina, allowing vision to come into sharp focus. Unlike treatment with an IOL (intraocular lens) implant, your practitioner will not remove the eye’s natural lens.
The implantable collamer lens can be thought of as an implantable contact lens; however, the lens is different in shape, size, and consistency than a traditional contact lens. The lens is soft, flexible, and provides UV protection. The ICL precisely rests behind the iris, correcting vision while allowing the natural structure and function of the eye to maintain perfect balance. The ICL procedure produces near-instantaneous vision improvement without altering the cornea.
How Can I Benefit From IntraCameral Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery?
ICL can correct nearsightedness and astigmatism to help make tasks such as night driving, sports, and travel easier and more enjoyable. Unlike laser eye treatments, ICL is reversible, meaning the lens implant can be removed if needed. We often utilize ICL to treat vision problems in patients with thin corneas or very high prescriptions who may not be candidates for laser vision correction with SMILE, LASIK, or PRK.
Some of the benefits of ICL eye surgery include:
- Correct nearsightedness
- Correct astigmatism
- Quick results
- Faster recovery
- Improved night vision
- Fewer dry eye symptoms compared to laser treatments
What to Expect During IntraCameral Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery
Once you arrive at our facility for your appointment, our team will help prepare you for treatment. Your nurse will place anesthetic eye drops into your eyes to ensure you are comfortable for the entire procedure. Once you are ready, your surgeon may use a YAG laser to create small (less than 0.25 mm) openings in the iris. We may perform this step on the same day as the procedure or in the days leading up to it.
To insert the ICL, your practitioner will make a small incision at the edge of the cornea. They will then fold the ICL so that it fits through the opening. The lens then slides into the eye and rests behind the iris. When ICL is used to correct astigmatism, your surgeon will rotate the lens until it matches the exact orientation of the astigmatism it is correcting.
You will not see the surgeon or any medical instruments during the surgery. ICL surgery is painless, and our team can administer medication to help you feel calm. ICL is an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home to rest and recover after your appointment. You will not be able to drive immediately after treatment, so you should arrange for someone to take you home.
Recovery Timeline for IntraCameral Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery
After treatment, you will need to take precautions to prevent any irritants from getting into your eyes. We recommend patients avoid heavy lifting, straining, swimming, applying makeup, and eye rubbing for two weeks following the procedure. Patients should take extra care in protecting their eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses when necessary. You should wear eye shields at night to help protect the eyes as you sleep from being bumped or anything getting in the eyes that could lead to irritation.
We will prescribe medicated drops to prevent infection or inflammation. It is essential to use the medicated drops along with preservative-free artificial tears, which will help the eyes heal faster and feel better.
Who Can Have IntraCameral Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery?
ICL can be ideal for patients over 18 years old with a stable glasses prescription and no signs of cataracts. ICL can treat myopic (nearsighted) prescriptions between -3.00 to -15.00 diopters and astigmatism of -2.50 diopters or less. Patients with a prescription outside this range may do best with a combination of ICL and laser vision correction such as SMILE, LASIK, PRK, or a Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).
Take the
Next Step
Would you like to learn more about IntraCameral lens eye surgery and take the first step toward a clearer future? Then please fill out our online form below or call us at (512) 213-2220 to get started with an in-person consultation at Heart of Texas Eye Care. Our courteous staff and board-certified ophthalmologists are here to assist you through every step of your journey!
Clearer Vision
Starts Here
If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.
If you’re ready for lasting vision correction with LASIK, a consultation for cataracts, or maybe blepharoplasty to rejuvenate aging eyes, our team can help. Or maybe it’s time for your yearly eye exam or maintenance Botox® injections. Click the button below to explore financing options for all your eye care needs.
