ICL, or implantable collamer lens surgery, is a type of refractive surgery that involves placing a thin, prescription lens inside the eye to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
How ICL surgery works
- Preparation: Before the surgery, the eye surgeon will use a numbing drop to make sure you’re comfortable. They may also give you a mild sedative to help you relax.
- Creating a small incision: The surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea and insert a small instrument to create a space between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the natural lens.
- Placing the lens: The surgeon will insert the folded-up ICL lens through the small incision and position it in front of the natural lens.
- Recovery: After the surgery, you may experience some discomfort and blurry vision, but it usually improves within a few days. It may take a week or two for your vision to stabilize and for you to be able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses.
A good candidate for ICL
ICL surgery is a good option for people who have moderate to severe nearsightedness, especially if they have thin corneas or are not eligible for other types of laser eye surgery. It can also be a good option for people who have had previous eye surgeries or have other eye conditions that make laser eye surgery risky.
If you’re considering ICL surgery, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of the ilumin eye doctors to determine if it’s the right choice for you. They can evaluate your eyes and medical history and help you decide which type of refractive surgery is best for your needs.
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