For those who have myopia, astigmatism, unclear vision, and cannot live life to the fullest but do not want to wear contact lenses or glasses and cannot undergo LASIK, today… you can worry no more because we have the innovative ICL treatment or Implantable Collamer Lens, which is an additional lens implantation that effectively corrects vision just as well as LASIK.
What is ICL?
ICL or Implantable Collamer Lens is a surgery to implant an additional lens behind the iris and in front of the natural lens to permanently correct vision problems such as myopia and astigmatism. The lens used is made of Collamer material, which has been researched and developed for over 10 years to be compatible with the human body. It has also passed FDA approval in the United States and many countries worldwide. Additionally, it has outstanding advantages that differ from LASIK treatment as follows:
- Does not cause dry eyes or corneal irritation
- Even those with very severe myopia can wear ICL lenses
- Helps improve night vision clarity and reduces glare problems at night
Who is suitable for ICL lens implantation surgery?
Suitable for those with very severe myopia who cannot undergo LASIK but want permanent correction of vision abnormalities without wearing glasses or contact lenses, which may cause eye irritation or infection when worn for a long time.
Preparation before ICL lens implantation surgery
- Aged between 21-45 years with stable vision prescription
- Undergo a thorough physical examination, vision level check, corneal topography to assess corneal curvature and anterior chamber depth, and must not have other eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, history of eye inflammation, or other conditions that may prevent surgery. On the day of the eye exam, do not drive yourself or have a companion because after using pupil-dilating drops, vision will be temporarily blurred.
- If qualified, vision measurements will be taken to create a customized lens, and then a surgery appointment will be scheduled.
- Those who regularly take medication can continue as usual except for aspirin and blood thinners, which must be stopped at least 1 week before surgery.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 1 week before surgery day.
- Shower, wash hair, trim nails, do not apply nail polish, makeup, or false eyelashes on the day of surgery.
What is the ICL lens implantation surgery like?
During the ICL lens implantation surgery, the doctor will use local anesthetic eye drops. The patient remains conscious but does not feel pain, only a slight pressure or sensation of something touching the eye. The doctor will dilate the pupil, apply anesthetic drops, inject anesthetic into the white of the eye, mark the cornea, make an incision about 3 millimeters, and inject fluid into the eye to place the lens. The ICL lens will gradually unfold and be positioned in front of the natural lens. The entire surgery takes about 30 minutes.
After surgery, rest and observe for about 2 hours without needing to stay overnight at the hospital. If no abnormalities are found and the eye accepts the lens well, the patient can go home. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled the next day. For those who have difficulty traveling, hospital stay for recovery is also possible.
Side effects after ICL lens implantation surgery
After ICL lens implantation surgery, it is important to monitor for abnormal high intraocular pressure because the lens can increase eye pressure. The doctor will closely monitor this, but most cases do not experience abnormalities. Some patients may need additional pressure-lowering medication. In addition, inflammation and infection must be checked carefully since the surgery involves entering the eye, requiring more attention to cleanliness and infection prevention than other treatments.
How to care for yourself after ICL lens implantation surgery
- In the initial period after surgery, wear sunglasses during the day and keep an eye shield on at night for at least about 1 week.
- Use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops as prescribed by the doctor.
- Avoid getting water in the eyes for about 2 weeks.
- Avoid bright light, heavy exercise, heavy lifting, sleep on your back mainly, avoid sleeping on your side, do not rub your eyes, and be extra careful to prevent dirt from entering the eyes.
If you strictly follow the doctor’s instructions, the wound will gradually heal within 1 month, after which you can return to normal life.
Dr. Kittikamon Wongpaisansin
Cornea and Refractive Surgery Ophthalmologist
LASIK Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
