“ICL Implant Surgery” A new option to solve nearsightedness, astigmatism, and blurred vision, helping to improve clarity and make daily life more convenient.
For those who have vision problems and do not want to wear contact lenses or glasses, vision correction surgery is possible with the ICL or Implantable Collamer Lens innovation. This involves implanting a supplementary lens that is effective and allows quick return to clear unaided vision.
What is ICL Implant Surgery?
ICL implant surgery, or Implantable Collamer Lenses, is one of the treatment options for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism without altering the corneal structure.
The procedure involves the ophthalmologist correcting vision at the lens level by implanting a supplementary lens in the space between the back of the iris and the front of the natural lens. This lens acts like a contact lens to refract light clearly and appropriately for each individual, providing a permanent vision correction.
ICL implant surgery can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It can correct nearsightedness from -0.5 D up to -18.00 D and astigmatism from 0.5 D up to -6.00 D. It is highly safe because the lens material is Collamer, which has been researched and developed for over 10 years to be biocompatible with the human body. The lens is thin, clear, soft, flexible, UV-protective, and custom-cut for each individual. It meets FDA approval standards in the United States and many countries worldwide.
Is ICL Implant Surgery Painful?
During ICL implant surgery, the ophthalmologist uses local anesthetic eye drops. The patient remains conscious throughout but does not feel pain. There may be a sensation of pressure or feeling that something is touching the eye. The patient can communicate any discomfort to the ophthalmologist at any time.
The procedure involves dilating the pupil, applying anesthetic drops and injections to the sclera, marking the cornea, making an incision about 3.0-3.2 millimeters, and injecting fluid into the eye to place the lens. The ICL lens gradually unfolds and is positioned in the corneal area.
The total surgery time is about 30 minutes. After surgery, the patient rests for about 2 hours without needing to stay overnight in the hospital. If no abnormalities are found and the eye adapts well to the lens, the patient can go home. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for the next day. For those who prefer, hospital stay for recovery is also available.
Advantages of ICL Implant Surgery
- ICL implantation is a minor surgery with a very small incision (3-3.2 mm), resulting in a short recovery time and quick return to daily activities without loss of corneal tissue, providing sharp images.
- Does not cause dry eye symptoms.
- Can correct very high degrees of nearsightedness.
- Allows rapid return to unaided vision.
- Provides sharp night vision compared to other methods and reduces glare problems at night.
Who is Suitable for ICL Implant Surgery?
ICL implant surgery is suitable for those with very high nearsightedness who cannot undergo LASIK but want permanent vision correction, or those who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses that may cause eye irritation or infection from long-term use.
Additionally, ICL implant surgery is suitable for:
- Individuals aged 21-45 years with stable vision for at least 1 year.
- Those with thin corneas.
- Those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that cannot be corrected by laser corneal reshaping.
- Those without a history of eye diseases such as uveitis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
- Those with sufficient eye depth to accommodate the supplementary lens.
Side Effects After ICL Implant Surgery
Most patients do not experience abnormal symptoms after surgery, but intraocular pressure must be monitored closely during the first 24-48 hours because the lens implant can temporarily increase eye pressure. The ophthalmologist will provide close care, and some patients may require additional pressure-lowering medication.
There is also a risk of inflammation and infection, occurring in about 1 in 10,000 cases, since the surgery involves entering the eye, requiring more caution regarding cleanliness and infection control than other treatments.
Are There Complications After ICL Implant Surgery?
Are there any adverse effects or complications from ICL? Since this is surgery, patients may worry about possible complications. Some fluctuations in eye pressure may occur during the first week after surgery, or early cataracts may develop, but these are very rare. The chance of cataracts requiring lens removal surgery is about 0.6%.
Preparation Before ICL Implant Surgery
Once the ophthalmologist preliminarily assesses that vision correction with ICL implant surgery is possible, a detailed physical examination and vision assessment will be scheduled as follows:
- Corneal imaging analysis to evaluate corneal curvature and anterior chamber depth, and to rule out other eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, previous eye inflammation, or other conditions that may prevent surgery.
Recommendation: On the day of the eye exam, do not drive yourself or have a caregiver accompany you, as pupil dilation medication will cause temporary blurred vision.
- If qualified, vision measurements will be taken to calculate a custom corrective lens. Nearsightedness lenses take 2–4 weeks to prepare, and lenses for nearsightedness with astigmatism take 1–2 months before scheduling surgery.
- Those on regular medication can continue as usual, except aspirin or blood thinners, which must be stopped at least 1 week before surgery.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 1 week before surgery. On the surgery day, shower, wash hair, trim nails, do not wear nail polish, makeup, or false eyelashes.
Postoperative Care After ICL Implant Surgery
- Initially after surgery, wear sunglasses during the day and avoid sleeping on your side for 2 weeks.
- At night, keep an eye shield on for about 1 month.
- Use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops as prescribed.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
Things to Avoid
- Do not wear makeup for 24 hours after surgery.
- Avoid getting water in the eyes for about 4 weeks (no soaking, swimming, or sauna).
- Avoid bright light, heavy exercise, heavy lifting, and primarily sleep on your back.
- Avoid sleeping on your side, rubbing your eyes, and be extra cautious 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.
Where is the Best Place for ICL Implant Surgery?
ICL implant surgery requires the experience and expertise of an ophthalmologist in diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical procedure.
Phayathai 3 Hospital Eye Center offers eye disease diagnosis and treatment services by a team of specialized ophthalmologists with extensive experience, using modern medical equipment. The center has specialists in all ophthalmology fields providing comprehensive services, including ICL implant surgery.
- Highly experienced ophthalmologists specializing in vision correction with many successful ICL surgeries.
- High-quality service with medical equipment and operating rooms meeting hospital standards.
- Convenient location and reasonable pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICL Implant Surgery
How is ICL Implant Surgery Different from LASIK?
ICL implantation differs from LASIK in the vision correction process.
- ICL implantation corrects vision by inserting a biocompatible lens behind the cornea to refract light. The lens can be removed by an ophthalmologist if eye problems occur, and it does not cause loss of eye tissue.
- LASIK corrects vision using a laser to reshape the cornea curvature, which thins the cornea. Therefore, some patients cannot undergo LASIK if their corneas are not thick enough.
Does ICL Implant Surgery Cause Dry Eyes?
ICL implant surgery does not cause dry eye problems after surgery because it does not damage the corneal nerves responsible for tear stimulation. Therefore, the supplementary lens does not cause dry eye syndrome.
Can Older People Undergo ICL Implant Surgery?
If cataracts have not developed, there is a chance to undergo ICL implant surgery. Initially, patients can consult an ophthalmologist for an eye examination before deciding on surgery.
Summary of ICL Implant Surgery
ICL implant surgery is another option for patients who cannot be treated with other vision correction methods such as Super ReLEx (SMILE Pro), FemtoLASIK, LASIK, or PRK. It is highly safe and suitable for those with vision problems. However, treatment decisions must be made jointly with the doctor. Interested individuals can consult with doctors at Phayathai 3 Hospital for evaluation and appropriate treatment planning.
