Implantable Contact Lenses (“ICL”)
The ICL procedure is one of the best alternatives to LASIK. An ICL corrects your vision much like a contact lens, with the exception that it is permanent, doesn’t require regular maintenance and is undetectable to the wearer and onlookers. Thanks to the surgeons at NY LASIK, you can now enjoy a vision* even if LASIK or PRK is not right for you.
ICL Versus LASIK
While LASIK is performed on the surface of your eye using a cool laser beam to permanently reshape the cornea, the implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure does not reshape your cornea. Instead, a synthetic lens is gently placed inside your eye where it functions just like a contact lens — but without the need to ever remove it.
Another advantage of ICL is that, while it is designed to permanently correct your vision, the lens can be simply removed and/or replaced if necessary.
ICL Versus Traditional Contact Lenses
ICL provides a much better quality of vision than regular contact lenses. ICLs offer a new level of vision quality that’s sharper, clearer, more vivid and has greater depth and dimension than glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, ICL patients live without the dryness, irritation or discomfort often caused by contact lenses. ICL is a suitable procedure for mild to severe nearsightedness.
Added Feature – UV Protection
As an added feature, the Collamer material created and used exclusively by STAAR Surgical, that makes up the Visian ICL contains a UV blocker that actually prevents harmful UVA and UVB rays from entering the eye all day, every day — possibly preventing the development of UV related eye disorders like cataracts.
Are You A Candidate?
Implantable Contact Lens is intended for use by patients who are nearsighted and have no previous history of ophthalmic disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. ICL is also an excellent option for those who do not meet the eligibility requirements for LASIK. For example, patients with extremely thin corneas or those predisposed to dry eye syndrome. However, ICL requires no change to the cornea and does not contribute to such conditions as dry eye, making it an excellent choice for these patients. The only way to determine if you are a candidate for the Implantable Contact Lens is to have a thorough ophthalmic exam by a doctor at NY LASIK.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed in our state of the art refractive suite, which means that a patient has surgery and leaves the same day. During the surgery, your eye will be numbed and a local anesthesia will be administered. There is very little discomfort associated with the procedure. Some drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed and a post-operative visit will be scheduled for the day after surgery. Patients are advised to arrange for someone to drive them to and from surgery.