Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)

Implantable Contact Lenses or ICL are soft gel-lens that is flexible in the eye. They are often used during refractive surgeries for the permanent correction of nearsightedness. This type of surgery surgically implants the ICL inside of the eye where it will remain forever. It requires no maintenance after the surgical procedure and functions similar to that of a contact lens. It will in turn improve vision in the eye. Implantable contact lenses give patients the freedom of never wearing corrective lenses or eyeglasses again in their lifetime. 

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia when the patient is awake. The ICL is very flexible which makes it easy for the lens to be rolled and inserted into the soft tip of the incision injector. A small 2.2 mm incision is made which avoids the need for any stitches. Once this is injected, the ICL unfolds itself into the eye and is pushed gently underneath the iris with a spatula. After this, a peripheral iridectomy is performed which helps to prevent pupillary block and the wound is then hydrated. Typically this surgery takes no more than 30 minutes. Recovery typically takes 1-2 days. 

Those who have moderate to high myopia and are not good candidates for LASIK surgery oftentimes are the best candidates for this surgery. Those who have a disease that affects wound healing, certain autoimmune diseases, have large pupils, glaucoma, eye injury or are over the age of 45 years old are not good candidates for ICL surgery.