Implantable Collamer Lens

What is an implantable collamer lens?

An implantable collamer lens (ICL), also known as an implantable contact lens, is a vision correction lens implant that is implanted into the eye to correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It functions exactly like a contact lens, except that it is surgically implanted into the eye. Unlike a contact lens, an ICL does not require any maintenance, and it cannot be seen or felt once implanted in the eye.

Am I a good candidate for an implantable collamer lens?

To be a suitable candidate, you should:

• Be between 21 and 45 years old
• Have a relatively stable prescription in the last year

Implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) are a good alternative for patients who are not suitable for LASIK or other refractive procedures. ICLs can correct a wide range of refractive errors and are therefore commonly recommended to patients with high prescriptions that cannot be safely treated with laser eye surgery.

ICLs can treat the following refractive errors:

• Mild to severe myopia or short-sightedness (-0.50 to -20.0D)
• Mild to severe hyperopia or long-sightedness (+0.50 to +10.0D)
• Astigmatism (0.50 to 6.0D)

What is an implantable collamer lens made of?

Implantable collamer lenses are made of a proprietary material that contains a small amount of collagen which occurs naturally in your body, thereby making it biocompatible with the eye. The lens also contains an ultraviolet light filter to provide natural UV protection.

What are the benefits of an implantable collamer lens?

• The procedure is reversible – while the ICL is intended to be permanently placed in your eye to correct your vision, one advantage of the lens is that it can be easily removed or replaced if necessary. For the majority of patients, the lens remains in the eye until it needs to be removed, usually at the time when a cataract develops, later in life.
• The lens can be implanted with a quick, painless and minimally invasive procedure.
• Vision recovery is very quick; you will be able to return to work after 1-2 days.
• It is a safe and effective treatment for patients excluded from laser vision correction due to high prescriptions; thin, or abnormally shaped corneas; or severe dry eyes.
• It treats a wide range of prescriptions.
• The lens offers UV protection.

What does the surgery involve?

ICL surgery takes 20-30 minutes per eye and is performed under local anaesthetic.  A small opening is made in the periphery of the cornea to allow the ICL to be introduced into the eye through an injector. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds and is positioned behind the iris. The small opening is self-sealing and does not require any sutures.

Visual recovery is fast and most patients are able to see very well by the next day. Your vision will continue to improve as the eye heals and settles down over the first few weeks following ICL surgery.