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ICL Refractive Surgery: An Effective Alternative to Correcting Vision Problems

Fed up with glasses or contacts? Can't get LASIK or PRK due to thin corneas or high prescriptions? You might be suitable for ICL refractive surgery.

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ICL Refractive Surgery: An Effective Alternative to Correcting Vision Problems Videos

What is ICL Refractive Surgery?

Are you tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? Have you been told that you're not a candidate for LASIK or PRK due to thin corneas or high prescriptions? If so, you may be a candidate for ICL refractive surgery.
ICL refractive surgery, also known as implantable collamer lens surgery, is an FDA-approved procedure that corrects vision problems without affecting the cornea. It is a great option for patients who have high prescriptions or thin corneas and cannot undergo LASIK or PRK. During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor will assess your eye health, corneal thickness, and stability of prescription to determine if you are a suitable candidate for ICL refractive surgery.

ICL refractive surgery is an effective alternative for patients who have high prescriptions or thin corneas and cannot undergo LASIK or PRK. It can correct prescriptions ranging from -3 to -20, as well as astigmatism ranging from -1 to -4.

The ICL Refractive Surgery Procedure

Before undergoing ICL refractive surgery, you must first undergo a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. You must be between the ages of 21 and 45 and must have a stable prescription for at least one year. Patients who are farsighted are not eligible for ICL refractive surgery.

If you are eligible for the procedure, the ICL refractive surgery itself takes approximately 30 minutes under local anesthesia by a recommended eye surgeon. The surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea and place the artificial lens between the natural lens and the iris, without reshaping the cornea. Patients usually experience mild discomfort or irritation in the days following the procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication.

Recovery After ICL Refractive Surgery

After the ICL refractive surgery procedure, you can typically resume normal activities within a week. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. You may experience some mild discomfort or irritation in the days following the procedure, but this typically resolves within a few days.

Potential Complications and Risks

Potential Complications and Risks

Like all surgical procedures, ICL refractive surgery carries some risks and potential complications. In rare cases, you may experience infection, inflammation, or swelling in the eye. The lens may also bump the back part of the cornea during surgery, which can damage some of the water pumps that help pump out water from the cornea, leading to inflammation, swelling, and blurriness. Additionally, the artificial lens may bump the natural lens during surgery, which can trigger early onset cataracts. However, these complications are rare and can usually be corrected with further treatment.

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Is ICL Refractive Surgery Right for You?

If you are interested in ICL refractive surgery to correct your vision problems, it is important to talk to our eye doctor to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. A comprehensive eye exam will be performed to assess your eye health and determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. If ICL surgery is recommended, our eye doctor will refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist for surgery, while continuing to provide you with pre operative and post operative care.

Pre and Post Operative Care of ICL at Amplify EyeCare Clinics Across the US

Are you considering ICL refractive surgery to correct your vision problems? At Amplify EyeCare, we offer refractive surgery co-management which includes comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care for our patients.  We work closely with our patients, guiding them before and after their ICL procedure.

Before undergoing ICL, we conduct a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your eye health and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. This involves measuring corneal thickness and curvature, checking for pre-existing eye conditions, and assessing overall eye health.

Following ICL surgery, we schedule follow-up appointments with our eye doctor to monitor the healing process and ensure that your eyes are healing properly. We may also adjust the prescription for glasses or contacts if necessary.

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Common Questions

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a type of refractive surgery that involves the insertion of a thin, artificial lens into the eye to correct vision problems. Unlike LASIK, ICL surgery does not require the removal of any corneal tissue. Instead, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eye and inserts the lens between the iris and natural lens. ICLs are made of a biocompatible material that is intended to be a permanent implant.
Although ICL surgery is generally safe and effective, there are some potential disadvantages to consider. One disadvantage is that ICLs are not easily removable, meaning that if there are any complications or if a patient’s vision changes, the lens may need to be left in place or replaced with another ICL. Additionally, ICLs can increase the risk of cataracts, which can occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Other potential risks of ICL surgery include infection, inflammation, and vision loss.
ICL surgery and LASIK both have some risks and potential complications, but there is no evidence to suggest that ICL is riskier than LASIK. In fact, some studies have suggested that ICL may have fewer complications than LASIK, especially when it comes to dry eye symptoms. However, like any surgical procedure, ICL surgery carries some risks, and patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits with our eye doctor before deciding which procedure is right for them.
ICLs are designed to be a permanent implant, and many patients enjoy clear vision for many years after the procedure. However, there is no guarantee that an ICL will last a lifetime. Some patients may experience a loss of clarity or other vision changes over time, and in some cases, the lens may need to be replaced. The lifespan of an ICL can depend on a variety of factors, including the patient’s age, overall eye health, and the quality of the initial implantation.
ICL surgery is generally more expensive than LASIK, although the cost can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and the specific procedure used. On average, ICL surgery can cost several thousand dollars per eye, while LASIK can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per eye. Patients should discuss the costs and potential insurance coverage with our eye doctor before making a decision.
ICL surgery is typically recommended for patients between the ages of 21 and 45 who have a stable vision prescription and are not good candidates for LASIK or other laser-based refractive surgeries. However, the right age for ICL can depend on a variety of factors, including the patient’s overall eye health, the severity of their vision problems, and their individual goals for the procedure. Patients should discuss their options with our eye doctor to determine whether ICL or another type of refractive surgery is the best choice for them.
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Why You Should Consult Our Optometrist Near You Before Opting for ICL

At Amplify EyeCare, our eye doctors are trained to guide you through the entire ICL process, from deciding if ICL is right for you to choosing a experienced eye surgeon. We work in tandem with your ophthalmologist to provide pre-operative and post-operative care, ensuring that you make an informed decision based on your eye health, needs, and lifestyle.

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