Glasses & contact lenses have been the go-to solution for vision correction for decades. They work well but can be inconvenient & uncomfortable for some people. However, there is a revolutionary alternative that is gaining popularity: Implantable Contact Lens (ICL). This blog will explore the advantages, risks, & limitations of ICLs, as well as the ideal candidates for the procedure. If you’re considering ICLs as a vision correction option, read on to learn more.
Contents
- 1 What Is Implantable Contact Lens?
- 2 Step-by-step Procedure For Implantable Contact Lens
- 3 Advantages Of Implantable Contact Lens
- 4 Risks & Limitations Of Implantable Contact Lens
- 5 Cost Of Implantable Contact Lens
- 6 Recovery After ICL Surgery
- 7 How To Find An Implantable Contact Lens Near Me?
- 8 Conclusion
What Is Implantable Contact Lens?
An implantable contact lens (ICL) is a type of corrective lens that is surgically implanted into the eye to improve vision. Unlike traditional contact lenses, ICLs are placed inside the eye rather than on the surface of the cornea. They are typically used to correct moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness), & can also be used to treat astigmatism. ICLs are made of a biocompatible material & are designed to remain in the eye permanently, although they can be removed if necessary.
Step-by-step Procedure For Implantable Contact Lens
The implantation of an implantable contact lens (ICL) is a surgical procedure that requires a high level of precision & expertise. The following is a step-by-step guide to the procedure:
- Initial Consultation: The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist who specializes in ICL implantation. During this consultation, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s eye health, perform a thorough eye exam, & discuss the risks & benefits of the procedure. The doctor will also use diagnostic tools such as corneal topography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, & optical coherence tomography to determine the appropriate lens size & shape.
- Pre-Operative Preparation: Once the patient comes out to be a good candidate for the procedure, the next step is to schedule the surgery. Before the surgery, the patient will need to undergo some pre-operative tests.
- Anesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which involves numbing the eye with eye drops & injecting a numbing agent into the surrounding tissue.
- Incision: The surgeon will create a tiny incision (about 3mm) on the edge of the cornea. This incision provides access to the lens insertion site.
- Lens Insertion: Using specialized surgical instruments, the surgeon will insert the ICL through the incision & place it in the space between the iris (colored part of the eye) & the natural lens. Once the lens is in position, it will be unfolded & centered within the eye. Once the ICL is properly positioned, the surgeon will close the incision with small, dissolvable sutures or use a self-sealing corneal incision.
Advantages Of Implantable Contact Lens
Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) offer several advantages over traditional contact lenses & other vision correction procedures. Here are some of the key advantages of ICLs:
- High-Quality Vision: ICLs are designed to correct moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness) & can also be used to treat astigmatism. They provide high-quality, crisp vision & can correct vision to a greater degree than glasses or traditional contact lenses.
- Permanent Solution: Unlike traditional contact lenses that need to be removed & cleaned daily, ICLs are surgically implanted into the eye & designed to remain in place permanently. This means that patients don’t need to worry about inserting & removing lenses daily or replacing them frequently.
- Minimal Maintenance: Since ICLs are designed to remain in the eye permanently, there is minimal maintenance required. Patients do not need to clean or replace their lenses regularly, which can be a significant advantage for those who lead busy lifestyles.
- Improved Comfort: Many patients report that ICLs are more comfortable to wear than traditional contact lenses. ICLs are placed inside the eye, which means that they do not move around or cause irritation or discomfort.
- Versatility: ICLs can be used to correct a wide range of vision problems, including high degrees of nearsightedness & astigmatism. They can be customized to fit the unique needs of each patient. This means that they are a versatile solution for a wide range of individuals.
- Reversible: Although ICLs are designed to remain in the eye permanently, they can be removed if necessary. This means that the procedure is reversible & does not permanently alter the eye.
Risks & Limitations Of Implantable Contact Lens
Although implantable contact lenses (ICLs) are generally considered safe & effective, like any surgical procedure, there are some risks and limitations associated with the procedure. Some of the potential risks & limitations include:
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Patients will be given antibiotic eye drops after surgery to help prevent infection, but if it occurs, it can be a serious complication.
- Cataract formation: ICLs are inserted between the iris & the natural lens of the eye, which can increase the risk of cataract formation. This is a rare complication but is more common in patients who are older or have certain medical conditions.
- Glaucoma: In rare cases, ICL implantation can increase the risk of glaucoma. This is because the implant can block the flow of fluid in the eye, leading to increased pressure.
- Corneal endothelial cell loss: ICL implantation can cause a loss of corneal endothelial cells, which are important for maintaining the health of the cornea. This can lead to swelling of the cornea & other complications.
- Need for additional surgery: In some cases, patients may require additional surgery if the ICL needs to be repositioned or removed due to complications.
- Not suitable for everyone: ICLs may not be suitable for everyone. For example, patients with certain medical conditions or very thin corneas may not be eligible for the procedure.
Cost Of Implantable Contact Lens
The cost of implantable contact lenses (ICLs) can vary depending on several factors. These may include the surgeon’s fees, the cost of the ICLs themselves, the geographic location of the surgery center, & any additional fees or costs associated with the procedure.
In India, it may cost somewhere between 1-2 Lacs INR per eye. This cost typically includes the cost of the ICLs, the surgeon’s fees, & any pre-and post-operative care. However, this cost may vary depending on the surgeon & the location of the surgery center.
Patients should discuss the cost with their ophthalmologist & explore all of their financing options before undergoing the procedure. It’s also important to consider the potential long-term savings on glasses or contact lenses when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of ICLs.
Recovery After ICL Surgery
Recovery after implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery is generally quick & patients can typically resume normal activities. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Here are some general guidelines for recovery after ICL surgery:
- Rest your eyes: It’s important to avoid any activities that may strain your eyes, such as reading, watching TV, or using a computer, for the first few days after surgery.
- Use prescribed eye drops: Your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Follow the instructions carefully & use the drops as directed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can dislodge the ICL or cause other complications. It’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes for at least the first few weeks after surgery.
- Wear eye protection: Your surgeon may recommend that you wear a protective shield over your eye while you sleep. This can prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on your eye.
- Attend follow-up appointments: It’s important to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. They can monitor your progress & ensure that your eye is healing properly.
Most patients can resume normal activities, including driving, within a few days of surgery. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities. Such as exercise or heavy lifting for at least the first week after surgery.
How To Find An Implantable Contact Lens Near Me?
To find an implantable contact lens (ICL) specialist near you, you can follow these steps:
- EyeMantra: Eye Mantra is a well-known eye care provider that offers implantable contact lens (ICL) procedures. You can visit the EyeMantra website or contact the clinics directly to schedule a consultation & determine if ICLs are the right option for you.
- Check with your doctor: Your doctor may be able to recommend an ICL specialist in your area. They may also be able to provide you with more information on the procedure & whether it’s right for you.
- Search online: You can use search engines such as Google or Bing to search for “ICL specialist near me” or “ICL surgery near me”. This will provide you with a list of local clinics & eye surgery centers that offer the procedure.
- Read reviews: Once you have a list of potential ICL specialists, read online reviews & ratings from other patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) offer a safe alternative to glasses and traditional contact lenses for moderate to severe vision problems. Although ICLs may not be suitable for everyone, they can offer significant benefits for eligible candidates. If you’re interested in learning more about ICLs or other vision correction options, speak to your ophthalmologist. They can help you determine the best treatment option for your needs & provide personalized recommendations based on your situation.
LASIK and ICL surgery are safe procedures to help you get rid of glasses. EyeMantra offers the most advanced LASIK options including PRK, Femto Lasik, SMILE surgery, Standard LASIK, ICL, and Contoura vision. If you have any questions on Lasik surgery in Delhi, Lasik surgery cost, and Lasik procedure, call us at 9711116605 or email at [email protected].
+91-9711116605
