The options for permanent vision correction have never been greater. Many variations of eye laser surgery — like PRK, LASIK, and LASEK — have been working wonders on refractive errors for decades; today, it’s also possible to build a contact lens into the eye.
At Advanced Lasik in Midtown East, New York City, and Long Beach, California, Dr. Randa Garrana and our team offer a wide range of procedures to suit virtually every vision correction need, including implantable contact lenses (ICL).
There are some compelling benefits behind this newer vision correction approach. Let’s take a closer look at ICL and the reasons why it might be an ideal choice for you.
As well as implantable contact lenses, ICL technology can also stand for intraocular contact lenses or implantable collamer lenses. There are some small variations in the process, such as the composition of the implantable lens itself, but otherwise, the surgery proceeds in generally the same way.
Implantable collamer lenses are made from a soft biocompatible material known as a collagen co-polymer. Surgery places this lens between the iris and lens to carry out precise bending of light that your eye collects so that images focus sharply on the retina.
Intraocular lenses suit patients whose severe nearsightedness rules out LASIK treatment. In this form of ICL surgery, the supplemental lens sits between the cornea and iris, which is a better location for the more aggressive refraction required to balance this vision error.
ICL surgery is a permanent procedure, but it can be updated if your corrective lens prescription changes over the years. Dr. Garrana simply replaces the outdated ICL with a new lens with the right value for current conditions.
ICL surgery comes with many advantages. Five of the most popular are:
Depending on the condition of your eyes, certain types of laser eye surgery may not be the best choice — certain eye conditions prohibit corneal reshaping through laser techniques. ICL adds a supplemental lens, rather than removing or changing existing eye tissue.
ICL surgery delivers near-instant results, without needing corrective lenses or a period of transition while your eyes recover from laser surgery changes. ICL is like donning a pair of glasses, but in this case, the corrective lens sits within your eye, rather than in front of it.
Laser eye surgery often carries an elevated risk of developing a sometimes chronic condition called dry eye, where the normal balance of your tear composition changes, resulting in ocular irritation and redness. ICL doesn’t carry this same risk.
If you suffered from light source glare and visual halos at night or under dark conditions prior to ICL surgery, chances are you can expect a major improvement in night vision. ICL provides vision correction with a high level of definition, reducing these common night vision issues.
You won’t feel your implanted lenses and there’s no maintenance involved, as there is with regular removable contact lenses.
Not all patients with refractive errors are candidates for ICL surgery. Find out whether it’s right for you through a consultation at your nearest Advanced Lasik office in Midtown East, New York City, or Long Beach, California. Request your appointment online or over the phone today.
