Pros and Cons of Implantable Contact Lenses

If your vision needs correction, you may be tired of wearing glasses or contacts. Maybe you’re even considering more permanent options like LASIK. While this is certainly an option chosen by many — or some 800,000 people each year — it’s not your only option for advanced vision correction.

Another option is to get implantable contact lenses. Implantable contacts work well for people with myopia (nearsightedness) and function just like removable contact lenses — only you never have to take them out. Here, Dr. Randa Garrana of Advanced Lasik explains more about what this vision correction procedure involves and the kinds of results you can expect.

What are implantable contact lenses?

The first implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery was performed in 1993, and since then, more than one million people around the world have had it done.

Implantable contact lenses are made of either purified collagen or acrylic materials. They are surgically implanted in your eyes either between the cornea and iris, or behind your iris. They don’t need to be removed or cleaned — you sleep with them in and wake up to perfectly clear vision.

However, if your vision changes over time, Dr. Garrana can remove the lenses and replace them with an updated prescription.

The advantages of implantable contact lenses

Implantable contact lenses come with a myriad of benefits, including:

• Potentially better results than LASIK vision correction
• You don’t have to worry about lens cases or cleaning solutions
• It’s a “one and done” procedure, meaning you won’t likely need vision correction again for many years
• You don’t feel them; you sleep with them and wake up with clear vision
• It’s often a viable option for patients who aren’t eligible for LASIK

People with myopia are usually the best candidates for implantable contact lenses. ICL results also tend to last longer than LASIK, which may need to be redone if your vision changes.

The disadvantages of implantable contact lenses

As beneficial as implantable contact lenses can be for many people, not everyone is an ideal candidate for the procedure. Potential cons of the ICL surgery include:

• It’s usually more expensive than LASIK vision correction
• ICLs can’t correct astigmatism, which often occurs with nearsightedness
• Implantable contacts can slightly increase your cataract risk
• ICLs carry an increased risk of irritation and inflammation
• The procedure isn’t suitable for patients affected by dry eye
• It’s best done on patients who are younger than 45 years old

Most people with myopia are good candidates for an ICL procedure. However, because we want you to see well, you can count on Dr. Garrana to tell you which vision correction procedure is best for you and why. 

While there’s a short adjustment period following the procedure, you can expect to have perfect, clear vision within a day or two at most.

Are implantable contact lenses right for you?

Implantable contact lenses are a maintenance-free option to help you achieve better eyesight — and help you ditch your eyeglasses and removable contacts for good. 

If you’re curious about how the procedure can help you, contact Dr. Garrana at Advanced Lasik today, or request an appointment online any time. We have one East Coast office in Manhattan, New York City, and two West Coast offices in Pasadena and Long Beach, California.