What Is Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery?
ICL Surgery in India
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a vision correction procedure involving the insertion of a collamer lens in the eye. This lens, made of biocompatible material, is compatible with the eye’s natural tissues. It’s a popular alternative to LASIK or SMILE for those who are not good candidates for these procedures due to thin corneas or other factors. ICL eye surgery is effective for a wide range of vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, with a high success rate. However, like all surgeries, it carries potential risks and complications.
Types of Implantable Collamer Lenses
There are two primary types of Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) used in ICL eye surgery:
Spherical ICL
This lens is designed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, known as spherical refractive errors. Spherical ICLs are flexible and can be folded for insertion through a small incision, making them suitable for patients with thin corneas, large pupils, dry eyes, or high levels of refractive error.
Toric ICL
Specifically created to address astigmatism along with spherical refractive errors, Toric ICLs feature varying powers across the lens to correct the uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, which causes astigmatism. These lenses are customised according to the unique shape and dimensions of each patient’s eye.
The surgeon selects the appropriate lens type based on eye measurements taken during the preoperative evaluation.
Who Is a Candidate for ICL Surgery?
Suitable candidates for ICL surgery are typically people who:
- Are between 21 and 45 years old.
- Have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year.
- Have moderate to severe myopia or astigmatism.
- Possess healthy eyes with no underlying diseases.
A comprehensive evaluation with an ophthalmologist is necessary to confirm suitability for the ICL eye surgery.
What is the ICL Surgery Procedure?
The ICL surgery procedure has the following steps:
- Preoperative Evaluation: A thorough eye examination to confirm eligibility.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is applied to numb the eye.
- Incision: A small incision is made in the cornea for lens insertion.
- Lens Insertion: The folded collamer lens is inserted and positioned behind the iris.
- Positioning and Centering: The lens is carefully centred.
- Incision Closure: The incision self-seals without stitches.
- Recovery: Eye drops are provided for infection prevention, and vision may fluctuate during initial recovery.
- Follow-up Visits: Essential for monitoring healing and vision progress.
After the surgery, you need to take care of your eyes and follow your doctor’s orders to ensure a smooth recovery.
Recovery Timeline After ICL Surgery
The recovery time after ICL surgery varies for each individual, but most people resume normal activities within a few days. The timeline typically looks like this:
- First few days after the surgery: Discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
- One week after the surgery: Regularly use prescribed eye drops and avoid strenuous activities.
- One to two weeks after the surgery: Full recovery and stabilisation of vision.
Don’t forget – attending all follow-up appointments and following post-operative instructions is essential to ensure proper healing.
Risks & Side Effects of ICL Surgery
While ICL surgery is generally safe, there are potential risks and side effects, as with any surgery.
- Infection: This is rare but possible, and can be managed with antibiotic drops.
- Increased Intraocular Pressure: This may lead to glaucoma, so regular monitoring is needed.
- Endothelial Cell Loss: Minor cell loss in the cornea that typically does not affect vision.
- Night Vision Disturbances: Temporary halos or glare may occur but often improve with time.
Follow all necessary precautions after ICL surgery to ensure a smoother recovery process.
Dos & Don’ts After ICL Surgery
After ICL eye surgery, following your surgeon’s instructions for a smooth recovery and optimal visual outcomes is essential. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Use prescribed eye drops as instructed to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Attend all follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
- Protect your eyes from direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses outdoors for the first few days.
- Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before applying eye drops or touching your eyes.
Don’ts:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can increase the risk of infection and interfere with the healing process.
- For at least two weeks, avoid swimming or immersing your head in water, such as pools, hot tubs, or saunas.
- Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks, such as heavy lifting or exercises that increase intraocular pressure.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup for at least one week to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid exposing your eyes to irritants, such as dust, smoke, or chemical fumes.
Benefits of Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery
ICL eye surgery offers numerous benefits:
- High Success Rate: Delivers clear and improved vision.
- Wide Range of Vision Correction: Treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Permanent Vision Correction: Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contacts.
- Natural-Looking Results: The lens blends seamlessly with the eye’s natural tissues.
- Quick Recovery: Most individuals resume normal activities within days.
- Reversible Procedure: The lens can be removed or replaced if necessary.
- Suitable for Thin Corneas: Ideal for individuals ineligible for LASIK.
Why Choose ICL Over LASIK or SMILE?
ICL surgery offers several advantages over LASIK or SMILE, especially for individuals who are not candidates for these procedures due to thin corneas or other eye conditions. Unlike LASIK, ICL does not involve reshaping the cornea, making it suitable for people with higher refractive errors. Additionally, ICL is reversible, providing more flexibility for future vision correction needs.
Cost of ICL Surgery in India
ICL surgery costs in India vary based on lens type, surgeon’s experience, and hospital fees. At Planet Lasik, the procedure starts at ₹1,75,100.
Why Choose Planet Lasik for ICL Surgery?
Choosing Planet Lasik by Centre For Sight ensures that you get access to:
- Experienced Surgeons: Highly skilled ophthalmologists specialising in ICL procedures.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Advanced technology and modern facilities for optimal precision and safety.
- Personalised Care: Tailored treatment plans to meet individual patient needs.
- Comprehensive Preoperative Evaluation: Detailed assessments to determine eligibility and customise the procedure.
FAQs
Which eye problems can be treated with ICL?
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is primarily used to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Does the ICL wear out or needs replacement?
ICL doesn’t wear out and typically doesn’t need replacement unless there are specific complications or changes in vision over time.
Does the ICL procedure hurt?
No, the ICL procedure is typically painless as it’s performed under local anesthesia. Patients may experience minor discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
Is ICL safe?
Yes, ICL is considered a safe and effective procedure but like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, though they are rare.
What can I expect during the ICL procedure?
During the ICL procedure, a small incision is made in the cornea, and the lens is inserted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
How much does ICL surgery cost?
The cost of ICL surgery can vary depending on factors such as location, surgeon expertise, and technology used. At Planet Lasik, it costs only INR 85000 per eye.
What is the duration of Implantable Collamer Lens retention in the eye?
The Implantable Collamer Lens is designed to remain in the eye permanently. It doesn’t degrade or dissolve over time.
What sets ICL apart from LASIK?
Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, ICL involves inserting a lens inside the eye to correct vision. It’s suitable for individuals with thin corneas or high prescriptions not suitable for LASIK.
Is permanent freedom from glasses achievable?
For many patients, ICL can provide long-term correction of vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, individual results may vary, and some may still require glasses for certain activities.