Why should I consider ICL?
June 28, 2021
ICL is a newer and very safe alternative to other corrective laser surgeries. It is meant to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (difficulty seeing things far away) and astigmatism (blurry and distorted vision at any distance).
Why do I have vision problems?
Common vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism happen because the eye has difficulty taking in light and turning it into images. Just like a camera, the eye has a lens at the front which helps focus light onto the surface at the back which processes the light into images. If the shape of the eye is such that the light is focused at the wrong place (for example, if it is shaped more like a football than a basketball), then the images will be blurry. Traditional glasses and contact lenses work by adding a second lens in front of the eye that helps focus the light onto the correct spot.
What is ICL?
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) has been approved for use in Europe since 1997 and in the U.S. since 2005, and it has been performed on over 1,000,000 patients. It is an alternative to other corrective surgeries such as LASIK and PRK. During the LASIK and PRK procedures, a laser is used to reshape the eye so that it focuses light in the correct way. During the ICL procedure, a special contact lens with your prescription is inserted into the eye in front of your natural lens. This is meant to give you crystal-clear vision just like you would have with glasses or wearable contacts. Just like any other surgery, there are some downsides to ICL. It is not able to treat farsightedness (difficulty seeing things close up)
Benefits of ICL
- Possible where other surgeries are not
- Works with thin corneas and very severe nearsightedness or astigmatism
- Recovery time is quick
- Does not contribute to dry eye
- The procedure is reversible
- The lens provides UV protection
Schedule a Consultation
Cataract surgery is a low-hassle way to restore your vision for the long term. To meet with our team and learn more about your options, we invite you to contact our Falls Church office by calling or filling out our online form.
Sources
STAAR Surgical Company. (2019). Know the Options. Monrovia, CA; STAAR Surgical.
STAAR Surgical Company. (2019). Visian ICL. Monrovia, CA; STAAR Surgical.
Nunez, K. (2020, February 28). ICL Surgery Procedure, Benefits, Side Effects, and Precautions. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/icl-surgery
