implantable collamer lens (ICL)
An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) provides vision correction for patients with high amounts of nearsightedness (myopia) who are not candidates for LASIK. This technically advanced lens material is made of 100% pure collagen copolymer, which is compatible with your body’s natural chemistry. It transmits light very similarly to your natural lens because the material’s characteristics are nearly identical to the human crystalline lens. And as an added feature, it contains a UV blocker that actually prevents harmful UVA and UVB rays from entering the eye, possibly preventing the development of UV related eye disorders.
Unlike cataract surgery, ICL does not require the removal of the eye's crystalline lens, and unlike LASIK or other refractive procedures, the ICL procedure does not involve the removal of sensitive eye tissue. This short outpatient procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, wherein the ICL is inserted into the eye through a micro opening. The lens unfolds in the eye and is positioned between the iris and the natural lens where it stays indefinitely. This makes the procedure efficient and dramatically reduces healing time. In fact, you will experience full recovery typically in 1-2 days, with minimal discomfort.
Based on your correction needs, eye health, medical history, and desired outcome for refractive surgery, your eye surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for ICL