Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) correct vision in much the same way that external contact lenses do, except ICLs are placed inside the eye where they reside permanently to improve vision. They are permanent and are not visible to others.
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Implantable Contact Lenses have many benefits over other types of vision correction.
Implantable contact lenses are convenient. There is no contact lens discomfort, no contact lens solutions and supplies, no glasses to grab first thing in the morning, and no further glasses or contacts to purchase. Without the bother of glasses and contacts, individuals with implanted contact lenses (ICLs) are more able to thoroughly enjoy activities like swimming.
People with a high degree of nearsightedness (myopia), have thin corneas, or severe dry eyes usually are not good candidates for LASIK. Implantable contact lenses are superior in their ability to correct severe degrees of refractive errors. They can permanently improve the vision of people with moderate to severe nearsightedness and farsightedness.
One of the greatest benefits of implantable contact lenses over LASIK is that they do not physically alter your cornea.
Unlike LASIK, the procedure is entirely reversible. Although the Visian ICL is intended to remain in place permanently, a qualified ophthalmologist can remove the implant if necessary. Patients feel comfortable undergoing a surgical procedure they know can be reversed.
Patients who undergo LASIK surgery often develop problems with dry eyes after the procedure. This does not occur with implantable contact lenses. Unlike traditional contact lenses, implantable contact lenses are protected from normal wear and tear, and do not have to be replaced. The ICLs are protected from dust and dirt that typically cause dryness in traditional contacts. Patients with ICL experience no long term regression in their vision like some LASIK patients, and they do not experience fluctuating vision or halos and glare.
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General requirements for good candidates are those who:
- Are over the age of 21.
- Have had an unchanging vision correction prescription for at least six months.
- Have mild, moderate or severe nearsightedness (myopia).
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- No evidence of cataract.
- Have normal eye exams.
Our refractive eye surgeon, Dr. Shahid Azeem Mirza, will meet with you for an initial consultation and eye evaluation to determine if Implantable Contact Lens is the best option for your needs.
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Implantable contact lens surgery is a painless procedure and vision improvements usually appear immediately after completion. Prior to the procedure you will be given a mild sedative to help reduce anxiety and anesthetic eye drops will be placed in your eye. The lens is then inserted through a microscopic incision and placed into position in front of your natural lens. After a brief recovery period you will be allowed to leave our facility.
A follow-up visit will be required within 24 hours of your surgery. During the recovery period you will be instructed to use eye drops and protective eye shields in order to protect your eye as it heals.
Due to the sensitive nature of your eyes, ICL surgery may be performed on one eye at a time typically one week apart. After 8 to 12 weeks a laser eye surgery procedure may be recommended in order to correct astigmatism or fine tune the results of your lens procedure.