ICL Eye Surgery
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
If you are tired of wearing glasses and contact lenses then this is for you! In the modern days there are number of options for specs removal. Although LASIK is the most commonly done procedure there are other options for those who not eligible for LASIK.
ICL, also known as Phakic IOL’s is very good option for very high numbers.
Even tough LASIK is the best option for specs removal it has its own limitations. It cannot be done in very high numbers and thin corneas. For such candidates ICL is a very good option. This procedure is very similar to wearing contact lens without the hassle. The only difference it is a permanent one inside the eye. The lens corresponding to the spectacle power is now implanted inside the eye in front of the natural lens. The quality of vision achieved with ICLs is even better than with contact lens.
ICLs are useful in treating myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. It is safer than laser refractive surgeries like SMILE and LASIK as no tissue is removed. No flap is needed in this type of surgery so no flap related complications. This procedure does not cause any dryness of the eyes as occurs in other laser refractive procedures. ICL surgery can treat numbers as high as -20 D and cylindrical numbers up to 6D.
Who is a suitable for ICL Surgery?
To be a candidate for ICL, you should be:
Above 18 years of age
Your glasses number should be stable for at least a year
You should not have any other eye problems
You must not be pregnant or breast feeding
Absolute Indications for ICL are
When your eye power is more than -8 D up to a maximum of -18 D
Thin corneas (<450 microns)
High cylinder power more than 3.5 D
Unhealthy Corneas including keratoconus
Dry eyes
In most situations where LASIK is contraindicated ICL is a viable option.
In all conditions where LASIK / SMILE are indicated, ICL can also be considered. ICL’s have been implanted routinely worldwide. With more than 1 million implantations worldwide ICL’s have gained popularity because of it safety and results.
Types of ICL
The measurements from your eyes will be taken and the power of the ICL that will be needed will be decided. Depending on the eye power there are two types of ICLs
ICL TORIC
STITCH-LESS
BEST VISUAL OUTCOME
US-FDA APPROVED
ICL SPHERICAL
STITCH-LESS
BEST VISUAL OUTCOMES
US-FDA APPROVED
Advantages of ICL
High Quality Vision
No Dry Eyes
Excellent Night Vision
Sharp and Crisp Vision
Reversible
Can be done in thin corneas
Quick recovery
Highly preferred as this technique does not involve removal of any tissue. A lens is implanted instead, and if for any unlikely reason you want to remove it this can be done.
At Indovision Cataract and Laser Eye hospital you vision and the status of your eyes will be evaluated. After complete examination you will be recommended the treatment best suited for your eyes. Every eye is unique in terms of size, dimensions and health. Depending on these factors a personalised treatment plan is created for each patient. We believe in delivery best results to our patients. We provide a combination of best results and latest technologies. Our goal is to bring light to our patients with quality eye care.
Lenses Used in ICL Surgery – EVO Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses (EVO Visian ICL)
EVO Visian ICL are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved lenses. Although there are many other manufacturers but results with the EVO Visian lenses brand are reliable and accurate. These lenses are made of collagen. These lenses also contain ultraviolet ray filters to protect the eyes from sunlight. The design of these lenses has added holes to enable the natural flow of the aqueous humour and create a natural environment in the eye.
These lenses are implanted behind the iris and just in front the natural lens. Since these lenses are micro-thin and implanted inside the eyes they require no maintenance. Unlike contact lenses these are permanent and maintenance free. However, this procedure is reversible so for any unlikely reason if you want to remove the lens it can be done.
The procedure is done on OPD basis and usually takes less than an hour. The procedure is very simple and very few side effects may occur. However severe complications with his procedure are rare. However, any surgery does involve some risk.
Cost of ICL Surgery in Pune
The cost of an ICL implant in Pune may range from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,25,000 per eye (approx.). The exact price will depend on the choice of lens implanted. The cost of ICL implant is higher but eventually you can save money over long term. There is no fixed cost of this surgery as the cost will depend on your power. The cost of ICL surgery includes
Pre-operative screening of the eye
High quality lens implantation surgery
Hospital & doctors’ fees
Post-operative follow up care up to 1 month.
If you compare the cost of an implant surgery to wearing glasses, you may end up spending the same or more over a period of 10 yrs of wearing glasses. A single pair of glasses can cost lot of money. The price of the frame, the type of the lenses, UV / antiglare & anti scratch coatings all these increase the cost of spectacles dramatically. So easily over a period of 10 yrs, you may end up spending more.
Most of the patients do not need glasses pr contact lenses after an ICL implant surgery. However about 5% of people may need glasses even after an ICL implant. After the age of 40 yrs, you will need reading glasses with or without the surgery.
FAQ about ICL
ICl implantation procedures are safe, these procedures are US FDA approved. This means that it is safe & approved technology for vision correction. Like any other surgical procedure every procedure have some complications. Although complications are rare if proper preop screening is done.
Complications include infection, rise in intraocular pressure & accidental damage to the natural lens during the surgery. Most patient experience discomfort after surgery if this is temporary & part of natural healing process. All the pros & cons of this procedure will be explained to you during your consultation.
EyePCL is a variant of ICL manufactured by another company.
As every eye is not the same, the size of an ICL needs to be customized as per size of an individual eye. The ICL has to fit perfectly within the eye. If the size of the ICL is small it will be lose & it will float around in the eye. If the size is large, it will be too tight & apply pressure to adjoining areas. Slightest variation in size will affect the final outcome.
The entire process of ICL screening is crucial & important.
- Anterior chamber depth (ACD) – anything more than 2.75 mm is acceptable, ideally it should be more than 3 mm.
- Spectacle power of the eye
- Angles of the eye
- Size of the cornea – white to white
- Curvature of the cornea – keratometry
- Thickness of the cornea – pachymetry
Evaluation of the retina – this is important in every patient with high spectacle power or high myopia. In high myopes, the retina is usually weak & there can be breaks or holes in the retina. Examination of the retina is a simple procedure & is mandatory before surgery. Any breaks or holes in retina can be treated with lasers. These lasers are painless & quick. Taking care of these breaks is very important before undergoing ICL implantation.
Yes, both options are available where you can operate both eyes on same day or one eye after another.
ICL surgery takes 15-20 mins for one eye.
No, ICL implantation procedure is not painful. However, there may be some discomfort 3-4 hrs after the procedure but this will settle eventually. In fact, you must contact your doctor immediately if there is any pain after the surgery.
No, the pre-operative screening is entirely painless & usually taking around 2 hrs.
Most patients do need to wear glasses or contact lenses after ICL implantation surgery. However, 5% individuals may need to wear glasses.
Usually, 4-5 weeks after surgery you need to pout eyedrops.
Yes, you can apply makeup after ICL a period of 1-2 months after ICL surgery is done. But please consult your doctor before you start applying eye makeup.
As part of normal aging process, every individual need reading glasses after the age of 40. So, it is normal for the eye to need reading glasses even after ICL treatment.
Yes, for any unlikely reason if you ever want to remove ICL, this can be done. An eye specialist can either remove or replace the implant if needed.
No. The ICL is placed behind the iris, so it can not be identified by you or others.
No, you will not be able to feel anything abnormal in your eye. The ICL is designed in such a manner that it does not interact with any of the structures of the eye.
The ICL is made up of collamer which is highly inert & bio-compatible. So, it is a rare possibility that it is not accepted by your body.
An intraocular lens is implanted after removing the natural cataractous lens. However, in ICL surgery the natural lens is not removed only the ICL is implanted in front of the natural lens.
Yes, it is safe for all refractive errors.
It is preferable to plan such surgery 6 months after stopping breast feeding.
|
|
ICL |
LASIK or SMILE |
|
Quality of vision in low numbers |
Very good |
Very good |
|
Quality of vision in high numbers |
Very good |
Slight loss of contrast sensitivity |
|
Post-surgery dryness |
Absent |
Present |
|
Corneal weaning |
absent |
Present |
|
Halos & glare |
Rarely present |
May be present |
|
Reversal |
Possible |
Not possible |
|
Range of correction |
More (up to 18D) |
Less (up to 8D) |
|
Cost |
More |
Less |
|
Waiting time |
15 days |
No waiting time |
|
Risk of cataract |
Rarely |
Nil |
Best eye hospital for ICL surgery in Pune.
Indovision Cataract &Laser Eye Hospital offers all the latest world class surgical procedures for spectacle removal in Pune. Most advanced laser procedures are performed by our laser vision correction experts at affordable cost.
At Indovision Cataract and Laser Eye hospital your vision and the status of your eyes will be evaluated. After complete examination you will be recommended the treatment best suited for your eyes. Every eye is unique in terms of size, dimensions and health. Depending on these factors a personalised treatment plan is created for each patient. We believe in delivery best results to our patients. We provide a combination of best results and latest technologies. Our goal is to bring light to our patients with quality eye care.
We are always adopting innovative technologies to deliver best eyecare. At Indovision, our highly trained ophthalmologists strive to provide sharpest vision using state-of-the-art equipment.
Dr Sarika Sethia is a Gold medallist in ophthalmology. She is also Diplomat of National Board. She has presented oral paper, posters & lectures at various national & international conferences.She has completed many fellowships & training courses in advanced cataract & laser vision correction surgeries. She has worked at post graduate institute as Assistant Professor. She is on panel of prestigious hospitals in Pune like Jehangir hospital, Sanjeevan hospital & Global hospital. Currently she is director at Indovision Cataract & Laser Eye Centre.