Interested in having clear vision without glasses or contact lenses? You may have heard of LASIK, a procedure designed to correct refractive errors using the most technologically advanced form of laser vision correction, but perhaps you’ve recently found out that you aren’t eligible for it. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to LASIK, one of which is the EVO Visian Implantable Contact Lens or ICL.
What is ICL?
The EVO Visian ICL is a permanent, implantable collamer lens within the eye to treat myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. This clear, flexible implantable lens works like a contact lens by bending and focusing light onto the retina. However, this is a permanent vision correcting solution that gets rid of the hassle of having to remove and clean contact lenses.
The ICL is a phakic intraocular lens, which refers to the way the lens is placed in the eye without removing the natural lens of the eye. ICL surgery does not require the shape of the cornea to be altered, so it preserves the natural shape and structures of the eye. The implant is removable if it ever causes complications. Unlike LASIK, ICL surgery does not cause or worsen dry eye issues.
Who is eligible?
Ideal candidates for the EVO Visian ICL are between 21-45 years old and have nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. An estimated 100 million U.S. adults ages 21 to 45 who have myopia (nearsightedness) are potential candidates for ICL surgery. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a chronic disease that causes hormone fluctuations, or don’t meet the minimum requirements for endothelial cell count are not eligible.
Benefits of ICL:
- Clear vision while preserving the natural shape and structures of the eye
- Viable alternative for those who aren’t eligible for LASIK
- Removable if the implantable lens causes any side effects
- Dramatic improvement almost immediately for most patients
- Quick procedure (20-30 minutes)
- FDA approved
- Speedy recovery (a few days)
- Maintains the same natural appearance of your eyes
What to expect:
ICL surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 20-30 minutes. It is performed on both eyes the same day under monitored IV sedation. The lens will not be visible to others, nor will you be able to feel it after it’s been implanted. It also does not cause dry eye issues some experience after LASIK.
After the surgery, expect to have improved vision within a couple of days. You should wear sunglasses while outside to protect your eyes while they heal from the surgery and rest your eyes as much as possible.
What next?
If ICL sounds like the right procedure for you, then please contact us at Salisbury Vision. Dr. Salisbury is a cornea and refractive specialist who performs cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, ICL, corneal transplants including PKP, DSAEK, DMEK, and DALK, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. He understands the importance of an eye doctor who truly cares about his patients.
Reach out today to find out if ICL is right for you!