IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS (ICL) SURGERY
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a type of refractive surgery that is widely performed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurry or distorted vision) in patients. The aim of ICL eye surgery is similar to LASIK, which is to reduce spectacle or contact lens dependence.
ICL EYE SURGERY IN SINGAPORE
At the initial consultation, your ICL surgeon in Singapore will first assess your eyes to see if you are an eligible candidate for ICL surgery. During the surgery, an intraocular lens is placed inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens to correct the patient’s vision. This intraocular lens is made of Collamer, a flexible biocompatible material, which has undergone rigorous testing to ensure patient safety and is well tolerated by the eye. The intraocular lens power is calculated to reduce the refractive error of the eye.
The procedure involves a small incision through which the folded lens is inserted and then adjusted into place, allowing the ICL to gently unfold. This lens works together with the natural lens to focus light properly onto the retina and patients don’t usually require stitches as the incision is small and heals on its own
ADVANTAGES OF ICL SURGERY
Corneal Shape Remains the Same
The main advantage of ICL surgery is that the shape of the cornea remains unchanged, and the thickness of the cornea is not reduced. As such, the surgery is potentially reversible as the inserted lens can be removed. So if you are looking for reversible refractive surgery for your eye, ICL surgery can be the right solution for you.
No Risk of Corneal Ectasia
As there is no change in corneal thickness, there is no risk of corneal ectasia which is a potential risk in any corneal laser refractive surgery.
Effective Correction of High Refractive Errors
ICL can also correct very high refractive errors and is extremely beneficial for patients whose cornea thickness is insufficient to perform corneal laser refractive surgery. As the cornea shape is not changed during ICL surgery, patients can still wear contact lenses if they wish to. Furthermore, at a later stage, if a patient requires cataract surgery, surgeons will be able to use presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses for them.
Minimal Downtime
ICL is a minimally invasive surgery requiring minimal downtime for recuperation. In most cases, patients will heal quickly from the procedure and may regain relatively normal function within 24 hours.
NOTE: However, it is important to note that recovery time can vary depending on the individual. Patients who undergo ICL eye surgery will need regular annual eye check-ups as a small percentage of post-ICL surgery patients may develop glaucoma or cataracts with age.
CANDIDACY FOR ICL SURGERY
ICL surgery can be performed on any patient with sufficient space in the eye for the ICL. However, it is most beneficial for patients,
– who are between ages 21 and 45
– with a very high degree of refractive errors
– whose corneal scans are abnormal
– with thin corneas (insufficient for corneal laser refractive surgery)
– with stable vision prescriptions (have not changed for at least a year)
– with dry eyes
As with all surgical procedures, a thorough ophthalmic evaluation by a qualified ICL surgeon in Singapore is necessary to determine the suitability of candidacy.
ADVANCED EYE CLINIC & SURGERY – FOR EXPERIENCED ICL SURGEONS IN SINGAPORE
If you are exploring options for vision correction surgery and need a solution that offers both effectiveness and reversibility, then Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery could be your ideal choice. At Advanced Eye Clinic & Surgery, our expert team of surgeons are here to provide personalised care for your unique vision needs.