ICL

Implantable Contact Lenses

Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) If you are unsuitable for laser eye surgery, there is another treatment option available at Optilase for you to consider. Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) are used for the correction of very severe levels of short sight, long sight and astigmatism and can restore optimum vision. With the exception of some eye diseases, most people will be suitable for ICL and it may also be possible to treat those with Kerataconus but a perfect result is unlikely, only improved vision.

What is an ICL? ICL (or lens implants) is similar to a small 'contact lens' which is placed inside the eye instead of sitting on the surface. Benefits include pain free treatment with rapid recovery and increased clarity of vision.

Refractive Lens Exchange, Clear Lens Exchange For older people already requiring glasses, RLE or CLE may be preferable. It involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial one of the correct power for the elimination of glasses. The procedure is identical to a cataract operation and will avoid the future necessity of cataract removal. Multi-focal lenses are available which may give good distance and near vision, thus removing the need for reading glasses.

The Consultation ICL treatment at Optilase is performed by our experienced surgeons. An initial consultation will confirm your suitability and determine the strength of lens required. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, the lenses will be made to your exact specifications and will be ready in four to six weeks.

Treatment The procedure is performed in a specialist ophthalmic theatre. You will require a local anaesthetic (injection) to numb the eye and antibiotic eye drops are administered 30 minutes before the anaesthetic to help prevent infection during surgery.

After Treatment You will be able to go home on the same day and it is essential that you have someone to accompany you. You are free to leave the clinic as soon as you feel able, with padding over the eye to prevent infection. Visual recovery is rapid, with noticeable improvement within a day or two. You should be able to drive and be back to work within two weeks of the procedure. You will need to be seen again on the day after surgery, so an overnight stay at a local hotel may be desirable. Aftercare visits are required after one and three months, then as directed by the surgeon.

Possible Side Effects There is a small but unavoidable risk of infection but this is minimised by the full sterile theatre conditions. There is also a small possibility of damage to the structure of the eye, which could lead to Cataracts, Glaucoma, Retinal complications, corneal decomposition and rejection. Severely short-sighted people often have other eye problems such as damaged retinas and progressively deteriorating eyesight. ICL cannot help or stop these associated conditions. In the event of complications, lens implants are potentially reversible.

Age 60 Years or Over? Lens implants are unsuitable for people aged 60 years and over or anyone developing Cataracts. Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) may be a preferable option for those nearer the age of Cataract formation. It involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial lens of the correct power for the elimination of glasses. This procedure is also conducted by the surgeon and is the same as Cararact surgery. Multifocal lenses are available, which can give good disance and near vision.

Consultation and Treatment Treatment takes place approximately four to six weeks after consultation as the lenses are manufactured to your exact specifications. You will not be able to drive for up to two weeks after treatment.

Contact Optilase today on 01 6030905 to book your initial free consultation.