Can Everyone Opt For ICL Eye Surgery? Know The Facts!

If you have been dreaming of crystal-clear vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses, and are not suitable for LASIK, ICL surgery might be a great solution. Implantable Collamer Lens, commonly known as ICL is an advanced vision correction surgery that is a great alternative to LASIK and other laser-based treatments. It has transformed the lives of many but the big question is - “can everyone opt for ICL surgery?”

Well, the answer is No. While ICL eye surgery offers excellent visual outcomes, there is a specific criteria that needs to be met. In this blog, we will walk you through the eligibility for ICL, certain facts about it, bust the myths, and help you understand whether ICL surgery is the right choice for you. Dive in!

What is ICL Surgery?

Implantable Collamer Lens or simply ICL is a refractive procedure that corrects nearsightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism. ICL involves implanting a biocompatible lens inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. This lens works like a permanent contact lens, and helps the eye focus light correctly on the retina for a clearer vision.

Why is ICL Surgery A Good Choice?

There are a few reasons why ICL surgery is gaining popularity. Listed below are a few of them:

• It provides clear vision without needing eyeglass or contact lenses

• The procedure is minimally invasive and takes just 15-30 minutes

• It is reversible, this means that the lens can be removed if needed

• It is an excellent choice for people with thin corneas or dry eyes

Sounds tempting, right? But before you make up your mind on going for a consultation, let’s go through who can be a good candidate for ICL surgery.

Eligibility Criteria For ICL Surgery

The following criterias need to be fulfilled for undergoing ICL surgery:

• Should be in the 21 - 45 year age group

• Should have a stable specs number for a year 

• Should not have age-related vision changes (presbyopia)

• Should have healthy eyes with no history of infections, glaucoma, or retinal diseases

• Ideal for moderate to severe myopia (-3.0 D to -20.0 D)

• Ideal for people with thin or irregular corneas

• Ideal for people with dry eye symptoms as ICL doesn’t disrupt the corneal surface

If you check all these boxes, congratulations! You might be a great candidate for ICL surgery.

Who May Not Be Suitable For ICL?

Unfortunately, ICL is not for everyone. Below are the conditions that makes one ineligible for ICL:

• People with mild refractive errors i.e, a prescription lower than -3.0 Diopters

• People with unstable vision i.e, their eyeglass number keeps changing frequently

• People with a shallow anterior chamber - the space between the cornea and the lens. If it is too shallow, the lens implantation may not be possible

• People with cataracts, glaucoma, or other serious eye conditions

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women. (Hormonal changes during pregnancy can temporarily affect vision, making it risky to undergo any vision correction surgery)

Common Myths About ICL Surgery

Myth 1: ICL is like a cataract surgery lens replacement

Fact: That’s incorrect. Unlike cataract surgery, where the natural eye lens is removed, in ICL surgery the natural lens remains intact and a new lens is placed inside the eye over your natural lens.

Myth 2: The ICL needs regular maintenance or cleaning

Fact: Once implanted, the Implantable Collamer Lens does not require any maintenance. It stays in its place and functions just like the natural lens.

Myth 3: The ICL can move inside the eye

Fact: The ICL is securely positioned behind the iris. Once placed correctly, it does not move around.

Myth 4: ICL surgery is painful

Fact: ICL is a virtually painless procedure. It is performed under topical anesthesia i.e, only numbing eye drops are used to numb the eyes.

Myth 5: The ICL lasts only a few years

Fact: The ICL is designed to last a lifetime. However, it can be removed or replaced if necessary.

Benefits of ICL Surgery

Still wondering if ICL is the right choice for you? Here are some benefits it offers:

• Excellent vision quality

 ICL provides sharper, clearer vision without the need of glasses or contacts lenses.

• Does not remove corneal tissue

This makes ICL Ideal for people with thin corneas or who can’t undergo LASIK.

• Provides UV protection

The lens provides in-built UV protection and reduces the risk of sun-related eye damage.

• Reversible Procedure

If needed, the ICL can be removed or replaced.

• Suitable for high prescriptions

ICL corrects a wider range of high refractive errors.

Final Thoughts

ICL surgery is an excellent vision correction option for those who are eligible for it. A thorough eye examination with an experienced ophthalmologist will give you all the necessary details about ICL surgery.

If you are looking for a safe, effective, and long-term vision correction solution, ICL could be your perfect match! However, if for some reason you are not eligible, your doctor will suggest alternative treatments that best suit your eyes.

Would you like to explore ICL surgery at Sohana Eye Care Hospital? Our expert ophthalmologists are here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today.

Take the first step toward a life without glasses!