Who is not suitable for ICL surgery?
An ICL, or implantable Collamer lens, is an artificial lens that’s permanently implanted in the eye. This lens can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The ICL is placed in the eye without taking out the natural lens. ICL surgery can eliminate or reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. For those who can’t get laser eye surgery, ICL is a possible alternative procedure.
ICL benefits
ICL can fix severe nearsightedness that can’t be corrected with other surgeries. While it is meant to be permanent, it can be removed. The recovery is quick because no tissue is removed. And another good benefit is that ICL provides good night vision.
However, like most procedures, ICL surgery isn’t for everyone.
Who isn’t a good candidate for ICL?
ICL surgery isn’t safe for everyone. When considering the procedure, talk with one of our doctors at Pacific Vision Institute to determine if it’s right for you. You will receive a full consultation to discuss your unique eye condition and options.
ICL surgery may not be a good choice if you fall into any of these categories:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are younger than 21 years old
- You are 45 and older
- You have a chronic disease that causes hormone fluctuations
- You are taking medications associated with vision changes
- You have a medical condition that inhibits proper wound healing
- You don’t meet the minimum requirements for endothelial cell count (this is a corneal cell count
- that will tell you how many endothelial cells, the main type of cell found in the inside lining of
- blood vessels are present in the inner layer of your cornea)
- You aren’t willing to stop wearing contact lenses in the weeks leading up to the procedure.
ICL at Pacific Vision Institute
For those who are good candidates for ICL, this surgery can permanently reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Usually, the surgery takes only about 30 minutes and recovery is minimal. Call us to schedule a consultation and discover the experience of being the expert care of our team of acclaimed eye surgeons.