A well-informed patient is key to a successful surgical procedure, including ICL surgery. It would help if you understood what to expect from the treatment you are considering. Your eye doctor wants to help you preserve and care for your eyesight and eyes in the best way possible. 

Learning about ICL surgery, its benefits, side effects, and precautions will help you make informed decisions about eye care. 

What Is ICL Surgery?

The popularity of ICL surgery is increasing for a good reason. It can be an excellent option for those who want to improve their eyesight without using eyeglasses or contact lenses. Implantable collamer lens surgery is a refractive procedure to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. 

The procedure involves surgically placing a lens inside the eye to focus light correctly on the retina. Eye care professionals believe this type of procedure has a lower risk of complications than other forms of refractive surgery. 

The materials used to make the lens are compatible with the human body, eliminating the risk of rejection. Furthermore, it does not touch any other part of the eye. If you are considering ICL surgery, choose a skilled and reputable surgeon experienced with this procedure. 

Procedure

ICLs, or implantable contact lenses, are tiny devices shaped like lenses. An eye surgeon surgically implants them in front of the natural lens to improve vision. During surgery, your eye surgeon will make a tiny incision in the side of your eye to insert the ICL into place. It will sit between your natural lens and your iris. Once in place, your eye surgeon will use a tiny stitch to close the incision. 

Benefits

This surgery provides many benefits that make it an attractive option for people looking to improve their eyesight. Some of the expected benefits include:

• Improved vision

• Lower risk of complications than other types of refractive surgeries

• Shorter recovery time

• Faster results

• Corrects several vision problems

Risks

Every type of surgery comes with specific risks that you should never ignore. The risks associated with ICL include the following:

• Inflammation

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Swelling

• ICL removal due to surgery complications or problems with the lens

• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

• Retinal detachment

These risks are scary, but they are rare. 

Side Effects

Most people who undergo this treatment do not experience any side effects. You might experience glare, light sensitivity, or dry eyes, but these side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own. Be sure to consult your eye doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Precautions

Before this surgery, consult your eye doctor to ensure you are a good candidate and discuss any potential risks. It would be best to stop using regular contact lenses at least two weeks before surgery. Avoid perfume and makeup on the day of the procedure, and arrange for someone to take you home after surgery. Most importantly, you must follow your eye doctor’s eye care instructions after surgery.

ICL surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that takes about 20 minutes to complete. Once implanted, you cannot remove the lens, making it a permanent solution. The lens, made of soft, flexible plastic material, is easy to insert into the eye. It unfolds once in place and sits in front of the natural lens. 

For more on ICL surgery, visit Coastal Vision Medical Group at our offices in Chino, Irvine, Long Beach, or Orange, California. Call (888) 501-4496 to book an appointment today.