ICL is the abbreviation for posterior chamber IOL implantation in crystalline eyes. ICL is currently considered to be one of the newest and safest alternatives to LASIK, PRK and other cutting surgeries for refractive correction, and is now widely used in the United States. It can be used to correct a wide range of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism without removing or destroying corneal tissue, without post-surgical sutures, and is particularly effective in the treatment of high myopia.
ICL is a new hope for patients with high myopia, especially those with super high myopia (≥800 degrees), who are unable to undergo excimer laser correction because of insufficient or relatively thin corneal thickness. Contact Lans, ICL is also known as “phakic IOL”. Simply put, it is an “ultra-thin lens designed to correct myopia” that is placed in the posterior chamber of the refractive system of the eye and fixed in the ciliary sulcus for the purpose of long-term correction of refractive error.
ICL is currently considered to be the latest technology to replace LASIK, PRK and other cutting procedures for refractive correction, and is one of the newest and safest technologies for the correction of myopia.
ICL is suitable for people
1.Age between 18 and 50.
Toric ICL can be used to correct myopia combined with astigmatism.
3. Appropriate anterior chamber depth and acceptable corneal endothelial cell density (to be determined by an ophthalmologist through a detailed eye examination).
4. The change in eye prescription does not exceed 0.5D within 1 year.
5.Not pregnant.
6.No history of allergy to the drugs applied in refractive surgery and no other contraindications.
7.Patients with dry eyes or thin corneas (patients who are not suitable for LASIK).
Principle of ICL
1.Make a small incision in the area between the black and white of the eye.
2.A gel is injected into the eye to protect the intraocular tissues, and then ICL is pushed into the eye.
3. The ICL is carefully adjusted to the best position behind the iris and the gel is flushed out of the eye.
Advantages of ICL
1.Unique crystal composition
Unlike other IOLs for crystalline eyes, ICL is made of Collamer, a unique organic crystal material. This specialized crystal material has higher biocompatibility than acrylic and silicone. ICL is also collapsible, requiring smaller incisions during the procedure compared to other crystalline lenses.
2. The safety of the procedure has been proven
The safety and effectiveness of ICL implantation has been widely proven with over 60,000 procedures performed worldwide and rigorous clinical validation by the US FDA. Unlike keratoconus surgery, ICL does not permanently change the structure of the eye, but is placed covertly in the posterior chamber of the eye and works with the person’s own lens to correct vision.
3. Small surgical incision
Unlike other IOLs for crystalline eyes, ICL is foldable and can therefore be implanted through a small surgical incision. ICL requires only a 2.8mm to 3.0mm incision compared to the 6.0mm incision required for other FDA approved IOLs. This small incision is much less invasive and does not require sutures and does not induce astigmatism.
4. Reversible and can be removed if necessary
ICL can be permanently placed in the eye. However, if overcorrection or undercorrection occurs, or if complications arise, or if the patient’s vision changes, the ICL can be removed or replaced by a trained eye surgeon.
Ten common questions about ICLs.
1. Am I a good candidate for an ICL?
The best ICLs are for patients between the ages of 21 and 50. ICL patients should ideally not have had eye surgery and should not have glaucoma, iritis, or retinopathy caused by diabetes.
2. What is the range of correction for ICL in the United States?
The correction range for farsightedness is +3.0 to +20.0 D, for myopia is -3.0 to -20.0, and for astigmatism is +1.0 to +4.0. ICL is particularly effective for high myopia.
3.What are the advantages of ICL?
ICL can be used to correct a wide range of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism without removing or destroying corneal tissue and without the need for post-surgical sutures. It also allows for predictable refractive correction and superior visual quality.
4. What if the patient’s vision changes?
If a patient’s vision changes significantly and the ICL is no longer suitable, the ICL can be removed or replaced at any time. After the ICL is implanted, patients can still wear glass or contact lenses.
5. Will ICLs dry out or become contaminated like contact lenses?
No. ICLs are designed to be implanted inside the eye without maintenance.
6. Can ICLs be seen from the outside of the eye?
No. The ICL is implanted behind the iris. The ICL is implanted behind the iris and cannot be seen from the outside by anyone, including the patient themselves. ICL is so cosmetically perfect that a layman will not be able to notice that you have had your vision corrected.
7.What is ICL made of?
ICL is made of Collamer, an exclusive product of STAAR, which is made of small amounts of purified collagen polymerized and has good biocompatibility and no adverse reactions in the eye.
8.What is the procedure of ICL surgery?
Patients undergoing ICL surgery undergo a light local anesthetic under normal circumstances and are discharged the same day. Post-operative care is easy.
9.How long can ICL stay in the eye?
ICLs are implanted for a long time and require no maintenance.
10. Will I feel a foreign body in my eye after ICL implantation?
Usually the patient will not feel the presence of the ICL in the eye. The implanted ICL does not bind to any tissue structure and does not move.