Implantable Collamer® Lens

ICL Advantages
Many vision correction procedures promise an improved level of vision, but few vision correction alternatives offer the quality and features found with the implantable Collamer® lens. These include: 
  • Sharp, clear vision 
  • 99% patient satisfaction 
  • Excellent night vision 
  • Quick results
  • Great for those with thin corneas
  • Does not induce dry eye syndrome
  • A removable option
  • In harmony with your natural eyes
  • UV protection
  • Treats moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Treats astigmatism 

What is it and How it Works
The Implantable Collamer® Lens is a type of refractive procedure to help correct common visual problems, such as myopia and astigmatism. Simply put, our procedure can be described as additive vision correction. Unlike other procedures, the ICL procedure does not remove corneal tissue, but works in harmony with your natural eyes.

ICL Benefits
Legacy of Success
ICLs have been approved in Europe since 1997 and in the U.S. since 2005. In that time, over 1,000,000 eyes have been implanted by certified surgeons. In a clinical trial, patients reported a 99% satisfaction rate.

In Harmony with Your Natural Eyes
Our procedure can be described as additive vision correction. Unlike other procedures, the ICL procedure does not remove corneal tissue, but works in harmony with your natural eye.

A Removable Option
ICL patients can correct their vision with peace of mind. In the event of a major prescription change or the availability of new vision correction options, ICL is completely removable, assisting our patients, together with their doctor, to make changes to keep pace with technology and their changing needs.

A Quick Procedure and Recovery
The Collamer® material enables our insertion method to be minimally invasive. With only a small incision, we can optimize the procedure and recovery time dramatically. Additionally, the procedure is also painless because of the numbing medication. Patients can expect a short recovery time. The procedure is 20-30 minutes or less and most people are able to resume daily activities in just a few days with clearer vision.

Protection From UV Rays
By gently inserting the ICL into the eye we’re able to create a barrier of UV protection. The Collamer material that makes up ICLs has unique properties that provide UV protection while letting natural visible light pass through unaltered.

What to Expect During the ICL Implantation Process

Prior to Surgery 
(2 to 3 weeks)

Your doctor will schedule a procedure 
to prepare your eye for implantation of the ICL. This is necessary to ensure the fluid inside your eye flows properly after your surgery. After this procedure, you 
will be given eyedrops to prepare your eyes for surgery.

The Day of Surgery

It is important that you do not drive yourself home so make arrangements before the day of surgery. Prior to implantation, you will receive anesthetic eye drops to minimize any discomfort. Your surgeon may also adminster a sedative. Then, a small opening will be made into your cornea that will be used to insert and position the lens. Next the lens is injected, gently unfolding in your eye. That’s it - the procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes! Recovery time is short. A few hours after the procedure you will be able to leave
the clinic.

After Surgery 
(Just a few days)

To complete the procedure, the surgeon will provide eye drops to help prevent infection and inflammation. You will continue to use these drops for several days once you are home. Do not rub your eyes, especially for the first 3 to 5 days. If you experience pain or notice any sudden decrease in vision, you should contact your doctor immediately. After that your only instructions are to check in for eye exams on a routine basis. 
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Good for You to Know


The ICL is approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in patients from 21 to 45 years of age with a correction in myopia ranging from -3.0 D to -15.0 D with or without astigmatism up to 4.0 D and a reduction in myopia ranging from -16.0 to -20.0 D. 

An ICL should not be used in people who have the following characteristics: 
  • Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD) of < 3.0 mm
  • Anterior chamber angle less than Grade III as determined by gonioscopic examination 
  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Do not meet the minimum endothelial cell density
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