ICL Surgery - Indications, Treatment, Recovery & More

The adage, "It's always better to have proper knowledge before you implement it” - the statement stands true in all circumstances whether you are planning to go for eye surgery or a lawyer for instance.

What is ICL Surgery?

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) refers to eye surgery wherein a lens gets implanted between the Iris (the color part of the eye) and the natural lens of the eye. The lens is known as the Collamer lens and is made of plastic and collagen. It helps patients have clear eye vision by improving nearsightedness (myopia) and Astigmatism. Nearsightedness (myopia) is when you can see near objects clearly but your far vision gets blurry. On the other hand, in Astigmatism your vision is blurry at all distances.

The surgery cures dry eye issues and removes the need for contact lenses and glasses. ICL is an alternative for people who have thin cornea and cannot undergo Lasic/Laser surgery. It is the best option for people who have a specs power of -8 or more. In lower powers, ICL is advisable if your eye cornea is thin, or if you have dry eyes and Lasik is not advisable.

Time, Cost, and Recovery Rate of ICL Surgery

According to recent data, ICL surgery has received a 99% satisfaction rate which means over 5 Lac people’s eyes vision have been recovered with ICL surgery. On average, the ICL cost of the surgery stands between INR 80,000 - INR 1,25,000.

It takes 15-30 minutes to complete the surgery. Before the surgery, the doctor uses local anesthesia and eye drops to numb the eyes to ensure that a patient does not feel any pain, and is comfortable throughout the surgery.

After the surgery, the doctor suggests resting for 24 hours after which you will be able to focus on the objects or things with more clarity than before. However, the recovery time varies from patient to patient.

What is the procedure of ICL Surgery?

What is the procedure of ICL Surgery?

The ICL eye surgery procedure starts a week prior to the surgery. The ophthalmologist examines your eye wherein you undergo a laser session. In this session, the surgeon makes two holes between Iris and the natural lens of your eye to ensure that your eye does not face any pressure.

During a week, the surgeon prescribes antibiotics and eye drops to make your eyes more suitable for the surgery. After one week and a careful examination, you undergo the surgery.

The ICL surgery process includes these few steps:

• The doctor gives you anesthesia to numb your eyes and ensure that you won’t feel any pain.

You will be laid down on the bed with your eyes open, with the help of a tool called a speculum throughout the surgery.

• After cleaning your eyes, the surgeon will put a liquid to protect your cornea and implant a lens with the help of an incision into your eyes.

• The ICL Lens is so thin that it perfectly unfolds in the eyes.

• Once the lens is implanted between Iris and the natural lens, the doctor removes the lubricant from your eyes and puts some eye drops to heal them, which is also prescribed for a week to heal them properly. After surgery, you will be called for a normal eye check-up to examine your eyes.

How much time does it take to recover after the surgery?

After ICL surgery, it’s advisable to take rest for a week or two. Here are some key points to remember and follow after surgery:

• Avoid dust & pollution: It is advised to constrain your eyes from dust, pollution, and bright light as it may cause infection.

• Use of phone & laptop: Avoid using phones and laptops as screen time strains your eyes.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes: Avoid rubbing your eyes as a response to irritation and soreness after the surgery as it can increase pain and lead to eye injury.

• Complete the treatment procedure: Put eye drops regularly as prescribed by the doctor to recover fast.

• Avoid straining activities: Avoid doing such activities which cause strain and pressure to your eyes like weight lifting, driving, swimming, etc.

• Take Rest: Try to give rest to your eyes as much as you can by keeping them close.

• Eye Protection: Wear black glasses to protect your eyes from dust and bright lights.

Benefits of ICL Surgery

Before going for the surgery, consult with the best eye doctor in the town. It is being advised that only people between the ages group 21- 45 should undergo the surgery. Though EVO vision ICL surgery has some risks associated with it but has lots of benefits too:

• It improves your nearsightedness vision which cannot be cured with other surgeries.

• It is the best alternative for those who cannot have Lasik/ Laser/ PRK operations.

• It cures the “dry eyes” issue.

• It improves your night vision which is beneficial for activities like driving.

• There is no minimal requirement for the thickness of the Cornea.

• The option to remove the lens is always available for you.

• It has a fast recovery in comparison to other surgeries like Lasik and PRK.

What are the Risks and Complications of ICL Surgery?

Everything has its pros and cons. While the EVO ICL surgery can improve your night vision and correct nearsightedness vision, it may cause some complications too:

• It can cause high pressure and irritation in the eyes if the lens is not correctly implanted.

• It can cause inflammation in the eyes.

• Due to the low circulation of fluid, it can cause cataracts.

• You may observe a scattering of the lights, also known as glares, in your vision.

• You may feel blurry and cloudy vision sometimes.

Take Away

To sum up, ICL or Implantable Collamer Lens surgery has been considered the best surgery to correct myopia disorder and an alternative to Lasik or PRK surgery. It not only has fast recovery but also does not require any removal of the tissue. However, before making any decision, get the best advice from your doctor.

To make it simplified for you, get the best doctor consult with Hexa Health - a one-stop solution for all your health needs. From getting a consultation and hospital in the town to proper guidance about the surgery procedure and care after the treatment, Hexa Health is here for you to simplify your surgery.