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Implantable 
Contact Lens

What is an implantable contact lens?

An Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is a type of intraocular lens used in eye surgery to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Unlike other intraocular lenses that are placed inside the eye after removing the natural lens (as in cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange), the ICL is implanted without removing the eye's natural lens. It works alongside the natural lens to correct vision. It will reduce the dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

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ICLs offer several advantages:

  • They can provide excellent vision correction for a wide range of refractive errors.

  • They are removable and reversible. If your prescription changes or you experience any issues, the ICL can be removed or replaced.

  • The natural lens of the eye is not altered or removed, which can be advantageous for individuals who might not be suitable candidates for other types of lens replacement procedures.

What is the procedure?

Here's how the ICL procedure generally works:

  1. Preoperative Evaluation: Before the procedure, a comprehensive eye examination is conducted to assess the health of your eyes, measure your refractive error, and determine the appropriate ICL size and power.

  2. Surgical Procedure: The ICL is inserted through a small incision in the cornea or through a small opening in the eye's clear covering (cornea). The ICL is typically folded and inserted through a small tube, then positioned inside the eye behind the iris. The ICL is made of a biocompatible material which is designed to work well with the eye's natural structures.

  3. Positioning and Unfolding: Once the ICL is in place, it is unfolded and positioned correctly in the eye. The lens's design allows it to sit stably within the eye without needing stitches or sutures to hold it in place.

  4. Recovery: After the procedure, you'll be monitored for a short period to ensure everything is healing as expected. You might experience some discomfort and blurred vision initially, but these typically improve in the days following the surgery.

What are the risks?

There are certain factors to consider:

  • ICLs are generally considered safe, but like any surgery, they carry some risks, such as infection, inflammation, or complications related to the positioning of the lens.

  • Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the health of your eyes and the positioning of the ICL.

  • ICLs are not suitable for everyone. Mr Panthagani will assess your eye health and other factors to determine your eligibility for the procedure.

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