Intraocular Contact Lens (ICL) is the newest FDA approved procedure for vision correction.   The ICL is an intraocular lens that is surgically implanted in the eye behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye.  Development of this procedure began in 1994 by Staar Surgical in Switzerland.   This is called a Vision Intraocular Contact Lens â.

The lens is made of a unique material collamer, which is a blend of hydrophilic copolymer and .03 collagen.  This unique polymer avoids coating with protein once implanted within the eye.  This ICL design is similar to standard intraocular lenses used for cataract surgery.  The safety of this material has been established by its FDA approved use in standard intraocular lenses for cataract surgery.

An FDA study for ICL was performed on myopic patients to correct nearsightedness.  The range of correction was between –3.00 to –20.00.  Ages ranged from 21 to 45 years.  A total of 291 patients and 523 eyes were enrolled in the study.

Patient satisfaction was 92% and only four patients (1%) were unhappy.  60% of patients had acuity of 20/20 or better and 92.5% had uncorrected acuity of 20/40 or better.  2% of patients developed a cataract and in two patients the lens was removed and cataract surgery performed.  The ICL was compared overall to LASIK and when vision and stability of vision was compared, the study favored the ICL over LASIK.

I believe the ICL is a good alternative to LASIK for patients in the range of –8.00 to
–20.00 or in the case of a patient with a thin cornea and lower myopia.

The surgery is performed one eye at a time on an outpatient basis at Northwest Community Day Surgery Center.  Prior to surgery, using a laser, it is necessary to make a small opening in the iris (iridotomy).  This is a short painless office procedure, after which you can drive home or return to work.  The iridotomy was found to be necessary to prevent an increase in pressure in the eye that could occur following implantation of the lens.

The actual surgery takes approximately ten minutes.  The only anesthesia required is an oral sedative that is given prior to surgery and numbing drops on the eye.  During the surgery a small incision is made at the margin of the cornea.  The lens is folded and inserted through the incision.  No stitches are required.  Vision usually improves the same day.  Rest at home is recommended following discharge.  You may drive the following day and return to work.  Prescribed eye drops will be used post-operatively.