Do you have nearsightedness (myopia) but wish you wouldn’t have to wear glasses? With an implantable Collamer lens, you can improve your vision without glasses. This new eye treatment for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism is low risk and highly effective for improving eyesight.
If you’re wondering whether an implantable Collamer lens is right for you, read on.
What is an implantable collamer lens?
Implantable Collamer lens is a new intraocular lens that can be implanted into the eye without removing your natural lens. Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery is an excellent treatment for people battling nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. ICL is implanted through a microscopic incision, so your eye will remain as it was before the treatment. Unlike contact lenses or glasses, it is a permanent fix and a far more comfortable choice.
But why is this permanent solution something to consider?
Why is ICL preferred over glasses and contact lenses?
Nearsightedness is when distant objects appear blurry but nearby objects are as clear as can be. Farsighted people see far objects without difficulty, but close-by objects appear blurry. Astigmatism makes your vision generally blurry. These vision problems are pretty common, which is why you see a lot of people wearing prescription glasses. Perhaps you do too. And these problems often result from a defect in the shape of the lens or cornea. While prescription glasses can correct the defect, they typically cause a high degree of discomfort. On the other hand, contact lenses can lead to other complications like inflammation after long-term use.
Thankfully, ICL is a permanent fix, doesn’t disrupt your comfort or looks (in fact, nothing about your appearance changes), and requires zero maintenance. Additionally, you can remove the lens if you choose to. The lens is made of a stable and biocompatible material called Collamer, hence the name.
Benefits of implantable contact lens
The benefits of ICL include the following:
- It doesn’t cause eye irritation since the lens is soft and biocompatible.
- The lens doesn’t alter or damage the cornea.
- The lens can correct refractive errors (how light is focused on the retina).
- ICL doesn’t cause dry eyes as contact lens does.
- It has a sharp focus that results in clearer vision both by day and night.
- ICL is an excellent alternative if you’re not suited for LASIK laser eye surgery.
- If your eyesight changes in the future, you can have the lens removed.
- You can begin to see clearly a few hours after ICL surgery.
Who can get ICL surgery?
You may be a suitable candidate for implantable Collamer lens if:
- You have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism;
- You have dry eye;
- You have thin cornea;
- You do not have a history of eye diseases such as cataracts;
- You’ve never had ophthalmic (eye) surgery;
- You’re not suitable for laser eye surgery.
What to expect during ICL surgery?
Planning on going for implantable contact lens surgery? Here’s what you can expect during the procedure. Before commencing, the ophthalmologist may numb your eyes using eye drops. Next, you’ll be asked to lie flat and focus your sight on a mark. An instrument will be placed between your eyelids to prevent blinking. The ophthalmologist will make a small incision in the cornea and insert the ICL. When inserted, it unfolds and will be appropriately positioned. The incision is so tiny it will heal on its own without stitches.
Final words
ICL surgery is fast, taking nothing more than 30 minutes, and you may be able to see again pretty soon. If glasses, contact lenses, and LASIK aren’t suitable options due to some reason, ICL can help correct your sight again.