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Candidates for Implantable Collamer Lense?

I was told my cornea was too "weak" to be a candidate for laser eye surgery. It was suggested I consider "Implantable collamer lenses". Is this something all doctors recommend in these situations? Are Implantable collamer lenses are well understood and safe technology, or is there still lots of possible error and risk?

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cornea

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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ICL or Implantable Collamer Lens

The ICL is a premium vision option and is often used for individuals whose corneas are too thin or prescriptions too high. A lens, similar to a contact lens, is inserted into the eye just behind the iris in front of the natural lens. It avoids the removal of tissue from the cornea, or front surface of the eye and may be safer for you. Not all eye doctors that perform LASIK are certified to perform this procedure.

Implanted Collamer Lenses for the Correction of High Myopia

The ICL can be a wonderful method to correct high amounts of nearsightedness. It is a lens that is placed inside of the eye in front of your own natural lens. It is sometimes combined with LASIK for fine-tuning particularly in those with astigmatism. Recently, I have heard some surgeons recommend the ICL instead of LASIK by saying that the prescription is too high because they did not perform Laser Vision Correction. LASIK and PRK are hugely safer when a logical... more

Visian ICL and other phakic lens implants have been FDA approved for years

Visian ICL and other phakic lens implants have been FDA approved for years now but few surgeons perform these procedures. Web sites like STARR (for Visian ICL) can help direct those interested consumers to appropriate surgeons. These procedures often make sense for thin or “funny looking” corneas. see video

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Implantable Lenses (ICL) versus LASIK

The implantable collamer lens, or ICL, is generally an excellent option to consider for patients who do not qualify for LASIK or PRK due to the health of their cornea. Also referred to as a phakic intraocular lens, it avoids the risks caused by creating a flap (LASIK), removing corneal epithelium (PRK), or removing tissue from the central cornea (both). As such, although the procedure does involve entering the eye to implant the lens, many surgeons with extensive... more

Implantable Lenses versus LASIK

If you have been told your cornea is too thin to have LASIK, then it is likely you are still a good candidate for an implanted lens. This is an excellent procedure, however it is a bit more invasive than LASIK. Remember, LASIK(and PRK) are performed on the surface of the eye. Implanted lenses are placed inside the eye after a very small(2.5mm) incision is made. While the risk is very slight, there is a somewhat higher incidence of infection and other complications because the eye... more

Anthony J. Kameen, MD

Baltimore Ophthalmologist

www.kameen.com

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.