Implantable contact lenses (ICL) are thin lenses surgically implanted into the eye to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness (aka myopia).
They work by enabling light to focus correctly on the retina, which produces a clearer, sharper image. They basically function like regular contacts, but are permanently imbedded in your eyes.Â
There are two types of implantable contact lenses available. Your doctor will recommend the right one for your vision.
Pros
ConsÂ
Your cost will depend on the experience level of your provider and their practice location.
Implantable contacts can be a good option for people who are too nearsighted to qualify for LASIK.Â
LASIK works by stripping cells from the cornea, flattening it so images appear more clearly. This isn’t an option for very nearsighted people, because too many cells would have to be removed. Other reasons people may not be candidates for LASIK include having a thin or unusually shaped cornea or experiencing symptoms of chronic dry-eye.Â
Dr. Anthony Kameen, an ophthalmologist in Baltimore, says that both ICL and LASIK have benefits. “LASIK is a procedure totally performed on the surface of the eye, so it’s automatically less invasive than an ICL. We do use an ICL in patients who have a very high degree of nearsightedness, and it has been proven to be very effective, with terrific vision afterward that is at least as good as [that after] LASIK—sometimes better.”
Prior to your surgery, your eye surgeon may perform a laser iridotomy to prepare your eyes for lens implantation. This involves making a small opening at the outer edge of the iris, to let fluid circulate and reduce the chances of intraocular pressure (which can lead to glaucoma) after surgery.Â
Numbing drops will be put in your eyes, and your doctor may give you medication to help you relax. They will then make an incision and slip in the lens.Â
For Verisyse, your provider will close the wound with tiny dissolvable stitches. Visian lenses are flexible, so they can be folded into a much smaller incision; no stitches are necessary.Â
Afterward, you will have eye shields placed over your eyes. Your vision may be blurry for a few days, and you may experience light sensitivity. With Visian ICL, your vision will likely stabilize in one to seven days, while Verisyse may take a little longer.
Updated June 13, 2023