Question 1

What are implantable contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

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.

There are two types of implantable contact lenses available. Your doctor will recommend the right one for your vision.

The Verisyse Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) is made of plastic. Attached to the front of the iris, it’s best for people with nearsightedness of between -5 diopters to -20 diopters.
The Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is made of collamer, a substance naturally found in the body. Implanted behind the iris, it’s designed for people with myopia between -3 and -20.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of implantable contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

Pros

ICL will correct your vision as successfully—if not more so—than LASIK. “Honestly, there are studies that support Visian [ICL]’s giving better vision and studies supporting LASIK’s giving better vision,” says New York City ophthalmologist Dr. Christopher Coad.
Implantable contact lenses can be surgically removed and replaced, if your vision changes over time.
You don’t feel them, and no one can see them in your eyes.

Cons

Implantable lenses are more expensive than LASIK.
There are more risks associated with implantable lenses than with LASIK. Complications include scar-tissue buildup in front of the lens, cataracts, glaucoma, and chronic inflammation. Cataracts tend to be the biggest concern. “While it is true that ICL surgery can cause cataracts, it is a very rare complication. Approximately 1.4% of eyes with ICL implantation will develop a visually significant cataract after five years. If a cataract does occur, it can be treated [removed] along with the ICL,” says Dr. Mazin Yaldo, an ophthalmologist in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Implantable lenses do not treat astigmatism, which often occurs alongside nearsightedness.
They aren’t designed to treat age-related vision problems, so the best candidates are people under the age of 45.
One reviewer on RealSelf said that although ICL gave her 20/15 vision and she is thrilled with the results, she had some issues in the beginning. “I did experience halos and glares during low-light or night situations. This went on for about nine months. Still worth it, since I was so blind before—it's just otherworldly, to see the way I do now.”

Question 3

How much do implantable contact lenses cost?

Accepted Answer

Your cost will depend on the experience level of your provider and their practice location.

Question 4

ICL versus LASIK: What's the difference?

Accepted Answer

Implantable contacts can be a good option for people who are too nearsighted to qualify for LASIK.

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.

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.”

Question 5

What happens during an ICL procedure?

Accepted Answer

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.

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.

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.

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.

IMPLANTABLE CONTACT LENSES

Lesley Rotchford

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