Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

Here at BC Lasik we offer the option of Implantable contact lenses; which are microscopically thin, soft lenses that are implanted in the eye to permanently correct severely nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

What are the Benefits of ICLs?

If you are between the ages of 21 and 45, and suffer from farsightedness, nearsightedness with or without astigmatism, then you may be a great candidate for this procedure.

Advantages of ICLs include:

• High definition vision– Enjoy a new level of vision correction that’s sharper, clearer, more vivid, and has greater depth and dimension. Night driving is also improved with little to no halos or glare.
• Immediate vision improvement at all distances – Reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.
• Short recovery time– We offer bilateral (both eyes) treatment, reducing recovery time. Recovery is usually quick and pain-free. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort. You can back back to daily routines after 24-48 hours.
• Designed to be permanent yet is removable– ICL can permanently correct your vision (until cataracts develop), the lens can be removed and/or replaced if necessary. No natural corneal tissue is permanently removed or reshaped in any way.
• Simplify your life – No daily maintenance as with traditional contact lenses, and no problems with daily activities such as swimming and sports.
• An alternative to LASIK – Patients who have thin corneas or prescriptions too high for LASIK can still live a life free of glasses.
• Treatment flexibility for the future – Your vision changes as you grow older and eventually almost everyone will need cataract surgery. An important benefit with the ICL is that you have options for future treatments.  The lens can be removed and replaced if your vision changes substantially, or if you have another procedure at any time.
• It is less likely to cause dry eyes, which is good for patients who have chronic dry eye.

There is no maintenance associated with the lens and they can remain in place as long as you are satisfied with your vision. If at any point your vision changes or you wish to have them removed, it can be done easily and without compromising your current vision.

The ICL procedure is an outpatient (you can return home on the same day as surgery) painless procedure that generally takes around 15-30 minutes. Prior to the procedure you will receive topical anesthesia drops to minimize discomfort. Then the doctor creates a small opening to insert the lens into the eye with an injector. Once the lens is injected, it unfolds in the eye and the procedure is complete. The small opening self-seals without the needs for sutures. Some eye drops or medication will be prescribed and a visit with your eye care professional is usually scheduled the day after surgery. By the next day, patients experience an improvement in their vision and are “wowed” by the results.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for ICLs?

• If you are between the ages of 21 and 45 and farsighted, nearsighted, you may be an excellent candidate for the ICL.
• This procedure is able to treat a range of patients from low to extremely high prescriptions and is especially beneficially to those with thin corneas and dry eyes.

Some factors affect your eligibility for this procedure, such as age, overall health and eye health. Your surgeon will help you decide if ICL is safe for you.

Want Better Vision?

To learn more about the tremendous benefits of ICL, and to get a glimpse of what life could be like without the need for glasses or contact lenses, please schedule a FREE consultation with our team at BC LASIK.