Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) or Phakic IOLs

Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL), also called Phakic IOLs, are an alternative to LASER vision correction. ICL is a lens that is placed inside of the eye between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the natural lens of the eye. Alternatively, it can be placed in front of the iris and behind the clear cornea. While LASIK corrects light rays as they enter the eye, the ICL corrects from the inside of the eyeball. The ICL is made of soft artificial material that allows it to be folded and inserted into the eye from a small incision site. There are two types of ICL‘s available in the United States: the Visian ICL by Staar and the Verisyse by AMO. Visian ICLis made of an artifical material that includes collagen, and Verisyse is made of PMMA, a material similar to that used in intraocular lenses for cataract surgery.

How is ICL surgery done?

Prior to the procedure, you will first need to have a separate visit to create a peripheral iridotomy (or a hole in your iris). This precautionary measure is taken prior to the placement of the ICL to prevent the problem of pupilary block and possible severe increases in your eye pressure after ICL surgery. This procedure is usually painless and done with a low-energy invisible laser.

The ICL surgery itself is done under topical anesthesia. First, a small incision is made in the eye and the ICL is inserted into the front chamber of the eye. In the case of the Visian ICL, the ICL is placed between the iris and the natural lens of the eye and no suture is required to close the incision. In the case of the Verisyse, the lens is attached to the iris and the wound is closed with small sutures. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Recovery is usually quick, however, a surface laser-vision-correction procedure may be necessary to refine the results or to correct the remaining astigmatism.

Why should I choose ICL and not LASIK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, or PRK?

Some individuals, for various reasons, are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK. Most notably, individuals with extremely high near-sighted prescriptions (greater than -13.00) may not obtain as much clarity of vision with LASIK as they will with the implantable contact lenses. Also, some patients who may not be safe candidates for LASIK, for various reasons such as having too thin of a cornea or extremely dry eyes, may be better candidates for vision correction with the ICL. Most patients’ vision, however, can be corrected more easily with the less-invasive procedures of LASIK, Epi-Lasik, PRK, or LASEK.

What are the more common risks of Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)?

The most likely complication of ICLis early cataract formation that has been reported to be as high as 10 %. Other possible complications include glaucoma and increased intraocular pressure, and cornea endothelial cell loss. As with any other intraocular procedure, there is a risk of infection that can be potentially very dangerous, but is unlikely. Also there is a somewhat increased chance of getting a retinal tear or retinal detachment. It is for these reasons that after the procedure, your surgeon will have to follow you very closely.

You will soon be able to contact us in order to speak to our San Diego ICL surgeon. In the meantime, please be patient as this page is still under construction and feel free to use it as a source for up-to-date San Diego ICL information.