ICL Surgery
It is a refractive vision correction procedure, and ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. During ICL, your eye surgeon inserts a new lens inside the eye to correct the vision error. Unlike LASIK, ICL doesn’t need corneal tissue to be fired with LASIK like LASIK does to correct the refractive error. This makes ICL a safer choice for people with thin corneas or who want to fix their vision in a way that can be undone. Global Eye Hospital is best rated for ICL procedures, with trained surgeons who have a long history of successful ICL implants.
What is ICL Surgery
It is a refractive vision correction procedure, and ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. During ICL, your eye surgeon inserts a new lens inside the eye to correct the vision error. Unlike LASIK, ICL doesn’t need corneal tissue to be fired with LASIK like LASIK does to correct the refractive error. This makes ICL a safer choice for people with thin corneas or who want to fix their vision in a way that can be undone. Global Eye Hospital is best rated for ICL procedures, with trained surgeons who have a long history of successful ICL implants.
How safe is the ICL procedure?
Most Surgeons have a consensus that ICL is as safe as Lasik, if not more.ICL has a better safety profile than most other refractive procedures as it burns your eye tissues with a laser, and itworks very well most of the time. Problems are rare during the ICL procedure, and the lens is meant to last forever. It can be taken off, though, if needed. There are risks with any surgery, and a full pre-operative assessment will help the Surgeon figure out if you are a good candidate and reduce the number of problems that could happen.
Who is an ideal candidate for the ICL procedure?
Individuals with moderate to high refractive defects, which are not good candidates for LASIK, may be eligible for, or may be, ideal candidates for, intraocular lenses (ICL). Those who fall into this category may have corneas that are thin or dry eyes, or they may be looking for reversible vision correction.
How much time does it take to recover vision after the ICL procedure?
The period required to recover is often short, with many patients reporting an improvement in their vision within a day or two of the procedure. The majority of people are able to resume their regular routines within a few days. However, in order to achieve the best possible healing, it is essential to carry out the Surgeon’s instructions given to you once you are done with ICL.
Is the ICL procedure painful?
Because of the local anesthesia that is administered during the surgery, most people do not experience any discomfort. In the first few days after surgery, some patients may have some slight pain or irritation; however, this is very transitory.
Can the ICL be removed if needed?
Yes, one of the advantages of the ICL is its reversibility. If your prescription changes over time or if there are other reasons to remove the lens, it can be safely taken out by a qualified eye surgeon.
How long does the ICL last?
The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is designed to be a permanent solution for vision correction, offering long-lasting results. ICL provides a stable and clear vision for many years, if not a lifetime, without the need for replacement. A good piece of advice for long-term ICL success is to make Regular follow-up with your eye surgeons to monitor the lens’s performance over time.
IS ICL a reversible procedure?
No, the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is considered a non-reversible procedure. Once implanted, the lens becomes a permanent part of the eye and is not designed to be easily removed. However, advancements in technology and surgical techniques continue to improve the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Will I still need glasses after the ICL procedure?
After their PRK surgery, the vast majority of patients find that they require significantly less frequent use of corrective lenses such as glasses or contacts. However, there is a possibility that some patients would still need glasses for specific activities or that they will continue to experience slight residual refractive defects.
Does insurance cover the ICL procedure?
Different types of insurance cover other things, so it’s important to check with the hospital TPA desk where you intend to do your ICL. Many insurance companies don’t cover refractive procedures to fix your eyes. However, Some Eye hospitals do offer treatment plans to make the payments more affordable for their patients. You may choose to get a free consultation from our LASIK and ICL counselors at Global Eye Hospital Patiala to determine your insurance coverage for ICL.
How do I choose a qualified surgeon for the ICL procedure?
For ICL, the experience and skill of your Surgeon is a must. Online reviews on Google could be a good reference point. Select a surgeon with extensive experience in refractive surgery, specifically with ICL procedures. You can also keep an eye on positive patient testimonials and a thorough pre-operative consultation to ensure the best possible outcome for your ICL. You may choose to get a free consultation from our LASIK and ICL counselors at Global Eye Hospital Patiala to be satisfied with a safe and successful ICL.
What is the recovery process like after the ICL procedure?
After an ICL surgery, most people have a smooth recovery. For the first few days, patients are told to take it easy and avoid doing anything too hard—our Refractive Surgeon will administer Eye drop medications to help you heal and keep you from getting an infection. Follow-up meetings are crucial to see how things are going and talk about any worries you have.
Can I undergo the ICL procedure if I have astigmatism?
Yes, the ICL procedure can effectively correct astigmatism in addition to near-sightedness or farsightedness. It offers a versatile solution for individuals with a range of refractive errors, providing comprehensive vision correction.
Are there any side effects associated with the ICL procedure?
While complications are rare, as with any surgery, there can be temporary side effects. These may include glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision. These effects typically diminish as the eyes heal, but it’s important to communicate any concerns with your eye care professional.
How long does the ICL procedure take, and is it performed on both eyes simultaneously?
The actual procedure is relatively quick, often taking around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. While some surgeons perform ICL surgery on both eyes during the same session, others may prefer to schedule separate surgeries a few days apart. Your Surgeon at Global Eye Hospital Patiala will discuss the best approach based on your individual circumstances.
Can ICL correct presbyopia?
ICL primarily addresses near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While it can provide some improvement in presbyopia, it may not eliminate the need for reading glasses entirely. Our surgeons will discuss and guide you on the potential impact of presbyopia during the consultation.
How soon can I go back to work or do other normal things after the ICL procedure?
Most people can get back to their normal lives within a few days of having an ICL surgery. But it would help if you stayed home from work for a few days to rest and let the ICL incision heal properly. Due to the specifics of your case, your expert will provide you with tailored advice.
Can older people have the ICL treatment done?
One of the significant advantages of ICL over Laik is that it caters to most age groups. IICL is a choice that can work for people of all ages, even older adults. To see if you are a good candidate for the ICL treatment, our eye doctors at Global Eye Hospital Patiala will look at your overall eye health.
How much does the ICL treatment cost?
ICL implants cost between INR 80,000 and INR 1,25,000 per eye, which is a rough idea of how much ICL surgery costs in Delhi. At first glance, the price of implantable collamer lenses might look high, but when you consider the life-lasting benefits, you might save money in the long run.
What kinds of care do I need after the ICL procedure?
Patients must carefully follow the after-surgery eye care guidelines given by their eye surgeon. At Dr. Manpreet’s Global Eye Hospital, patients are given complete counselling and Video guides for post-ICL eye care. Usually, this means using eye drops as recommended, going to follow-up appointments, and staying away from activities that could strain the eyes. For faster healing and good ICL results, patients are advised to post the advice faithfully.
Tariq Masoodi
Tariq Masodi is a technical content writer with niche expertise in strategic communication and digital media. He is a prolific content producer on healthcare, ophthalmology and Mass communications. He is fascinated by web marketing, advocacy blogs and Vlogs across all social media platforms. He has a worldwide clientele, helping businesses pitch the right content to a targeted audience to generate unseen revenues. He is a former professor of Media studies & an Alumnus of IIT Roorkee.