LaserVision

Treatment at a glance

10 - 20 minutes per eye

Local anaesthetic

None

Long term

Suitable for high spectacle prescriptions

What is Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)?

The Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) has been available for over 20 years and, to date, over 650,000 Collamer lenses have been implanted worldwide. Custom made for each individual, the lens is a micro-thin implant that is able to correct very high prescriptions, ranging from +8.00D longsightedness to -20.00D short-sightedness, whilst also correcting up to 6.00D of astigmatism.

LaserVision-Treatments-ICL-What

Made from a technologically advanced collagen based Collamer material, the lens is designed to be inert and 100% compatible with the natural environment of the eye. Other advantages of the material include UV-A and UV-B protection, anti-reflectivity and exceptional optical clarity.

The ICL is implanted through a small 2.2mm entry and is gently positioned behind the iris and infant of the natural lens. Once implanted, the lens is invisible to the naked eye and cannot be flat within the eye.

The procedure takes less than 15 minutes to perform and is often performed under local anaesthetic, meaning patients are able to walk out of the surgical theatre once finished. For patients who are anxious, general anaesthesia or sedation can be administered. The ICL is a reversible procedure meaning that in the future, the lens can be removed should the need arise for any reason

Made from a technologically advanced collagen based Collamer material, the lens is designed to be inert and 100% compatible with the natural environment of the eye. Other advantages of the material include UV-A and UV-B protection, anti-reflectivity and exceptional optical clarity.

The ICL is implanted through a small 2.2mm entry and is gently positioned behind the iris and infant of the natural lens. Once implanted, the lens is invisible to the naked eye and cannot be flat within the eye.

The procedure takes less than 15 minutes to perform and is often performed under local anaesthetic, meaning patients are able to walk out of the surgical theatre once finished. For patients who are anxious, general anaesthesia or sedation can be administered. The ICL is a reversible procedure meaning that in the future, the lens can be removed should the need arise for any reason

Read more
Treatment Benefits Benefits

What are the benefits of Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)?

  • Does not induce dry eye syndrome
  • Crisp, clear vision
  • Excellent night vision
  • Suitable for those with thin corneas
  • Built in UV protection
  • 10-15 minute, painless procedure
  • Can treat all forms of refractive error including myopia (shortsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism
  • Reversible
  • Successful for patients with complex conditions including keratoconus.

How is it performed?

  • 1.Local anaesthetic eye drops are applied to both eyes
  • 2.The area around your eye will be cleaned and a drape applied to ensure
  • 3.An ICL is gently inserted through a 2.2mm incision in the cornea, and the lens is positioned behind the iris and floated on the natural lens
LaserVision-Treatments-ICL-How
LaserVision-FAQ-Main

Upon arrival in the hospital, and approximately 45 minutes before your surgery, a small pellet will be inserted into the lower lid, causing gentle dilation of the pupil. Following administration of anaesthetic eye drops, the area around your eye will be cleaned and a drape applied to ensure a sterile environment. The lens is gently inserted through a 2.2mm incision in the cornea, and the lens is positioned behind the iris and floated on the natural lens. As the procedure does not require any stitches, recovery is often very quick. The operation is usually performed under a topical anaesthetic (eye drops), is painless and lasts between 10-20 minutes in most cases. Should you feel anxious, then sedation or general anaesthesia are available.

After the operation you will rest for a while, have refreshment and then go home. You will be given a dressing pack to swab the eye clean the following day, and some antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to apply at home after the surgery. You will need to allow between 1-4 hours after your surgery (dependent on the anaesthesia) so that we can run through your treatment and aftercare with you. You will need someone to collect you or we can arrange transport home.

Whilst the risks of ICL surgery are low, no procedure is risk free. As safety is paramount, we only operate on one eye at a time. We often perform the procedure for the second eye 1-2 weeks later. As there is likely to be a large prescription difference between the operated eye and non operated eye between procedures, we recommend wearing a contact lens to correct the non operated eye between operations.

Laser Vision makes every effort to minimise any risks. Although uncommon, these can include: raised pressure, infection, lens exchange, cataract and retinal detachment.

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

Previous Slide Next Slide

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

Previous Slide Next Slide
Events