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Phakic Intraocular Lens Surgery – What is ICL?
Laser surgeries are the first preferred treatment option by ophthalmologists all over the world for patients who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses. ICL (Phakic intraocular lens) treatment is applied to people whose eye structure is not suitable for laser surgery or whose eye numbers are too high to be corrected by laser surgery. The most preferred ICL lens is the lens called Visian ICL.
Phakic intraocular lens surgery, popularly known as ICL; Implantable Collamer Lens is a refractive surgery method used to correct eye defects. This procedure offers an effective solution for people who have eye defects such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses. ICL is a type of artificial lens that is placed inside the eye, positioned in front of the natural eye lens, and corrects visual impairments.
Phakic intraocular lens treatment is an outpatient procedure that does not require the patient to be hospitalized. With the ICL lenses we apply to patients’ eyes one day apart, the patient can return to his/her daily life immediately, even the day after the surgery. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and sedation may be applied. The procedure is completed comfortably without the patient feeling any pain during the procedure.
What is Phakic Intraocular Lens (ICL)?
Phakic intraocular lenses are thin, flexible and biocompatible lenses that are placed in the anterior chamber of the eye without removing the natural lens of the eye. These lenses are placed in the front of the eye and work together with the natural lens of the eye to provide clear and sharp vision. ICL lenses are made of a special biocompatible material called collamer, and this material fits perfectly with the eye and minimizes side effects.
Who is ICL Suitable for?
ICL surgery is an ideal alternative, especially for people who are not suitable for laser eye surgery (LASIK or PRK). The patient groups for which ICL is suitable are as follows:
- High Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism:
People who have very high eye defects and are not suitable for laser treatment. For those over 18 years of age, we can correct myopia up to -18 diopters, astigmatism up to 6 diopters and hyperopia up to 10 diopters.
- Thin Cornea
Patients who do not have a thick enough cornea for laser surgery. The ICL lens is placed between the iris and lens of our eye. And the space we call the anterior chamber must be over 2.8 mm.
- Dry Eye Problem
Those who have difficulty using contact lenses and have chronic dry eye problems. Apart from visual impairment, there should be no diseases such as uveitis, cataracts or glaucoma.
- Those Who Want High Vision Quality
ICL lenses offer high-quality vision and are especially advantageous for people who are sensitive about visual clarity.
How is ICL Surgery Done?
ICL surgery is a short and safe procedure performed by a specialist eye surgeon. Surgery usually includes the following steps:
- Preliminary Preparation: Before the surgery, it is necessary to examine the eye structure in detail and make measurements. A lens appropriate to the structure of the eye and vision defect is selected.
- Surgery: The surgical procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia. An ICL lens is placed by making a small incision in the front part of the eye. During this procedure, the natural eye lens is not removed and the lens remains inside the eye. The surgery takes approximately 15-30 minutes and patients can usually return to their daily lives in a short time.
- Healing Process: The post-operative recovery process is fast. Clear vision is usually achieved within a few days and the quality of vision improves rapidly. There may be a slight eye sensitivity, burning or stinging sensation after the surgery, but these symptoms pass in a short time.
What are the Advantages of ICL Surgery?
- Permanent Vision Correction
ICL lenses permanently correct eye defects and provide clear vision. Unlike laser surgery, it does not cause dry eyes. It can be applied to numbers that are too high to be corrected with laser.
- Recyclable Process
Another advantage is that this treatment method is reversible. ICL lenses can be removed or replaced at any time. This feature ensures that the procedure is safe and flexible. If there is a negative situation with the lens, it is possible to remove the lens.
- Large Visual Field
ICL lenses offer a wider field of view compared to laser treatments and provide better low-light performance such as night vision. In some patients, vision is even better than glasses.
- No Corneal Damage
ICL surgery does not thin or shape the corneal tissue, so it does not damage the cornea. It can also be applied to patients with thin corneas for whom we do not recommend laser.
Are There Risks of ICL Surgery?
Although ICL surgery is generally a safe procedure, it carries some risks, as with any surgical intervention. Possible risks may include infection, increased intraocular pressure, shifting lens position, or blurred vision. However, these complications are rare and the risks are minimized when performed by an experienced surgeon.
Phakic intraocular lens (ICL) surgery is an excellent alternative for people who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses, cannot undergo laser eye surgery, or have high vision impairment. ICL, a safe, effective and reversible method, provides clear and high-quality vision. However, it is important to have a detailed examination and evaluation with a specialist ophthalmologist before making a surgical decision.
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