Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
If you are
unsuitable for laser eye surgery, there is
another treatment option available at
Optimax for you to consider.
Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) are used for the correction of
very severe levels of short sight, long sight and astigmatism and
can restore optimum vision. With the exception of some eye
diseases, most people will be suitable for ICL and it may
also be possible to treat those with Kerataconus but a perfect
result is unlikely, only improved vision.
What is an ICL?
ICL (or lens implants) is similar
to a small 'contact lens' which is placed inside the eye
instead of sitting on the surface. Benefits include pain free
treatment with rapid recovery and increased clarity of
vision.
Refractive Lens Exchange, Clear Lens Exchange
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Array Multi-focal Lens
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For older people already requiring glasses, RLE or CLE may be
preferable. It involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an
artificial one of the correct power for the elimination of
glasses.
The procedure is identical to a cataract operation and will avoid
the future necessity of cataract removal.
Multi-focal lenses are available which may give good distance
and near vision, thus removing the need for reading
glasses.
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Artisan Lenses
There are two procedures
available, each using a different type of lens implant which is
placed in different parts of the eye.
Optimax uses 8mm
Artisan Phakic
Lenses which were designed and first used by a Dutch
doctor, Jan Worst in 1977. Over the last 16 years, more than
50,000 of Dr Worst's lenses have been implanted worldwide, treating
severe refractive disorders with great success.
The Consultation
ICL treatment at
Optimax is
performed by one of our experienced surgeons.
An initial consultation will
confirm your suitability and determine the strength of lens
required. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, the lenses will
be made to your exact specifications and will be ready in
four to six weeks.
Treatment
The procedure is performed in a
specialist ophthalmic theatre. You will require a local anaesthetic
(injection) to numb the eye and
antibiotic eye drops are administered
30 minutes before the anaesthetic to help prevent infection during
surgery.
The lens is inserted through a small incision in the side of the
cornea and sits in front of the eye's natural lens, just behind the
cornea.
Antibiotic drops are then
administered to avoid infection and the whole procedure takes
around one to two hours. For safety in case of
infection or rejection, lenses are implanted one at a time,
allowing a minimum recovery time of one week between
treatments.
After Treatment
You will be able to go home
on the same day and it is essential that you have
someone to accompany you. You are free to leave the clinic as
soon as you feel able, with padding over the eye to prevent
infection. Visual recovery is rapid, with noticeable improvement
within a day or two. You should be able to drive and be back to
work within two weeks of the procedure.
You will need to be seen again on
the day after surgery, so an overnight stay at a local hotel may be
desirable. Aftercare visits are required after one and three
months, then as directed by the surgeon.
Possible Side Effects (ICL,RLE)
There is a small but unavoidable
risk of infection but this is minimised by the full sterile
theatre conditions. There is also a small possibility of damage to
the structure of the eye, which could lead to Cataracts, Glaucoma,
Retinal complications, Corneal decomposition and rejection.
Severely short-sighted people
often have other eye problems such as damaged retinas and
progressively deteriorating eyesight. ICL cannot help or stop
these associated conditions. In the event of complications, lens
implants are potentially reversible.
Age 60 Years or Over?
Lens implants are unsuitable for people aged 60 years and over
or anyone developing Cataracts. Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) may be a
preferable option for those nearer the age of Cataract
formation. It involves replacing the eye's natural lens with
an artificial lens of the correct power for the elimination of
glasses. This procedure is also conducted by the surgeon
and is the same as
Cararact surgery. Multifocal lenses are
available, which can give good disance and near vision.
Consultation and Treatment
Treatment takes place approximately four to six weeks after
consultation as the lenses are manufactured to
your exact specifications. You will not be able to drive for
up to two weeks after treatment.