What is an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) ?

An ICL is an implantable contact lens which is surgically inserted into the eye where it provides excellent quality of vision for a wide range of nearsightedness. The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is inserted into the eye through a small micro incision. The lens unfolds in the eye and is positioned between the iris and one’s natural lens where it can remain indefinitely. While the implant can predispose to early cataract development, normally it does not affect any intraocular structures. If necessary, it can be removed from the eye by a simple surgical procedure. Prior to the implant of the lens, a simple laser treatment is performed called a peripheral iridotomy which functions to ensure normal fluid drainage from the eye.

Who is a good candidate for ICL?

• Over age 21
• Desire to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses
• Possess mild to extreme nearsightedness (from -3.00 to — 20.00)
• Seeking an alternative to laser vision surgery on the cornea (e.g. LASIK)
  
• No prior eye surgery
• No history of eye disease (e.g. glaucoma, iritis, diabetic retinopathy)

Be advised that any surgical procedure involves some risk of adverse outcome. Although uncommon, risks associated with implantation of an ICL include, but are not limited to bleeding, swelling, infection, residual refractive error and the development of a cataract. During your pre-operative consultation your doctor will review these risks with you and answer any questions that you may have.

Exactly where is the ICL placed and once implanted is it visible to the naked eye?

The ICL is placed behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. Therefore, it is typically not visible to the naked eye. The implant does not move or touch any internal eye structures.

What if my vision changes?

If one’s vision changes dramatically, the ICL lens can be removed and replaced with an implant of different power or a laser surgery can be used to refine the initial procedure. Since the implant resides inside the eye a thin pair of glasses or even a contact lens can still be worn, if necessary.

I have dry eyes. Can I still have this procedure?

Yes. Dry eyes are a contraindication since the surgery does not involve removing tissue from the cornea.

How long can the ICL lens stay in my eye?

The ICL lens is intended to remain in place inside the eye without the need for any maintenance.

Can I feel the ICL lens once it is implanted?

No. The lens is not noticeable after it is put in place; individuals typically cannot feel their intraocular structures.

Can the ICL lens dry out or get dirty?

No. Unlike contact lenses an ICL remains sterile and moist in its surgically implanted position.

What is the ICL made of?

An ICL is made of proprietary collamer, an advanced lens material that is highly biocompatible in humans. This collamer causes no inflammatory reaction inside the eye and contains an ultraviolet filter for protection from ultraviolet light.

What is Surface Ablation?

Leading experts across the country agree that surface ablation is the safest and most efficacious form laser vision correction available today.

Why is surface ablation safer?

The most dangerous part of any LASIK procedure is the creation of the flap. Whether a specialized blade or a laser is used (lntraLase) to create this flap, flaps can be too thick, too thin, decentered or even result in a button hole or a free cap. Once a satisfactory flap is created restoration of the flap can result in small or large folds in the flap called striae. Sometimes the folds are so extensive, that days later the flap may need to be relifted and floated back into position. Even after the procedure goes smoothly, the flap can be a source of problems; the flap can be a nidus us for infection, inflammation or can even be disrupted or torn from the eye in a car accident or from other forms of blunt trauma.

Why would surface ablation result in more optimal vision?

The last disadvantage of flap associated procedures stems from the induction of higher order aberrations, which the flap itself induces. These aberrations have been shown to slightly limit optimal vision correction.

Our practice would like to introduce you to the most advanced form of laser vision correction. It is called Epi-LASIK. This is actually a misnomer because when people think of LASIK they think of the procedure where a flap is created, reflected off the cornea and then restored into position following a laser treatment. Epi-LASIK does not involve the creation of a permanent flap. Instead a special instrument is used to mechanically separate the surface skin from the central cornea. This skin is then discarded and the laser treatment is applied to the corneal tissue. The skin heals in 3-5 days and a contact lens is worn during this time to increase comfort and speed healing.

Other benefits to Epi-LASIK?

Because Epi-LASIK does not involve the use of a blade or a laser to create a flap, the procedure costs less to perform. These savings are considerable and we are able to pass along these savings to you, offering a safer, more efficacious and cost effective alternative to LASIK.

What is Natural Lens Replacement (NLR)

Natural lens replacement, also known as clear lens extraction, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses for people over forty years of age. For the appropriate candidate, this procedure can be used to correct large and small amounts of farsightedness and nearsightedness. Unlike other refractive procedures that alter the shape of the cornea, NLR corrects vision by removing one’s natural lens inside the eye and replacing it with a new artificial lens much like what Is performed during cataract surgery. In addition, patients can choose a standard lens implant with a single focusing power or they can choose from one of several premium artificial lenses (T3Z versus type lenses ) that aid in both distance and near vision at the same time.

Is a premium lens that has a bifocal correction built into the lens. This lens will provide distance vision when looking at distant objects and near vision when looking at close objects.

Is a premium lens designed so It flexes to accommodate for near, intermediate, and distance objects working in concert with the eye’s natural muscle of accommodation. The amount of accommodation attained is variable, but often reduces the need for glasses, bifocals or trifocals. No special effort, exercise, or thought process is required on behalf of the patient.

Who may be a candidate for Natural Lens Replacement?

• Individuals over 40 years old
• Desire to reduce dependence on glasses, contacts or bifocals
• Individuals who seek an alternative to laser vision correction

Be advised that any surgical procedure involves some risk of adverse outcome. Although uncommon, risks associated with natural lens replacement include bleeding, swelling, infection, retinal detachment, and capsular opacification. During your pre-operative consultation your doctor will review these risks with you and answer any questions that you may have.

Does the lens implant need to be removed and how long is it good for?

Artificial lens implants permanently replace one’s natural lens and they are designed to last a lifetime without need for removal.

Is natural lens replacement covered by my health insurance?

Like other forms of elective refractive surgery, natural lens replacement is not covered by health insurance and thus requires an out-of-pocket expenditure.