Cataract Surgery Chicago - Lake County Gurnee

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

Introducing a solution for patients with high amounts of nearsightedness. The ICL is a revolutionary refractive lens that can correct vision up to –15 diopters of nearsightedness. The ICL procedure has been repeatedly improved through years of studies and continued refinement. This lens is a posterior chamber implant that is situated behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. It is also know as a Phakic IOL. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that a patient has surgery and leaves the same day.

The Surgery

Prior to the surgery a surgeon will make two microscopic holes in the iris. Your eye will be numbed with a light, topical or local anesthetic. Once the eye is numbed the surgeon will make 2 side port incisions and one main temporal incision that is critical to the insertion process. Next the surgeon will insert the ICL through the main temporal incision and place the lens behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens. This insertion procedure is typically performed one eye at a time. There is very little discomfort and normally no pain associated with the procedure. Some drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed and a visit is usually scheduled the day after surgery. Patients will be advised to arrange for someone to drive them to and from surgery.

Are you a Candidate?

Individuals who suffer from extreme nearsightedness will have a solution for their poor vision. The ICL provides an opportunity to those individuals who are not candidates for lasik eye surgery. Some people cannot have lasik for reasons ranging from high prescriptions to thin corneas. The ICL will now give these patients the opportunity to experience the same lifestyle change that lasik has brought to millions.

You're likely a good candidate for ICL if:

• You have extreme to moderate nearsightedness
• You have thin corneas and are not a LASIK candidate
• You have a history of dry eye
• You have large pupils

There are a number of patients who are too nearsighted or whose corneas are too thin or too flat for excimer laser : If approved by the FDA, the implantable phakic lens will be implanted in the eye just in front of the natural lens and behind the pupil.

ICL is for those who:

• Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts.
• May not be a good candidate for laser vision correction.
• Are 18+ years of age.
• Have no health issues affecting their eyes.