Inside Look: Implantable Contact Lens Choice For Nearsightedness

For millions of people struggling with nearsightedness, glasses and contact lenses have long been the standard solutions. However, not everyone is satisfied with these options. Some individuals seek a long-term vision correction solution without the need for daily eyewear or refractive surgeries like LASIK.

The implantable contact lens (ICL) offers a clear form of vision correction for patients with moderate to severe myopia. Understanding the drawbacks, cost, and benefits of implantable contact lenses can help patients make informed decisions about their eye health.

Implantable contact lenses (sometimes called phakic intraocular lenses) are surgically implanted lenses designed to correct nearsightedness (myopia). Unlike LASIK or PRK, which reshape the cornea, an implantable contact lens enhances vision by placing an artificial lens inside the eye.

Contact lens implants are made from biocompatible materials that work seamlessly with the eye’s natural structure. They are inserted between the natural lens and the iris, where they remain invisible and undetectable to the patient.

Evo ICLs are the most commonly used types of lens, made from the biocompatible material collamer. Unlike traditional contact lenses, these implantable collamer lenses remain invisible and undetectable to patients.

Not everyone with nearsightedness is an ideal candidate for implantable contact lenses. A suitable candidate for ICLs should meet the following criteria:

• Have a stable prescription for around a year.

• Be between the ages of 22 and 45 years old.

• Have moderate to severe myopia.

• Have thin corneas, and may not qualify for LASIK surgery or PRK.

• Be seeking a long-term correction option without permanent corneal reshaping.

• Cannot tolerate traditional contact lenses due to dry eyes or allergies.

• Looking for a reversible alternative to laser eye surgery.

Implantable contact lenses are not suitable for everyone. They are generally not recommended for:

• Patients over 45 years old. Age-related vision changes may require other treatments.

• Individuals with extreme hyperopia (farsightedness). ICLs are mainly designed for myopia.

• People with cataracts, glaucoma, or other serious eye conditions.

A thorough eye exam and consultation with an ophthalmologist will determine whether a patient is a good candidate for implantable contact lens surgery.

An ICL implantation procedure is quick and minimally invasive. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes per eye. Depending on the specific surgery the patient receives, the procedure may also be referred to as implantable collamer lens surgery and an evo icl procedure.

Before the surgery, an ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to measure refractive error, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and pupil size.

During the surgery, the eye is numbed using local anesthetic eye drops. The surgeon will then make a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and carefully insert the lens behind the iris. Once positioned correctly, the incision self-seals without the need for stitches. The procedure is painless, and patients often experience clearer vision within 24 hours.

Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients able to return to normal activities within 1-2 days. During the recovery period patients should receive help with tasks such as driving as their eyes heal. To ensure a smooth recovery, a patient's eye doctor will typically provide prescription eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.

Patients may initially experience mild side effects like night vision issues, such as the appearance of halos and glare. This will usually improve over time without further medical intervention. However, the doctor will often schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing, check for potential side effects, and ensure the lens remains in the correct position.

ICLs offer an alternative to vision correction procedures. They supply a number of benefits which make them attractive to patients looking for freedom from glasses and contacts:

• Give patients fast minimally invasive improvements to vision.

• Offer an alternative for patients who may not be able to have vision correction surgeries like lasik.

• Less risk for dry eye as the cornea remains unaltered during the procedure.

• The procedure is adjustable and reversible, ICLs can be removed or replaced.

As with any procedure, ICL implants carry some risks. In the vast majority of cases the surgery is considered safe and effective, but potential complications and drawbacks include:

• Increases in eye pressure. This will typically resolve on its own.

• Risk of bleeding, inflammation, and infection.

• Halos, glares, and light sensitivity following surgery.

• Patients may need to have lenses adjusted if they experience a change in vision.

• Surgery is often not covered by insurance and patients may need to pay for some or all of the ICL procedure out of pocket.

While complications are uncommon, patients should discuss all potential risks with their ophthalmologist before proceeding with surgery.

The cost of ICL surgery varies depending on location and surgeon experience. Most insurance companies consider lens icl surgery as a "cosmetic procedure" and do not cover the costs. Patients can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 to $6,000 per eye.

Patients looking for financial relief have a few options. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used to offset costs. Additionally, some clinics offer financing plans to make the procedure more affordable.

ICLs differ from other refractive surgery such as LASIK and PRK in several key ways. Unlike LASIK and PRK, which permanently reshape the cornea, ICLs work by implanting an artificial lens inside the eye without altering its natural structure. This makes ICLs a reversible option, whereas LASIK and PRK permanently change the cornea.

However, LASIK and PRK may still be preferable for individuals with mild to moderate myopia who want a non-implant-based solution. Since LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea, they do not require ongoing lens maintenance or the possibility of future removal. The choice between these procedures depends on a patient's eye health, prescription level, and personal preferences.