ICL Benefits and Risks
There are plenty of options out there if you would like to improve your vision. One option that is quite popular today is Pittsburgh LASIK. This refractive surgery uses safe laser energy to reshape the cornea, improving vision for people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This is not the only option for improve vision, however.
Enter the implantable contact lens. Similar to prescription contact lenses in a way, implantable contact lenses are surgically placed to enhance your vision. Let’s take a look at what these are what risks and benefits patients should consider.
What is an implantable contact lens?
Pittsburgh implantable contact lenses (ICLs) are lens implants that are permanent lens implants that will improve a person’s vision. It’s a great option to consider if you are not a good candidate for LASIK or other refractive surgery procedures.
Are they the same thing as intraocular lens implants?
Implantable contact lenses are similar to intraocular lenses. Intraocular lenses are lens implants that are placed during cataract surgery to restore a patient’s vision.
There is an important difference between the two, however. When an intraocular lens is placed following cataract removal, it replaces the clouded natural lens of the eye. When an implantable contact lens is placed, the natural lens of the eye remains.
What is the implantable contact lens procedure?
The surgical procedure for placing implantable contact lenses is rather straightforward. It’s an outpatient procedure that only takes about half an hour to complete. Patients will be given anesthetic to reduce discomfort while the surgery is performed.
The surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea first. Through this incision, the implantable contact lens will be inserted and positioned in front of the natural lens of the eye but behind the iris. This is the surgical procedure in a nutshell, and when the lens is in place, no one will notice it.
Benefits of Implantable Contact Lenses
One of the great benefits of implantable contact lenses is the effectiveness of treatment. Implantable contact lenses are sometimes more effective for use than refractive surgery when it comes to major cases of myopia or hyperoia. Studies have shown that 92% of ICL patients have achieved 20/40 vision or better, which means no need to wear corrective lenses.
Implantable contact lens surgery has been proven safe. In fact, studies have shown that there is even less of a chance of complications linked to implantable contact lenses than intraocular lenses, and intraocular lenses are quite safe already.
Risks of Implantable Contact Lenses
With the benefits in mind, we should note that implantable contact lens surgery carries some degree of risk just as any surgery would. Infection is always a possibility in any surgery, for instance. With implantable contact lens surgery, patients may experience overcorrection or undercorrection of vision, damage to the natural lens of the eye, and poor implant positioning. Our team of ophthalmologists in the Pittsburgh area are highly skilled and will work diligently to ensure your experience is as positive as possible.
Learn More About Vision Correction Options
For more information about implantable contact lenses and if they are a good option for you, be sure to contact our Cranberry Township vision correction center today.
