Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL). Patients who are unsuitable for laser eye surgery may consider another kind of treatment – Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL). This is used to correct severe levels of short sight, long sight, as well as astigmatism in order to restore optimum vision. Most people are suitable for it, with the exception of those suffering from certain eye diseases.

What is an Implantable Contact Lens?

Lens implant known as ICL is similar to a contact lens placed inside the eye, not on its surface. The treatment is painless, the recovery is very quick and the patient will gain an increased clarity of vision afterwards.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Clear Lens Exchange (CLE)

Elderly people who already require glasses may be treated with better results through RLE or CLE. This involves replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one that has the power to correct vision as well as the glasses.

The procedure is similar to a cataract operation and there will be no later need of cataract removal. Due to the variety of multi-focal lenses available, good distance and near vision will be given and no glasses will be required for reading.

The specialist will decide which type of lens implant you need from the two available; the lens may be placed in different parts of the eye. The initial consultation performed by a surgeon will determine the strength of the lens, which will be made according to your exact specifications within 4-6 months.

This procedure will be performed in an ophthalmic theatre. Anaesthetic is used to numb the eye and antibiotics are administered to prevent infection. The lens will be inserted through a small incision right behind the cornea and placed in front of the natural lens of the eye.

You can go home on the same day but you are advised to bring accompany. Padding will be placed over the eye to prevent infection. For safety reasons, lenses are planted one at a time. If rejection or any other complications do not occur, the second eye will be treated in a short while.

Visual recovery is fairly quick and you will notice the improvement in the flowing days. However, you will have to avoid driving for a couple of weeks after the procedure. You will be expected for aftercare treatment after one and three months.

There is a small risk of infection but it is minimized considerably through sterile operating theatre conditions. Another risk involves slight damage to the structure of the eye which may lead to Cataract, Retinal Complications, Glaucoma, corneal decomposition and even rejection. In case you fear such occurrences, you should know that lens implants are reversible.