ICL stands for Implantable Contact Lens. It is a foldable lens that is inserted through a micro opening in the cornea into the eye, to greatly improve vision. It is safe, effective and reversible, and its main advantage is that it does not change the shape or thickness of the cornea.

The ICL is a type of phakic intraocular lens that is placed in the eye without removing the eye’s natural crystalline lens to correct refractive error. Phakic intraocular lens surgery is a safe and effective alternative for patients whose corneas are not suitable for LASIK.

• The implantation of an ICL is an intraocular surgery that can be performed as an outpatient procedure.
  
  
  
• 2 weeks before the surgery, a mini hole is created in the top of the iris (which is invisible to the naked eye) to allow better aqueous flow in the eye. This is performed by a painless, quick, non-invasive laser procedure at SNEC.
  
  
  
• On the day of surgery, most patients will be operated under anaesthesic eyedrops and mild sedation. However others may prefer general anaesthesia.
  
  
  
• During the surgery, a micro opening is made in the cornea and the ICL is inserted into the eye with a special injector.
  
  
  
• The lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens.
  
  
  
• The procedure takes around 10 minutes for each eye. Most patients find the procedure pain-free and easy to tolerate.
  
  
  
• After the surgery, the patient will be observed for 2-4 hours before they are allowed to go home.
  
  
  
• The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery that has been safely practised for decades worldwide.

Patients with refractive errors who are not suitable for LASIK e.g. those who are very near sightedness or with thin corneas.

It is suitable for patients who are at least 21 years of age, have myopia up to 2000 degrees with or without astigmatism. You should not be pregnant or have significant active ophthalmic conditions like glaucoma, iritis or diabetic eye disease. The doctor will be able to better advise you after a comprehensive pre-operative examination and assessment at SingLASIK Centre. Please contact us if you would like to have more information or would like to schedule an appointment.

The ICL is customized to your prescription and the lens is tailor-made for you. This intraocular procedure requires a few more pre-operative assessments, the use of an operating theatre, and anaesthetic support.

LASIK is a proven and safe procedure, but not everyone qualifies for it. The ICL is cornea conserving which means that for some patients whose corneas are unsuitable for LASIK, ICL may be an option.

The risks are generally low. However, as this is an intraocular procedure, the risk is slightly higher than laser refractive surgery like LASIK.

The most severe complications are infection and a decrease in vision. The risks are similar to cataract surgery.

Complications include a rise of pressure in the eye soon after surgery. However, this complication is uncommon and can be managed by eyedrops.

Other potential but much less common problems include, but are not limited to, retinal detachment, cataract formation, corneal decompensation and glaucoma.

The ICLs will not prevent or delay the onset of presbyopia. You may still need reading glasses when you develop presbyopia. If you are already in your forties you can decide with your surgeon to opt for mono vision which can give you good far and also good near vision.

Over 100,000 ICL procedures have been performed worldwide .

Yes. It has been used in SNEC since 2005. It is approved for use in USA, Europe and in 45 countries.

It can be removed in the same way it was implanted. However, this will require an intraocular surgery with its attendant risks.

This procedure does not prevent or slow down cataract formation. However if a cataract operation is required, the ICL can be removed safely, and a normal cataract surgery can ensue with the insertion of a new lens, which can correct the inherent refractive error.

No. The composition material is highly biocompatible. The ICL lens is made from a technologically advanced material, called “Contact”, which is made of collagen and copolymer. The advanced lens material is easily accepted into the eye.

At SNEC, our team of experienced and skilled surgeons perform the ICL procedure.

SNEC has a set of strict guidelines and you can rest assure that stringent assessments are conducted, high level of surgery performed, and good aftercare offered.

For more information, please contact us.