How do we perform treatment with ICL intraocular lenses?

04/06/2024

Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL) are an option like LASIK or PRK, particularly beneficial for  patients who are not suitable candidates for other refractive surgeries. This includes individuals with high refractive errors, severe dry eyes, or thin corneas.

Am I eligible for surgery?

•  I am over 21 years old.
• I wear glasses or contact lenses.
• My graduation is stable.
• I do not have any eye diseases that would contraindicate the procedure.
• I am not taking medications that would affect the surgery.
• There are no contraindications following the preoperative examinations.
• I am not pregnant or breastfeeding.

The protocol for performing treatment with this type of lenses, although it may vary depending on the patient’s history and case evolution, generally follows these steps:

First visit

• If you wear contact lenses, discontinue using them 48 hours before the visit.
• Optometric exam: we determine what you see and how many dioptres you have.
• Topography: we study the shape of the cornea and assess the space for lens implantation.
• Consultation with our ophthalmology team.

Preoperative exams

Testing can take place at any time between the first visit and the day of surgery, both included, depending on the needs of each patient. We carry out a very extensive prior study to offer you a surgery with the maximum guarantees.

Day of intervention

The operation is outpatient and lasts 20 minutes. It is performed on each eye separately, with a week between the first and second intervention, a method that enhances the effectiveness of the surgery. Afterwards, you will stay in the pits for 30 minutes and go home with your eye covered.

The intervention

• Incision: A small incision is made in the cornea to allow access to the inside of the eye.
• Lens insertion: The lens is carefully placed in the eye through the incision, behind the iris and in front of the lens. The exact position of the lens is determined based on preoperative measurements and the anatomy of the eye.
• Incision closure: Once the lens is in place, the incision is sealed self-adhesively.

Medications are prescribed to prevent infection, and instructions on post-surgery care are provided.

Control visits

You will have six postoperative visits: one visit the next day, another one a week later, and another one a month after each intervention.

Results

The results of phakic intraocular lens implantation are usually highly satisfactory in terms of visual correction. Most of the time, complete recovery and stabilization of vision is achieved within a couple of weeks.

Although the results are expected to be long-lasting, it is crucial to keep in mind that the surgery is corrective and not curative. Therefore, there may be changes in the prescription, which could require additional adjustments in the future.