Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL's)

If your prescription falls outside the treatment range for Laser Vision Correction, then Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL's) are an option available for you.

Implanted lenses are used for the correction of more severe levels of short sight, long sight and astigmatism. They are similar to a small 'contact lens' which is placed inside the eye instead of sitting on the surface. Benefits include; painfree treatment with rapid visual recovery and very good visual acuity results. Success rate is approximately 95%.

Suitability

Using implanted lenses, patients prescriptions from -23d to +12d with (+/-)7d of astigmatism can be treated. The treatment is also available for patients who are unsuitable for laser treatment due to corneal thickness or after cataract removal. The treatment is not suitable for people over 60 years of age or anyone developing cataracts. People with high glaucoma, recurrent eye infections and other eye diseases may not be suitable.

Consultation

An initial consultation will confirm your suitability and determine the strength of lens required. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, the lenses will be made to your exact specifications and will be ready in 4 - 6 weeks. Consultations for Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL's) are currently available in clinics in London and Croydon.

Treatment

The lens is inserted through a small incision in the side of the cornea and sits in front of the eye's natural lens, just behind the cornea. Antibiotic drops are then administered to avoid infection.
The whole procedure takes around 20 - 30 minutes to complete. You will be able to go home on the same day but it is essential that you have someone to accompany you. For utmost safety in case of infection or rejection, lenses are implanted one at a time, allowing a minimum recovery time of one week between treatments.

After treatment

You will need to rest at the clinic for about an hour after treatment with a bandage over the eye. Visual recovery is rapid, with noticeable improvement within a day or two. You should be able to drive and be back to work within two weeks of the procedure.

Aftercare

You will need to be seen by the treating doctor on the day after surgery, so an overnight stay in a local hotel may be desirable. You are then seen after one week when the second eye may be operated on. Aftercare visits are then required after one month and three months and then as directed by the surgeon.