Implantable Collamer Lens or ICL is a new implantable contact lens that can be implanted into
the eye without removing the natural lens. This lens is an excellent choice for patients with short-
sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. This lens is made from a
material called Collamer, a collagen co-polymer that contains a small amount of purified
collagen.  Since it is stable and biocompatible, the lens is highly safe, soft, flexible and moist.
Due to the ICL is implanted through a microscopic incision that requires no stitches, it does not
alter the natural shape or health of the cornea. The ICL is a new implantable contact lens,
therefore there are some frequently asked questions, find out the correct answers here to
strengthen confidence before making decision.

The ICL or Implantable Collamer Lens is a new intraocular lens that can be implanted
into the eye without removing the natural lens. This lens is made from a material called
Collamer, a collagen co-polymer that contains a small amount of purified collagen. It is stable
and biocompatible and it has been used for many years in the lenses implanted during eye
surgery. The lens is small, foldable, soft, flexible and moist. Due to the ICL is implanted through
a microscopic incision that requires no stitches, it does not alter the natural shape or health of the
cornea. It can remain inside the eye indefinitely. If the vision changes significantly, the lens can
be further removed. In addition, lens does not affect corneal curvature and damage cornea tissue.
While LASIK surgery corrects vision by reshaping the clear front surface of the eye (cornea)
with an ultra-precise laser. LASIK or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a surgery that
corrects vision by changing the shape of the cornea permanently with an ultra-precise laser. The
ICL is an alternative for some patients who are not suitable for LASIK because the cornea is not
thick enough to be treated safely with laser eye surgery procedures.

The ICL can treat both short-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism – a common
vision condition that causes blurred vision due to irregularly shape of cornea or sometimes
because of the curvature of the lens inside the eye. For short-sightedness, the ICL can be
used in patients with -0.50 to -18.00 eyesight. For astigmatism, the lens can treat patients
with -0.25 to -6.00 eyesight. 

This lens is made from a material called Collamer, a collagen co-polymer that
contains a small amount of purified collagen.  It is stable and biocompatible and it has been
used for many years in the lenses implanted during eye surgery. The lens is small, foldable,
soft, flexible and moist. Since the lens does not affect cornea nerve fibers, therefore it does
not cause dry eye.

Yes. The ICL can be used to treat patients with short-sightedness or myopia,
ranging from -0.50 up to -18.00 eyesight. In addition, the lens can be used to treat
astigmatism with -0.25 to -6.00 eyesight.

Yes. If the patients do not experience dry eyes, colored contact lenses can be worn
regularly 1 month after ICL surgery. 

Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye before surgery begins. Patients will
not experience pain during procedure. A small instrument will be placed between eyelids to
prevent blinking. The customized lens is folded into a special injector. An ophthalmologist
will make a small incision (sized 3-3.2 mm) in the cornea to insert the ICL. After the ICL is
inserted inside the eye, the ICL will unfold and be positioned between iris and crystalline
lens. The opening then seals on its own, usually without the need for stitches. Patient might
feel irritated in the eyes. However, patients can communicate with the ophthalmologist
while operating at all times.

This lens is made from a material called Collamer, a collagen co-polymer that
contains a small amount of purified collagen. It is small, foldable, soft, flexible and moist.
Since it is stable and biocompatible therefore it does not cause any tissue damages. To
remove the lens, it is similar to how to implant it at the beginning. Due to advanced age,
cataract development is the most common reason to remove the lens. If cataract surgery is
needed, the lens must be also removed. Other possible reason, although it is rare, is an
increased intraocular pressure in the eyes. Intraocular pressure might temporarily
increases after surgery. After medicines that lower pressure in the eyes are taken, if
elevated intraocular pressure does not relieve after ICL surgery, the lens might need to be
removed.

 The ICL can be performed in each eye or both eyes at the same time. However,
personal consultant with ophthalmologists is highly needed prior to operation.

It is highly recommended to have ICL surgery for both eyes. However, if different
procedures had applied to each eye, it does not cause any vision-related problems.

Halos are a form of glare that temporarily affect vision after laser eye surgery.
Patients undergoing LASIK procedures display an increase of halo phenomena around
lights in night vision conditions. Nevertheless, the ICL features an optic diameter that is
larger than pupil dilation at night time. So the light does not enter the eye through the
pupil outside the edge of the ICL. Sharp focus results in clearer vision during both daytime
and night time. Additionally, lens can correct refractive errors, a problem with focusing
light accurately onto the retina due to the shape of the eye.

In case of elderly patients, if patients do not develop cataract, ICL surgery might
be recommended. However, this procedure is suitable for patients aged younger than 45.
Patients aged over 45, cataract might be a concern and medical counseling with
ophthalmologist is individually required.

Since the lens is biocompatible with tissues, so it can remain inside the eye
indefinitely, unless vision changes.