By on 10/26/2021 (last updated on 06/07/22) Show
A lot of patients considering vision correction surgery inquire about implantable contact lenses, also known as implantable collamer lenses or ICLs. ICLs were approved by the FDA in 2005 and have been growing in popularity ever since. ICLs were developed for patients with moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness) who wish to have sharp, clear vision without having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Implantable lenses can safely correct nearsightedness across a prescription range spanning between -3 to -15 diopters. Patients who may not qualify for LASIK surgery due to their high myopia prescription or eye anatomy are ideal recipients of ICLs. Although ICLs are not appropriate for treating farsightedness, ICL toric lenses can be used to treat astigmatism. Intraocular Lens ImplantationAn ICL is inserted in front of the natural lens so that, working together, they provide high-quality vision across a wide range of correction. ICLs are also called phakic intraocular lenses (or phakic lenses). “Phakic” refers to the fact that the lenses are implanted without removing the eye’s natural lens. The phakic IOLs are made from collamer: a soft plastic and collagen-based biocompatible material. The implantation procedure only takes about 20 minutes per eye and you’ll notice vision improvement the next day! First, the doctor will put anesthetic drops on your eyes. Then, they’ll make a small incision along the side of your eye and insert the ICL behind the iris. The implanted lens sits in front of your natural lens. The ICL works by focusing light entering your eye on the back surface of the eye (the retina). This corrects your vision deficit (known as your refractive error). Are there advantages of implantable contact lens vs LASIK?When it comes to deciding between ICL and LASIK refractive surgery, a frank discussion with your ophthalmologist is necessary. Your doctor will go over the suitability of one procedure versus the other for your particular situation. For the appropriate candidate, implantable contact lenses offer several advantages over laser eye surgery for achieving better vision.
Am I a good candidate for implantable contact lenses?Your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether you are a suitable candidate to undergo ICL surgery. Aside from anatomical requirements, to qualify for an ICL surgical procedure you must:
What are the disadvantages of implantable contact lenses?When deciding upon any medical device or surgery, it’s important to be aware of all pros and cons associated with each option. Below are a few points you should be aware of when considering ICLs.
What does ICL surgery cost at AEI?As in all things, you get what you pay for. When it comes to your vision, you want to be under the care of an ophthalmologist who is experienced and performs lens implantation surgery frequently, not just a few times per year. Depending on your prescription, degree of astigmatism, and other variables, the cost of implantable contact lenses can range from $4,500 to $6,200 per eye. These prices include pre-op planning, lens selection, the lenses themselves, the pre-op procedure for surgical preparation, and all post-op care. A considerable investment but, for the right candidate, ICLs can make a notable improvement in not just their quality of vision but their quality of life. AEI GuaranteeNearly all of our ICL patients have told us that they’re thrilled with their decision to get ICLs. At AEI we stand by our results. That’s because we have highly skilled surgeons with extensive experience in performing vision correction surgery for southern Californians and international patients. In the rare event that your natural healing process causes your corrected visual acuity to drift from the intended outcome, we will give you the option of a complementary LASIK vision procedure to fine-tune your vision. Because giving you the crispest, clearest vision possible is our goal. If you are considering eye surgery for vision correction and would like to explore your options, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists who will examine your eyes and review vision correction options that are suitable for you. Why AEI is your best choice for Implantable Contact LensesThe doctors at Assil Eye Institute offer world-class eye care and vision correction. At AEI, you will experience state-of-the-art medical facilities that bring together revolutionary technologies with the most experienced hands in ophthalmology. Our goal is to help you achieve your personal best vision. For more information or to schedule a consultant, please call 866-945-2745 or visit us here to make an appointment. At Assil Eye Institute we take our patients’ safety seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC recommendations. Masks are required in our institutes at all times. We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Dr. Lindsay Harris was born and raised in Port Royal, a small town in central Pennsylvania. She completed her undergraduate work at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA where she was magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Dr. Harris continued her education at Pennsylvania College of Optometry where she received another bachelor’s degree in vision sciences and then a doctorate of Optometry. While at the college, she served as an ambassador to the school and a tutor for her fellow professional colleagues. Her clinical and classroom work yielded academic achievement awards and bid her membership in the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. She completed clinical rotations during her fourth year at a few private practices in addition to the William Feinbloom Low Vision Rehabilitation Center and Hahneman Hospital in Philadelphia. Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism and myopia?Contact lenses are another excellent option for many people with a moderate amount of astigmatism. In fact, some people with an astigmatism do better with contact lenses than with eyeglasses, because the contacts may provide clear vision and an unobstructed, wider range of view than glasses.
Can you wear contacts with high astigmatism?Q: Can you wear regular contact lenses if you have astigmatism? A: No, if you have astigmatism, it's essential that you wear specialized contact lenses because your condition can worsen if not. Regular contact lenses do not cover your cornea's entirety, which will impair your ability to see even further.
What is high myopic astigmatism?Myopic astigmatism: Myopic astigmatism happens when astigmatism combines with myopia, and the two curves in the cornea or the lens — the curves from top to bottom and side to side — are focused in front of the retina.
What kind of contact lenses are best for astigmatism?You'll need toric contact lenses that are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Toric contacts may be thicker, larger, and more stable than non-toric contacts. They have two powers since they also correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.
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