ICL is an artificial lens that functions just like a contact lens and is structured into an intraocular lens. It's implanted in front of the natural lens of the eye, that is the space behind the iris, and it's invisible for both you and the outside observers.
It's quite different from LASIK in that it is a surface procedure and doesn't require some part of the cornea to be removed. ICL is approved by the regulatory authorities for moderate and severe myopia corrections and it's an intraocular surgery.
Although LASIK is the most popular refractive surgery that is known by many people, ICL is gaining popularity among eye surgeons and patients, you can find many reasons for this popularity in documents of both clinical trials and experience. This article will explore some of the advantages of ICL over LASIK and why you should consider going for one.
No Induced Dry Eye
One of the most common and frequently reported side effects of LASIK is tear film dysfunction. Most of the patients that undergo the procedure report symptoms that suggest dry eyes after the surgery and the symptoms persist for up to six to twelve months depending on individual conditions.
Even though this might not be considered a serious complication that can affect vision, it can still cause symptoms like stinging and bring or scratchy sensation in the eyes. Other times, it can lead to mucus discharge, sensitivity to light, redness, and feeling as if there is a foreign body in the eyes, blurred vision, and eye strain.
Suitable for Up To -20 Diopters of Myopia
ICL is designed to correct nearsightedness (-0.5 to -20.0 dioptres (D) with less than or equal to 6.0 dioptres (D) of astigmatism. It's meant for people between 21-45 years old and can be used to correct or reduce shortsightedness of up to -20D.
This means ICL can be a safe spectacle removal option for individuals with low to severe myopia and astigmatism. People using high-power glasses like the -8D sphere above might not be suitable to undergo LASIK but can go ICL as it is considered a safe and effective alternative to provide better sight without spectacles.
Stability of the Cornea
Some patients might be told they aren't suitable for LASIK because they don't have a stabilized cornea or their cornea is too thin. ICL surgery does not affect the corneal stability because no corneal flap is raised nor any tissue of the cornea is needed to be removed as in LASIK.
Due to the small incision of about 3.5mm, the procedure and recovery time are reduced compared to LASIK. Individuals from industries that require them to get back to work as fast as possible can resume their daily activities within a few days after the surgery with a clearer vision.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier even those with thin corners can undergo ICL which is unlike LASIK where these patients are not suitable for the procedure. Many patients who were previously denied removal surgery due to thin corneas can now live a life free of glasses.
Visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cornea to learn more about the cornea.
UV Protection
The Collamer used in ICL creation is a biocompatible product that not only protects the eyes from the ultraviolet rays of the sun but also allows natural light to pass through the eyes without any alterations. This is an additional benefit to the procedure as it reduces the chances of developing eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration, which have both been associated with increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Better Night Time Vision
People who undergo ICL have fewer complaints of halos, light distortion, and sensitivity to bright light, the procedure provides better nighttime vision than LASIK.
Reversible Procedure
It's very rare for the glasses' power required for optimum vision to change after surgery. In situations where this happens, or when there is an availability of new vision correction options, ICL surgery in NYC can be completely removed. This means both you and the doctor will have the option of a change in ICL power just like other surgical options.
This is not possible with LASIK as the cornea is altered permanently in the product. With ICL, the surgeon can make changes based on technological advancement or patients' needs. This is one of the advantages of this procedure over LASIK, even though it corrects vision permanently, it can be removed or replaced where necessary especially when there are better and simpler processes introduced or discovered.
Excellent Safety Profile
The ICL has an excellent safety profile that has been documented for over three decades. Research has shown that this medical process offers one of the best postoperative results compared to all the other refractive procedures that are used in current practice. Most trials report a patient satisfaction rate of over 99%.
Cost Comparison
Now this is the most important point that a lot of people want to discover. The truth is, the cost of ICL is very high which is the only drawback. However, as the femtosecond laser is replacing the regular LASIK fast, the difference in pricing is not that great. Still, with the medical process providing freedom from the use of classes and a better quality of life, even for people with whom LASIK may be contraindicated, it remains a safe option and worth the price.
Go here to gain more insight into the evolution of the femtosecond laser.
Conclusion
A lot of people who are deemed unsuitable for LASIK due to underlying problems like thin cornea have been looking for ways to correct their vision and still maintain their eye health. ICL is an alternative to LASIK that has been discovered to provide solutions and doesn't cause many side effects.
It's suitable for up to -20 dioptres of myopia, doesn't cause dry eyes, is a reversible procedure, doesn't need your cornea to be stable, and provides better vision at night. The only drawback of this is the cost, but if you look at the benefits, you will find that it is worth the amount.
