What is the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) procedure?
The ICL is a very thin implant that is inserted through a microscopic opening in the cornea and positioned between the iris and the normal crystalline lens. The implant has a central thickness similar to a human hair, which is 50 microns.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for the ICL procedure?
Patients that are not satisfactory candidates for laser vision correction are usually good candidates for the ICL. This usually means that the prescription is too high, and/or the corneas are too thin or are irregular. Usually whatever vision you have with glasses or soft contact lenses can be achieved postoperatively without optical aids. Patients should have a pupil size measured in dim light of 7 mm or smaller. There must be a satisfactory distance between the back surface of the cornea and the crystalline lens of 3.0 mm or greater. The eyes should be healthy inside without evidence of cataracts or significant macular degeneration.
What tests are performed to be sure that I qualify for the ICL?
A refraction is performed to determine your prescription and your vision. An instrument called the Colvard pupillometer is used to measure the pupil size in dim light. A Pentacam or Orbscan is performed to determine the distance from your cornea to your crystalline lens. An IOL Master is performed to determine the width of your cornea to assist in determining the length of the implant.
Should I discontinue my contact lenses prior to the preoperative testing?
Yes, it is important to stop wearing soft contact lenses for approximately 5 days and rigid gas permeable lenses for at least 3 weeks prior to the preoperative testing. Contact lenses can potentially change the shape of the cornea and it is important that the corneas return to their normal shape prior to the preoperative testing.
Is the ICL customized for my eye?
Yes, the ICL is ordered directly from Switzerland where it is custom made for your eye. The lens has a specific prescription to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. In addition it is ordered with a specific length so that it fits well inside your eye.
How long does it take to receive the ICL from the time it is ordered?
It takes approximately 6 weeks for the Bochner Eye Institute to receive the ICL from Switzerland after it has been ordered. Once this occurs, patients can return to Dr. Raymond Stein, Dr. Harold Stein, Dr. Jordan Cheskes or Dr. Albert Cheskes to complete their treatment.