Phakic IOL Sacramento California Phakic IOL

Intraocular Contact Lens (ICL)

Intraocular contact lenses (ICL) are micro lenses that are placed inside your eye to correct high degrees of nearsightedness (>-20.00) and farsightedness (>+5.00). It is similar to a permanent contact lens placed inside the eye. Patients who would benefit from an ICL are those who have a strong glasses prescription, thin corneas or prefer a non-laser vision correction.

The surgical technique is similar to that used in cataract surgery, the major difference being that the natural lens is not removed and remains functional. Using topical or local anesthetic, the surgeon creates a small incision in the eye and inserts the lens using specialized instruments. The exact technique and placement of the implant will differ depending on the type of lens implant chosen.

While an increase in vision may be noticed soon after the procedure, the patient will not fully realize the visual benefits of the implant for 6 to 8 weeks following the procedure, during which time the eye is healing. In some individuals another type of vision correction may be chosen to further enhance the patient’s vision.