ICL (implantable collamer lens) surgery is an alternative vision correcting surgery for someone who is not a candidate for Lasik surgery or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). IF you have thin or irregular corneas a laser eye surgery would not be an option. This procedure implants a permanent lens into the eye, to improve vision. The lens is implanted in front of the natural lens and behind the iris. This surgery treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Consult with your Lasik Provo doctor to see if you are a candidate for ICL surgery. 

To be considered a candidate you have to meet these requirements:

• Age: between 21 and 45 years old
• Glasses prescription: between -3.00 and -15.00 (moderate to severe nearsightedness)
• Minimal amount of astigmatism 

ICL may not be the right surgery for you if you:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Over the age of 45
• Under the age of 21
• Have hormonal fluctuations
• don’t meet the minimum requirements for endothelial cell count

Consult with your doctor to see if you meet the requirements and do not have any conditions that would not make you a candidate. Your doctor will be able to give you more information and ensure this surgery would be the right decision for you. 

Benefits

ICL surgery improves vision so wearing glasses or contact lenses will no longer be necessary. This surgery can fix nearsightedness that can not be fixed by other procedures. The lenses are meant to be permanent but they can be removed. The lens gives the patient great night vision. Recovery is relatively quick, in most cases the eye heals and normally functions within 24 hours. 

Risks

ICL is a safe procedure but there can be complications. A few complications are vision loss, glaucoma, blurry vision, eye infection, retinal detachments, and a cloudy cornea. If there are complications another surgery may be needed to fix the problem. This surgery would remove the lens and correct issues caused by the lens.