What You Need to Know About Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?

Spectacles have been a great boon for people with eyesight issues. But wearing glasses daily can be a hassle, especially for people needing them 24/7. The advent of contact lenses has been hailed as a big invention in the optical field. It reduces the burden of wearing glasses continuously, but changing contact lenses daily is no less troublesome. 

Implantable contact lens surgery is an excellent alternative in this context. The procedure is effective as it offers a long-lasting solution that helps correct refractive errors. Patients not ideal candidates for corrective eye surgeries like laser or LASIK find this procedure truly beneficial. 

What Is Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?

ICL, or Implantable Contact Lens surgery, is a medical procedure where customised lenses are placed inside the eye. These are placed between the iris and the natural lens. The procedure helps restore or correct vision, but unlike LASIK, where the cornea is reshaped, ICL surgery works directly inside the eye.

The lenses are made from biocompatible materials like Collamer in this surgical procedure. Such materials can be used comfortably and safely on a long-term basis. The plus point is that the surgery is minimally invasive and offers a permanent solution for people having significant eyesight issues. The procedure is reversible, too. This is a good alternative for individuals between 21 and 45. 

How Do You Benefit From Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?

There are innumerable benefits for patients. The underlying need is to get the surgery done by the best eye doctor in Delhi NCR for the most effective results. 

1. Clear and Stable Vision

ICL surgery is one of the most effective in offering unparalleled visual clarity and precision. The eye doctor first makes sure that the lens is customised to meet the unique structure of your eyes. Compared to traditional glasses or contact lenses, the results are way more effective in offering enhanced corrective vision.

2. Minimally Invasive and Reversible

In this surgical procedure, no corneal tissues are removed. Thus, ICL surgery is minimally invasive, unlike LASIK. It is a safe alternative for patients with thin cornea and dry eyes. The procedure can be reversed - this means that if the lens is unsuitable or in case of any other issue, the lens can be removed. It can be replaced, too.

3. No Maintenance is Required

After the surgery, once the lenses have been implanted, patients are not required to indulge in daily maintenance activities. This is a massive benefit in favour of ICL vis-a-vis regular contact lenses. Once the surgery is done, you do not have to spend any time ensuring the longevity of the lenses. Thus, implantable contact lens surgery is more convenient and hassle-free than regular contact lenses.

4. Impactful Corrective Surgeries

Compared to LASIK, ICL surgeries can help correct an exhaustive range of refractive errors. People with severe cases of myopia or higher levels of astigmatism can benefit phenomenally from the surgical process. 

5. Protection from Ultraviolet Rays

If you seek UV protection, you can speak with your doctor. The best eye doctor in Delhi NCR can offer customised solutions to ensure that the lenses are built-in and protected from the sun's harmful rays. After the surgery, you can expect your eyes to stay shielded from UV rays, reducing the risks of eye-related conditions arising from ultraviolet rays.

The Procedure of Implantable Contact Lens Surgery 

This is a simple procedure compared to other eye surgical processes. The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes per eye. The step-by-step procedure is as follows - 

1. Consultation

The first step is to consult with the best eye doctor in Delhi NCR. The medical staff will thoroughly assess your medical history, and eye condition, and test the refractive error. Some other measurements such as the space inside the eye(Anterior Chamber Depth), the dimensions of the eye(white to white diameter) and the thickness of the cornea are also done to ensure that you are a candidate for the surgery, and that the measurements are exactly as per the requirements for your eye. 

2. Pre-Surgical Preparation

If you have a Hyperopic (+ Power) Refractive error, you will be called a week before the surgery for a minor procedure. It is called iridotomy, where a laser creates a tiny opening in the iris. This way, there is no significant pressure build-up in the eyes after the surgery.  Individuals with a Myopic (- Power) do not need to undergo this procedure as the newer generation ICL’s come with a central opening eliminating the need for an iridotomy.

3. Lens Insertion

On the day of the surgery, anaesthetic drops to numb the eyes and dilation drops to enlarge the pupil are administered. The lenses are then inserted into the eyes after a small incision in the cornea. The incision is small enough that it heals on its own without any stitches.

The recovery process is simple, too. For most patients, there is a significant improvement in vision within a day. Of course, you will have to meet the doctor soon to monitor the healing process. This way, you are sure to get optimal results.

Risks and Considerations

ICL is a safe process. However, there could be risks of infection, glaucoma, cataracts, and halos. That is why you must get the treatment done by the best eye doctor in Delhi NCR. You also need to consider that the cost of implantable contact lens surgery is higher than that of LASIK, but the long-term benefits make it a cost-effective proposition.