An Alternative Way to Correct Nearsightedness

Advances in treatment technology have given people with nearsightedness ways to correct their vision. Refractive procedures like LASIK (one of the most common) can eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, offering people a new world of visual freedom.

Some people, however, can’t have LASIK for several reasons. These include individuals who require too significant of a vision correction or have autoimmune and other health conditions. Fortunately, alternatives exist to LASIK and similar procedures that can give people the visual freedom they want. 

At the Illinois Eye Center, our expert eye care providers offer a high-quality alternative: implantable collamer lenses (ICLs). Keep reading to learn more about this approach and how it could help you achieve visual freedom. 

What are ICLs?

An ICL is a soft, flexible lens that is implanted inside the eye, behind the cornea (the clear tissue in the front of your eye) to correct near-sightedness. Because of their design, the implanted lens is comfortable and you won’t even know they are in your eye. 

Unlike LASIK, ICL procedures don’t require removing any of the corneal tissue from your eye, and you won’t experience dry-eye syndrome after the procedure is over.

Our doctors offer the EVO ICL to patients. ICL has been distributed to over two million people looking for alternative ways to achieve visual freedom.

How does the ICL procedure work?

Getting an ICL is a surgical procedure. However, it is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that takes up to 30 minutes. That means you can leave the doctor’s office the same day.

The eye surgeons at IEC are experts at performing this procedure, making it an easy, pain-free experience. Receiving an ICL usually involves the following:

• Before the procedure, you’ll meet with your eye surgeon to discuss the procedure and any questions you have. They will also take measurements of your eyes to prepare for the procedure.
• On the day of your procedure, your doctor will give you drops to dilate your pupils and numb your eyes.
• Once your eye is numb, your surgeon will make a small opening in your cornea. Then, they will place the implant into the opening and position it in your eye.

Many people experience better vision almost immediately. Your doctor will send you home with eye drops to help your eye heal. After that, you no longer need to wear glasses or contacts, even at night!

Why might an ICL be right for me?

Good candidates for an ICL are between 21 to 45 years old and have not experienced significant changes in your eye prescription in the last year. 

Want to learn more about ICLs and if they are right for you? Schedule an appointment with the experts at IEC today to discuss your eye needs and ICLs.