Ophthalmologist & Facial Aesthetics
Ophthalmologist & Facial Aesthetics
An implantable contact lens (ICL) is a vision correcting procedure. It is a flexible lens that is surgically implanted inside the eye to restore crystal clear vision at all distances whilst reducing/eliminating the need for spectacles/contact lenses. It is an alternative to laser vision correction (LASIK/PRK/SMILE) and is ideal for people with:
• Near-sighted eyes (Myopic) – have blurry distance vision.
• Far-sighted eyes (Hyperopic) – have blurry near vision.
• Astigmatic eyes (oddly shaped corneas) – have blurry vision in all distances.
• Presbyopia (age-related Far-sightedness) – have blurry reading vision.
Unlike laser-based refractive procedures, it is additive and does not require corneal tissue excision.
Every normal eye has 2 important structures that auto-focus light for clear vision, similar to the lenses of a digital camera. The ‘front lens’ of the eye is called the cornea, and the ‘back lens’ is called the crystalline lens. These 2 structures work simultaneously to give clear vision at all distances (near, intermediate & far) in equal balance. When this equal balance harmony is disturbed, spectacles/contact lenses are required to shift it back in the right direction.
ICL surgery is used to provide an exceptional quality of vision in all the above conditions in suitable candidates .
lCL surgery is a painless procedure that is performed after anaesthetic eyedrops and light sedation have been applied in a state-of-the art surgical theatre. The procedure is typically performed on both eyes in approximately 30 minutes. High powered microscopes enable high resolution visualisation as Dr. Djan fashions micro-incisions on the eye and delicately inserts the advanced ICL implant. The flexible ICL implant rests behind the iris (coloured part of the eye) and in front of the natural crystalline lens. It is therefore invisible to the naked eye or any observers in this position. The micro-incisions seal automatically, antibiotic eyedrops are given and a clear, protective shield then worn for the first few nights to prevent any eye rubbing.
There are 3 types of ICL implants and the suitable lens for your eye will be dictated by factors such as your age, your current spectacles/contact lens prescription, the structural health of your eye and whether it has the capacity to safely house the ICL. After you have completed a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Djan, you will be informed on whether you are a suitable candidate, and if so, you will be informed on which of the advanced technology ICL implant best suits you. The lens implants are able to correct pre-existing issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
Monofocal ICL
These lens implants are able to restore clear vision at all distances in younger people (<40) correcting preexisting
nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and regular astigmatism. These advanced technology lens implants require
rigorous testing to ensure that the optics of your eye are suitable. This lens implant does come at a higher cost because the
technology in it gives you the highest chance of being spectacle-free after surgery.
Presbyopic ICL. These lens implants are able to restore clear vision at all distances simultaneously in older people (>40) correcting preexisting nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), regular astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). These advanced technology lens implants require rigorous testing to ensure that the optics of your eye are suitable. This lens implant does come at a higher cost because the technology in it gives you the highest chance of being spectacle-free after surgery.
Toric ICL. If you have regular astigmatism (oddly-shaped cornea) that is contributing to your blurred vision, your ICL implant choice can be adjusted to include a correction for astigmatism. The combined lens is then referred to as a Toric ICL implant. Dr. Djan will inform you if you have any regular astigmatism that warrants attention.
ICL surgery will radically reduce your need for spectacles/contact lenses or eliminate it altogether, providing you with the visual freedom you need.
lCL surgery is a painless procedure that is performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation in a state-of-the art surgical theatre. The procedure is typically performed on both eyes in approximately 30 minutes.
Dr. Djan will discuss the ICL surgery details with you after your comprehensive consultation and specialised eye tests, including the various advanced ICL implant options available, any involved risk factors and the vision outcomes you can expect. You will then be required to select the lens implant which best suits your vision goals and lifestyle. Once a suitable ICL implant is selected, our bookings clerk will confirm your surgery date and time whilst assisting with all necessary medical aid authorisations/administration.
The flexible ICL is designed to correct vision & remain in the eye permanently. However, it is easily removable and replaceable if your vision changes, or to upgrade it to a newer ICL as technology evolves.
Most people find that they can return to their usual level of activities 3-5 days after ICL surgery. The vision refinement and co-ordination with the vision centre in the brain continues subtly for approximately 4-6 weeks after cataract surgery.
Superior vision quality at all times of day & night.
Safe
Painless
Quick – 30 minute outpatient procedure.
Convenient – It avoids the hassle of spectacles/contact lenses.
Economical – ICL surgery is a phenomenal cost saving endeavour compared to the accrued costs of having to regularly buy, maintain & update your spectacles/contact lenses every 2 years.
Reversible – Because of it’s structural flexibility, the advanced ICL implant can be removed at anytime at a later date and replaced with a different one that may be more suitable.
It is also a great option for patients with dry eye syndrome or thin corneas (front lens of the eye) that are not suitable for LASIK/PRK/SMILE.
UV protection – ICL offers vital protection of your retinal nerve fibres from the harmful UV radiation of the sun.
Dry eye – ICL implant is great selection for patients with dry eye syndrome. ICL surgery does not cause dry eye syndrome, which is the most common side effect of laser vision correction (LASIK/PRK/SMILE).
All medical procedures have inherent risks. Although ICL surgery has an excellent safety profile, there are rare risks of eye inflammation/infection, visual light phenomena [haloes (rings around lights), light sensitivity/light glare], elevated eye pressure, cataract formation, retinal detachments/swelling, corneal decompensation (requiring a corneal transplant) or implant shifting out of position (requiring surgical correction).
These are visual light phenomena that occur when light interacts with the different surfaces of the eye, particularly the tear film, cornea and lens/lens implant. These surfaces can scatter, bend, deflect or distort light waves to create these images. The vision processing centre in the brain has the ability to filter and rectify some of these phenomena over time. Rarely, If these persist, the lens implants may need to be exchanged for a different type.
Yes, most people that may not be suitable for laser eye surgery (LASIK/PRK/SMILE) are usually eligible for ICL surgery. Your eyes will be rigorously tested with advanced equipment to determine your eligibility for an ICL surgery.
People that are not suitable for laser vision correction (LASIK/PRK/SMILE) or ICL surgery may be eligible for a refractive lens exchange (RLE). This procedure is very similar to cataract refractive surgery. With RLE, the weak natural lens of the eye is vaporised with advanced ultrasound energy and replaced with an advanced technology lens implant to restore high quality vision.
Yes. Don’t allow costs to limit your eye health and aesthetic appearance. Tailored Finance options are available to suit your individual needs.