What is an
Implantable Collamer Lens?
The EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is an implantable lens used to correct for nearsightedness with and without astigmatism. The EVO ICL is a minimally invasive procedure that places the lens between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens of the eye. This procedure does not alter the anatomy of the eye and is removable if necessary.
Am I A Potential ICL Candidate?
Are you looking for a permanent way to correct your vision without LASIK® or PRK eye surgery? At Mile High Eye Institute, which has locations in Denver metro community including Castle Rock, Broomfield, Aurora, Littleton as well as our satellites in Goodland, KS and Edwards, CO, board-certified ophthalmologists William Richheimer, MD, offer implantable collamer lenses, often referred to as implantable collamer lenses.
The best candidates for implantable collamer lenses have stable vision. This means your eyeglasses or contacts prescription has remained the same for several years. Unfortunately, if you have frequently changing prescriptions, implantable collamer lenses may not be suitable for you.
Implantable collamer lenses may be right for you if you:
During your comprehensive evaluation, which includes a complete eye exam and vision test, the team at Mile High Eye Institute can determine if you’re an ideal candidate for implantable collamer lenses.
How do I prepare for implantable collamer lens surgery?
The team provides a full set of ICL instructions prior to your surgery. You shouldn’t wear contacts for at least seven days before the procedure, so you may need to wear eyeglasses in the meantime. You can take your medications as you normally would, but make sure to tell the team what you’re taking before the procedure.
You should avoid wearing makeup, eye cream, facial lotion, or perfume on the day of your surgery. If you have any questions before the procedure, make sure to contact the team.
What can I expect from implantable collamer lens surgery?
Implantable collamer lens surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes, or 15 minutes per eye. After administering a numbing anesthetic and sedative to ensure your comfort, the team makes a small incision in your eye between the lens and iris. Next, the team inserts your ICL, contained in a small capsule, which automatically unfolds to lay flat on the lens.
After the procedure, you should notice an immediate improvement in your vision. The team may monitor you for about two to three hours after the procedure to ensure there are no complications.
EVO ICL Post-Op
It’s important to have a close friend or relative drive you home and monitor you for the first evening following your procedure. At a follow-up appointment the next day, the team examines your lenses and tests your visual acuity.
Since the incisions are extremely small, you don’t need stitches. The incisions should heal on their own quickly. While implantable collamer lenses are permanent, the team can remove them if you’re no longer happy with them.
