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What Is ICL Surgery in Singapore?
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a vision correction procedure that involves placing a specially designed lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. The lens is positioned behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens, allowing light to focus more accurately on the retina.
Unlike laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK or TransPRK, ICL surgery does not reshape or remove corneal tissue. Instead, it works by adding a lens inside the eye to correct vision. For some patients, this may be an option when laser vision correction is not suitable due to factors such as high prescriptions or corneal characteristics.
Suitability for ICL surgery depends on a detailed eye assessment. Clinical factors that may be evaluated include the patient’s prescription, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, eye pressure, retinal health, and overall eye condition. A comprehensive examination helps determine whether ICL surgery is a suitable vision correction option for the individual.
How ICL Surgery Works
ICL surgery involves placing a soft implantable collamer lens inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. The implanted lens helps focus light more accurately onto the retina, improving vision and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Unlike LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures, ICL surgery does not reshape the cornea. The eye’s natural lens is also left intact. Instead, the procedure works by adding a lens within the eye to correct refractive errors.
Before surgery, the ophthalmologist will perform a detailed assessment to determine whether the procedure is suitable. This includes checking that there is sufficient space inside the eye to accommodate the implantable collamer lens and evaluating for any eye conditions that may affect treatment outcomes, suitability, or recovery. A comprehensive examination helps ensure that the procedure is planned appropriately for each patient.
Who May Be Suitable for ICL Surgery?
ICL surgery may be considered for adults with stable prescriptions who wish to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. It may be particularly suitable for individuals with higher degrees of myopia, thinner corneas, or those who are not suitable candidates for LASIK or SMILE due to their eye anatomy or prescription.
Suitability for implantable collamer lens surgery must be determined through a comprehensive assessment by an ophthalmologist. This typically involves detailed eye tests to evaluate factors such as prescription stability, corneal measurements, anterior chamber depth, eye pressure, and overall eye health.
While many patients may be suitable candidates, certain conditions may make ICL surgery unsuitable. These can include cataracts, uncontrolled glaucoma, active eye inflammation, retinal conditions, or other eye health issues that may affect surgical outcomes or long-term vision. A thorough evaluation by an eye specialist helps ensure that the most appropriate vision correction option is recommended for each patient.
How ICL Surgery Is Performed
ICL surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia using numbing eye drops. During the procedure, the ophthalmologist creates a small incision in the eye and carefully inserts the implantable collamer lens. The lens is then positioned behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens to correct the patient’s refractive error.
Procedure time may vary depending on the individual case and whether one or both eyes are being treated. Following surgery, patients are usually prescribed medicated eye drops to support healing and reduce the risk of inflammation or infection.
Follow-up reviews are an important part of aftercare. These appointments allow the ophthalmologist to monitor healing, assess vision, check eye pressure, and ensure that the implantable collamer lens remains properly positioned. Regular reviews also help identify and address any concerns during the recovery period.
Recovery and Aftercare After ICL Surgery
Recovery after ICL surgery varies between individuals, but some common early symptoms may include mild discomfort, light sensitivity, blurred vision, glare, or halos around lights. These effects are often temporary and may improve as the eyes heal and adjust following the procedure.
During recovery, patients should follow their ophthalmologist’s instructions carefully. This may include avoiding eye rubbing, swimming, eye makeup, and strenuous physical activities for a period recommended by the doctor to reduce the risk of complications and support healing.
Prescribed eye drops play an important role in recovery and should be used as directed. Follow-up visits are also essential to monitor healing, assess vision, check the position of the implantable collamer lens, and measure eye pressure. These reviews help ensure that recovery is progressing appropriately and allow any concerns to be addressed promptly.
Risks and Considerations of ICL Surgery
Like any intraocular procedure, ICL surgery carries potential risks and complications. While many patients undergo the procedure without significant issues, it is important to understand the possible risks before deciding on treatment.
Potential risks may include infection, increased eye pressure, glare, halos, inflammation, cataract formation, lens rotation, or the need for additional treatment or procedures. In some cases, further monitoring or intervention may be required to address postoperative concerns or optimise visual outcomes.
The likelihood and nature of these risks vary from person to person and depend on factors such as eye anatomy, prescription, overall eye health, and individual healing response. During the consultation, the ophthalmologist will assess these factors and discuss the risks and benefits that are most relevant to your condition.
ICL Surgery vs LASIK and Other Vision Correction Options
ICL surgery differs from LASIK in the way vision is corrected. ICL surgery involves placing an implantable collamer lens inside the eye, while LASIK corrects vision by reshaping the cornea using a laser. LASIK may be suitable for patients with adequate corneal thickness and prescriptions that fall within the procedure’s treatment range.
In addition to ICL surgery and LASIK, other vision correction options may include SMILE, PRK, spectacles, and contact lenses. Each option has its own benefits, limitations, and suitability criteria.
The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the patient’s prescription, corneal condition, overall eye health, lifestyle requirements, and individual risk profile. A comprehensive eye assessment allows the ophthalmologist to recommend the vision correction option that is most suitable for the patient’s needs and clinical findings.
ICL Surgery at Nova Eye Centre
At Nova Eye Centre, patients undergo a comprehensive eye examination and suitability assessment to determine whether ICL surgery is an appropriate vision correction option. The evaluation considers a range of clinical factors, including prescription stability, corneal measurements, eye health, and overall suitability for the procedure.
During the consultation, the ophthalmologist may discuss your vision goals, current eye condition, prescription history, and the findings from your eye examination. The discussion may also cover the procedure steps, potential risks, recovery expectations, and alternative treatment options such as LASIK, SMILE, PRK, spectacles, or contact lenses.
This personalised assessment helps ensure that patients receive recommendations based on their individual needs, eye health, and long-term visual requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ICL Surgery in Singapore
1. What is ICL surgery and how does it work?
Here at Nova Eye Centre, ICL surgery in Singapore involves placing a soft, biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct myopia and astigmatism. The lens helps light focus properly on the retina, improving distance vision without changing the shape of the cornea.
2. How do I know if I’m suitable for ICL surgery in Singapore?
Suitability depends on factors like your eye health, degree of myopia or astigmatism, and corneal thickness. Book a consultation with us to find out if you’re a suitable candidate.
3. Is ICL surgery permanent? Can it be reversed?
The lens is designed to stay in the eye long-term but can be removed or replaced if required. This makes ICL a reversible option for vision correction.
4. What should I expect after ICL surgery in Singapore?
Recovery is usually quick. Most patients experience improved clarity within a few days. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions, including using medicated eye drops and avoiding eye rubbing.
5. Who performs ICL surgery at Nova Eye Centre?
To learn more about the clinical team and their qualifications, please visit our About Us page.