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Mr David Allamby
MD, FRCOphth, FRCS
Understand the Safety and Risks of ICL Surgery
Implantable Collamer Lenses, or ICL for short, are a nifty solution for those who want to ditch their glasses or contact lenses and enjoy crisp, clear vision. Focus Clinics’ ICL surgery involves implanting a super-thin lens into your eye, acting as a permanent and invisible contact lens inside your eyeball. It's a quick and precise procedure that can correct a wide range of vision problems, from nearsightedness to farsightedness.
ICLs can also be called phakic intraocular lenses (phakic IOLs), because they’re implanted without removing your natural lens.
The best part?
You don't have to worry about daily maintenance or discomfort; it's like wearing the perfect contact lens that you never even notice. If you're looking for a glasses-free life with minimal hassle, ICL might be your ticket to stunning vision.
Is ICl Safe?
There are many types of ICL surgery, but the answer is yes — ICL surgery is generally considered safe. There is a long history of ICL being successfully performed without incident or lasting side effects.
However, like any medical procedure, it is not without its risks. Complications are relatively rare and often depend on individual factors, like the health of your eyes and the experience of the surgeon.
Let's dive into what you should know about the safety and potential risks of ICL surgery.
Common ICL Side Effects
While the majority of lens surgeries are successful, some patients may experience side effects during the ICL recovery process.
Common ICL surgery side effects include:
- Temporary glare
- Halos
- Dry eyes
- Discomfort
- Misty vision
- Inflammation
These side effects are common during the healing process, especially in the first few days, and they usually subside over time as your eyes recover. It's essential to follow your post-operative care instructions carefully and maintain regular communication with your surgeon to address any concerns or discomfort.
Are There Any ICL Surgery Risks?
When considering intraocular lenses, you may wonder whether ICL surgery can go wrong. ICL surgery, like any surgical procedure, comes with a list of potential risks.
Common ICL surgery risks include:
- Infection
- Cataracts
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve caused by increased pressure in the eye)
- Retinal detachment (in which the retina peels away from the eye)
- Endothelial cell loss (causing cloudy vision)
It's important to note that these risks are relatively rare. For example, it’s reported that only 12% of patients develop cataracts within the first decade after ICL surgery. Recent studies suggest this incidence is now much lower. However, it's crucial to be aware of them before deciding on ICL surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks associated with your case during the pre-operative consultation.
How to Reduce ICL Surgery Risks
While the risks associated with ICL surgery are relatively low, there are steps you can take to reduce them further. This includes choosing Focus Clinics, with a reputable and experienced surgeon who has undertaken over 25,000 successful procedures.
Following post-operative care instructions diligently, and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments are key indicators of risk reduction.
Infection risk can be reduced through professional diligence and sterile surgical conditions, and cataracts or glaucoma can often be monitored and managed effectively with retreatment in the rare case it is necessary.
Regular check-ups with your eye care professional can help monitor your eye health and detect any issues early.
Are the Risks Worth It?
The answer depends on your unique situation and what you're hoping to get out of it.
Whether the risks of ICL surgery are worth it depends on your individual circumstances and the potential benefits of the procedure. For many patients, ICL surgery has been life-changing, as they often have extreme prescriptions, offering a clearer and glasses-free vision.
It's essential to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about your expectations, any concerns you may have, and your overall suitability for ICL. This will help you make an informed decision about whether the potential risks are worth the benefits.
Understanding these risks and taking steps to minimise them is crucial in making an informed decision about ICL surgery. By consulting with our experienced team and carefully following instructions, you can reduce the likelihood of these negative experiences and enjoy the life-changing potential of ICL surgery.
Book a FREE* Consultation
To get a better idea of how we can help you, and also the different types of services we offer, book a consultation now.
Why Choose Us?
100% 20/20 vision
Focus Clinic has a remarkable 100% success rate for 20/20 vision. We know of no other clinic that has matched these results. There is a big difference between, for example, 98% and 100% success, especially if you are in the 2%.
10 year guarantee
Your 10 Year Guarantee means you can return at any time if you have additional questions on the quality of your vision. If you have distance vision correction for short-sight then any repeat laser eye treatments to correct a return of myopia in the first 10 years are included free of charge.*
Most trusted eye treatment clinic
We have the highest trust rating of any ‘eye treatment’ rated clinic, according to independent review site TrustPilot. With an outstanding 9.9 out of 10, when it comes to your eyes, choose the clinic that actual patients trust the most.
*Terms and conditions apply, excludes any age-related changes and conditions unrelated to the primary treatment
*100% 20/20 success is from our peer-reviewed published results for LASIK binocular vision treating short-sight up to -6.00 dioptres including up to 2.00 dioptres of astigmatism.
100% SUCCESS RATE
10 YEAR GUARANTEE
#1 IN THE UK TRUSTPILOT RATING
CELEBRITIES CLINIC OF CHOICE