Implantable Contact Lenses Surgery (ICL)
These are lenses made of modified collagen that are implanted into the eye permanently to reduce a person's need for glasses or contact lenses. During this lens implantation surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea. The soft lens is folded and inserted through the incision and placed just behind the iris.
Implantable contact lens surgery in Perth Eye Hospital can be performed under general anaesthesia unlike laser eye surgery. Implantable contact lenses surgery can also be performed on both eyes in one admission. The speed of recovery from this procedure is rapid.
These same lens implants are called Implantable Contact Lens in Australia, Europe and Visian Implantable Collamer Lens in the United States. ICL lens implants were first introduced in Europe in 1993. Over the last 2 decades, these lens implants have undergone phases of design improvements.
There are 2 other types lens implants with similar functions available in Australia. Implantable contact lenses overall offers the least invasive surgery, better long term safety and wider treatment range over the other implants. Currently we have the most experience in implantable contact lenses surgery in Perth. Other clinics in Perth were mainly using the other types of lens implants until recently.
Treatment Range:
| Myopia | Up to -18 Diopters |
| Hyperopia | Up to +8 Diopters |
| Astigmatism | Up to 4.5 Diopters |
The general treatment range is listed above. The implantable contact lens range is significantly wider than laser vision correction. Therefore patients who are not suitable for Laser eye surgery may be suitable for implantable contact lenses. However, some patients may not be suitable for these lenses due to internal space requirement.
