ICL Benefits

There are numerous benefits of implantable contact lenses (ICLs). The use of an ICL, or phakic IOL, for refractive vision correction offers safety, results, and convenience.

Benefits of Implantable Contact Lenses

Because of a high degree of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), a person may not be a good LASIK candidate. One of the main benefits of implantable contact lenses is their ability to correct severe degrees of refractive errors.

Other benefits of implantable contact lenses include a proven record of safety, effective results, and the convenience of not having to rely on glasses and contacts.

ICL Safety

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with implantable contact lenses; however, the occurrence of severe adverse effects is minimal. In most instances, the percentages of complications that developed with implantable contact lenses were lower than the same complications of intraocular lens surgery.

One of the greatest safety-related benefits of implantable contact lenses is the fact that, unlike LASIK eye surgery, the implantation of an ICL does not physically alter the cornea.

ICL Results

Both FDA-approved phakic IOLs have a proven track record for delivering amazing results. The benefits of the implantable contact lenses can be seen in the vision correction achieved after the procedure.

The clinical trial for the Verisyse™ phakic IOL noted that 92 percent of the ICL patients achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity without the use of corrective lenses. (20/40 is considered to be the standard vision necessary to obtain a driver's license.) Additionally, after three years, 44 percent of the trial participants had 20/20 vision.

In the Visian ICL™ clinical trial, 95 percent of participants achieved 20/40 or better vision. During the three-year follow-up, 59 percent of the ICL patients experienced 20/20 vision.

ICL Convenience

One of the most sought after benefits of implantable contact lenses is their convenience. Previously hindered by glasses and contacts, after ICL implantation patients are able to more thoroughly enjoy activities, especially water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

With a reduced dependence on corrective eyewear, ICL patients experience a freedom from the clutter of contact lens solutions and supplies and also from the burden of having to keep track of their glasses.

Unlike traditional contact lenses, implantable contact lenses are protected from normal wear and tear. The ICLs are also protected from dust and dirt, which can cause dryness in traditional contacts.

Patients also enjoy the convenience of the procedure's reversibility. They feel more comfortable undergoing the surgical procedure knowing that they are not permanently altering their corneal tissue.

Speak With a Doctor in Your Area about the Benefits of ICLs

To learn more about the benefits of implantable contact lenses and to determine if you would be a good candidate for the ICL procedure, speak with an eye care specialist today. Find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area with DocShop's directory of eye doctors.