What are implantable contact lenses?
Implantable contact lenses are like regular contact lenses but they are placed inside the eye. They are used to correct vision problems such as myopia.
Characteristics
The lenses are not too complex. It is very much alike regular contact lenses. The material is thin and soft. Although they might seem to be a recent innovation, these lenses have been used for a long time to correct for cataracts. However, it was not until recently that they began to be used to treat vision problems.
Implantable contact lenses are made of a biogenic material known as Collamer. One important characteristic of this material is that the body does not recognize it as “foreign tissue”. It is very flexible and has high elasticity, which allows it to be folded and to recover its shape inside the eye. It also has a unique clarity which makes it go unnoticed by the user.
When to have them implanted
Not everybody applies for implantable contact lenses (ICL). They do not replace regular contact lenses. In fact, these implantable contact lenses are prescribed to treat shortsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
It is necessary to point out that the ICL will help correct mild vision problems. However, it does so with great precision. The ICL does not alter any important structure in the eye. There is no need for any tissue to be removed from the cornea. Because of this, the user does not feel it at all and it can be easily removed if necessary.
How is it implanted?
The surgery is performed one eye at a time, with a span of two days between each surgery. Dilating and anesthetic drops are placed in the eye.
The lens is folded in a lens-inserting device. This device inserts the curled up lens behind the iris through a very tiny incision. Once inside, it is rotated to the correct position. Antibiotics are inserted to prevent infection as well as a pupil constriction medication.