ICL stands for “ Implantable Collamer Lens”. They are also very commonly referred to as Phakic IOL’s
ICL are micro thin lenses implanted over the natural lens inside eye to correct spectacle power. It is similar to a contact lens placed in eye except that a contact lens is temporary and has to be put on daily basis whereas ICL in put inside the eye permanently. The vision with an ICL is better than that of a contact lens because the lens is a non moving lens and is better able to correct cylindrical power along with spherical power
ICL gives high definition vision and does not require creating corneal flap and corneal tissue removal as in LASIK, SMILE & other laser specs removal procedures. It also does not cause any corneal dryness as seen in LASIK, SMILE & others.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Rana is one of the pioneers of ICL technology in India and has been implanting ICL’s for more than 12 years. He. He is a regular participant at all ICL International users meet and has made several attendance in these international conferences.
Over 6,00,000 ICL’s have been implanted worldwide over the last 16 years. ICL surgery is the best option in specs power of -8 or more. In lower powers they are preferred when the cornea is thin, if you have dry eyes and Lasik is not advisable.
ICL is made in Switzerland and USA and the order for the lens is placed as per measurements of the eye. The lens is then received by courier in about two week’s time. ICL is of two types, ICL Spherical and ICL Toric. Spherical ICL lens corrects only spherical power of glasses. Toric ICL lens corrects cylinder along with spherical power of glasses.