Implantable Contact Lenses

EVO ICL is a vision correction procedure that can provide excellent visual outcomes for many patients, including those with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas

What is an ICL?

ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens, named for the soft Collamer material it is made from, though it is often referred to as an “implantable contact lens” but more often colloquially an ICL is referred to as an “implantable contact lens”. At Fendalton Eye Clinic Dr David Kent and Dr Zea Munro use the EVO ICL, the current generation of the lens.

 

Who is suitable for an ICL?

ICLs are proven to be effective for people ~21 to 45 years of age with a wide range of refractive errors. An ICL may be the best option for treating those who have been advised that SMILE pro, LASIK or PRK is not an option due to either a high prescription, thin cornea, abnormal corneal shape or significant dry eye. ICLs can treat myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism.

 

How does an ICL work?

An ICL procedure involves implanting a very thin artificial lens in front of the eye’s natural lens – but behind the iris, where it cannot be felt. Once implanted the lens stays in place indefinitely – but should your vision change dramatically the ICL can be replaced or removed.

 

What is involved in ICL surgery?

  • ICL surgery takes place at Christchurch Eye Surgery, a purpose built eye surgery hospital
  • On admission you will meet with an anaesthetist who can provide sedation to help you feel relaxed
  • Anaesthetic eye drops are instilled into your eyes to numb your eyes, and an eyelid speculum is used to hold the eyelids open
  • Dilating eyedrops are used to enlarge the pupil for the insertion of the ICL
  • A very small incision is made through which the folded ICL is inserted, carefully positioned to match your prescription, and placed in the space between the iris and the front of your eye’s natural lens
  • The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes each eye, and you will be at Christchurch Eye Surgery for approximately 2 hours
  • You will need to have someone drive you home following your procedure
  • The surgeon will check your eyes the following day back at Fendalton Eye Clinic

ICL surgery is a well established procedure but, like all surgery, it carries some potential risks. The ophthalmologist will help weigh up the benefits and risks for you to determine if ICL is the right choice for you.

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ICL surgery?

Advantages:

  • Ability to correct high prescriptions – those that are outside the range of SMILE pro, LASIK or PRK – without removing corneal tissue
  • Reversible – the ICL can be removed
  • Less likely to cause or worsen dry eye than laser surgery, as no corneal tissue is removed and no corneal nerves are cut — though, as with any eye surgery, some temporary dryness can occur
  • Biocompatible with your bodies chemistry

Disadvantages:

  • Involves an operation inside the eye, which carries a small risk of infection – around 1 in 6,000 (Allan et al., J Cataract Refract Surg, 2009)
  • ICL surgery can contribute to the earlier formation of a cataract (cloudy natural lens). With the EVO lens design this is uncommon – earlier ICL models showed higher rates in long-term studies – your surgeon will discuss your individual risk with you

 

What are the risks of ICL surgery?

  • These may include infection, inflammation, cataract development, raised eye pressure, or the need for additional surgery to adjust or remove the lens. Some risks are rare and can often be managed through early detection. Highlighting the importance of regular follow up at intervals recommended by the operating surgeon
  • Before proceeding, your ophthalmologist will explain all known risks, their likelihood, and the steps taken to reduce them

 

What results can you expect from ICL surgery?

  • Vision often improves shortly after the procedure, with clearer and more stable focus developing as the eye heals
  • Because the ICL is custom made, it is designed to match your prescription precisely
  • Some people may still need glasses in certain situations, depending on their eyes and age
  • Regular follow-up visits help ensure the lens remains well-positioned and the eye stays healthy
  • Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations and long-term care before you decide on treatment

 

Find out if an EVO ICL is right for your eyes

Book a free 30minute screening assessment with a member of our technical team – in person in Christchurch or at one of our satellite clinics in the South Island of New Zealand in Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown or Nelson or a virtual assessment via ZOOM or phone

Book your free suitability assessment

How do I find out if laser eye surgery is suitable for me?

The first step is to book a suitability assessment or consultation with our clinical team. This allows us to determine which laser procedure is most appropriate for your eyes.

Where do Dr Kent and Dr Munro do RLE, cataract and ICL surgery?

Dr Kent and Dr Munro both perform RLE ,cataract and ICL operations at Christchurch Eye Surgery, a purpose built eye surgery day hospital located at 274 Papanui Road in Christchurch.

Why I should choose Fendalton Eye Clinic?

The expertise and experience of Dr David Kent combined with the quality of the technology we have at Fendalton Eye Clinic.

  • Our staff care about giving you the best result for you as an individual, finding the most appropriate procedure for you based on your unique focusing error and lifestyle requirements.
  • Dr. Kent is one of the most experienced surgeons for laser vision correction in Australasia having performed over 28,000 laser eye surgery procedures. Dr Kent has performed more LASIK procedures than any other New Zealand eye surgeon. For optimal results surgeon experience counts.
  • We are the only clinic in the South Island to offer you the safety, accuracy and superior results of the Schwind Amaris 1050RS excimer laser, the most advanced excimer laser with it's smart pulse technology and the unparalleled accuracy of a seven dimensional active eye tracker.
  • Every laser eye treatment is tailor-made to each individual eye.
  • We do everything we can to give you the best result possible. Follow up after laser eye surgery at Fendalton Eye Clinic is for six months. Within New Zealand the cost of follow up appointments is met by Fendalton Eye Clinic.
  • At Fendalton Eye Clinic we have a state-of-the-art purpose-built laser eye surgery theatre.
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