Implantable collamer lens (ICL)

The ICL is made of Collamer. Collamer is a specific type of copolymer that is highly biocompatible and flexible and has very high optical qualities. Due to the high biocompatibility, the chance of irritation or rejection is virtually nonexistent. The ICL also has a UV filter so that the eye is protected against UV light afterward.

• Age 21 to 45 years
• Nearly all possible prescription strengths (myopia up to -20 diopters, hyperopia up to +10 diopters, astigmatism up to 6 diopters)
• The eye must meet certain anatomical conditions, and there must be no cataract formation

• Higher refractive errors can be treated than with refractive laser treatments
• The treatment is reversible; the ICL can be removed if necessary
• Patients do not experience additional dry eye symptoms after the procedure
• Accommodation is preserved, as with refractive laser treatments. In refractive lens exchange or clear lens extraction, the natural accommodation ability is lost.

• The price of an ICL depends on the strength of the ICL. This will be discussed during the consultation.
• There is little or no reimbursement by the health insurance fund.
  

The procedure takes place at Gasthuisberg, Day Hospital 3 (Gate 7, Floor -1). You will be prepared in the preparation room by a skilled nurse. You will receive a relaxing pill, such as Xanax, and your eyelids will be numbed with an eye gel. In the operating room, your eye will be further numbed with drops and disinfected. You will lie on a very comfortable treatment table. We will look for the best possible position for you. One eye is operated on per procedure. The procedure for the second eye follows 7 to 14 days later. The procedure lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You will experience a strong, blinding light. Through small openings, the folded ICL is inserted into the eye and then positioned by the surgeon in the correct place behind the iris.

Shortly after the procedure, you can go home. You will usually be in the hospital for 2.5 to 3 hours. You need to arrange for a driver as you are not allowed to drive yourself home. You will receive a schedule with eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.

• Tobradex eye drops 4 times a day for 2 weeks, 2 times a day for 2 weeks
• Dicloabak eye drops 4 times a day for 2 weeks, 3 times a day for 2 weeks
• Cosopt/Dicloabak eye drops 2 times a day for 1 week
• Eye shield at night for up to 4 days after the procedure If you experience pain, you may take a Dafalgan (500 mg) every 6 hours. Do not rub your eyes (vigorous rubbing is strongly discouraged under all circumstances).

The day after the procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment at the Eye Clinic in Winksele. You are not allowed to drive yourself that day. Your vision will gradually improve over the week. You may resume your normal activities, such as reading, watching TV, working on the computer, and doing light household tasks. If you are an avid athlete, you may resume light training from the third day after the procedure. Be careful with ball sports, combat sports, swimming (and sauna). These are only allowed after one month.

• Over- and under-correction
• Halos and night blindness
• Infection and inflammation
• Increased eye pressure
• Swelling of the cornea
• Swelling of the central retina
• Light sensitivity