Webinar
Implantable Contact Lens
Ask Dr Daphne Han about:
- Suitable candidates for Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
- Advantages of ICL
- How is ICL done
- Possible complications of getting ICL
- Cost of an ICL procedure
Dr Daphne Han is a Senior Consultant, Ophthalmologist with more than 18 years of experience. She manages all types of eye-related conditions in the young and old, with a special focus on cataract surgeries, LASIK, and its alternatives. She also manages myopia control and glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. She has a special interest in artificial iris implant. She is also a key opinion leader and consultant for several lens and laser companies.
Questions 8
How long does it take for my eyes to heal completely after ICL surgery, and what precautions should I take?
Generally, it takes about one month for eyes to heal after ICL surgery, with minor fluctuations up to the first 3 months. Follow instructions and use the prescribed post-operative eye drops faithfully. Keep your eyes (as well as your hands) clean, and make sure you do not contaminate your healing eyes in the first few weeks, which also mean no wetting the eyes, no eye make-up, massages etc. I always remind my post-op patients not to swim or participate in water sports for a month to avoid possible contamination.
How can I best prepare for the ICL surgery to get optimal outcomes?
Hi Min Xiu, Before any eye surgery, ICL included, it helps to avoid dry eyes because this causes unstable vision and eye power, making any eye and power measurements inaccurate. Similarly, after the surgery, avoid exposing your eyes to dry and dusty environment to ensure a trouble-free recovery period. Hope this helps!
How much Medisave or subsidies can I claim for ICL surgery in Singapore?
Hi Jing Long, From my experience, cases of successful Medisave claims for ICL are usually quite few. Unless your eyes have a difference of more than 300 degrees, or you have previously undergone other eye operations, ICL is generally considered a refractive surgery which you have to pay foron your own. However, on a case by case basis, doctors may assist you in applying for these claims, but the outcome depends on the merits of the case scenarios.
How can I find the best doctor for ICL surgery in Singapore?
My advice is to choose a doctor who is not just skilled in the procedure but someone who is also able to offer an opinion from all points of view. Not all eyes are suitable for ICL, neither are all eyes suitable for LASIK, SMILE, or transPRK. Ideally, your doctor should be equally skilled in all these procedures, or at the minimum, be knowledgeable about all the pros and cons of these procedures, so as to reduce any biasness towards any one procedure. Choose the most suitable and best procedure for your eyes and yourself based on facts.
Can the ICL lens be removed or replaced for any reasons?
You do not have to be paranoid because ICL is a reversible procedure and can be quite safely removed through the original port of entrance. Hope this helps!
How do eye surgeons determine which lens to use for ICL surgery?
Currently I would only recommend one brand of ICL for those considering a phakic lens implant surgery ( that means with a healthy and intact natural lens in the eye), that is the Staar Surgical’s EVO Visian ICL, due to its positive safety track record. EVO Visian ICL Those with significant astigmatism (around 75-100 degrees and above) are strongly encouraged to incorporate astigmatic correction in the ICL for improved vision outcome.
What are the main disadvantages and risks of Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery?
As a procedure that involves placing the ICL into the limited internal space of the eye, the main risks are to the surrounding structures during the surgery as well as post-surgery. Firstly, the clear, natural lens of the eye may develop a cataract due to the ICL surgery, although this risk seems to be lowered with the new ICL design (EVO Visian ICL with KS port). Secondly, there is also a risk of the eye developing glaucoma, either temporarily after the surgery, or gradually in the long term.
How much does ICL surgery cost in Singapore, and what affects the costs?
Typically, most clinics charge upwards of $10,000 for ICL surgery for two eyes. In general, the cost for ICL surgery depends on three main factors: The doctor performing the surgery Where the surgery is being performed The eye power being treated Facility fees may or may not be included in the surgical fees. Facility fees for surgery performed at a more established surgical setting (such as reputable, centrally located hospital operating theatre versus a standalone day surgery centre) is generally higher.