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Am I a Candidate for Implantable Contact Lenses? What You Need to Know

04/13/2025

Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) offer an innovative solution for individuals who are not ideal candidates for LASIK but still want freedom from glasses and traditional contacts. If you have severe nearsightedness or thin corneas, ICLs may be the best option for you.


What are Implantable Contact Lenses?

Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit on the eye’s surface, ICLs are surgically placed inside the eye, just behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. This enhances vision without permanently altering the cornea. The procedure is quick, typically taking 20-30 minutes per eye, and requires only a short recovery period.


Who is a Good Candidate?

  • You may be eligible for ICLs if you:
  • Have moderate to severe myopia (-3.00 to -20.00 diopters).
  • Have thin or irregular corneas, making LASIK unsuitable.
  • Are between the ages of 21 and 45 with stable vision.
  • Have healthy eyes with no history of severe glaucoma or retinal disease.
  • Prefer a reversible vision correction option compared to permanent LASIK surgery.


Benefits of ICLs

  • Reversible: Unlike LASIK, ICLs can be removed or replaced if necessary.
  • Better Night Vision: ICLs reduce the risk of halos and glare, making them ideal for those who drive at night.
  • UV Protection: They offer built-in protection against harmful UV rays, reducing exposure-related eye damage.
  • High Definition Vision: Many patients report sharper, clearer vision compared to other corrective procedures.
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure does not involve reshaping the cornea, making it suitable for those with thin corneal tissue.


Recovery and Post-Procedure Care

Recovery from ICL surgery is relatively quick. Patients may experience mild discomfort or light sensitivity for the first few days. Most people notice improved vision almost immediately, with full stabilization occurring within a few weeks. Follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are essential to ensure optimal healing and results.

To determine if ICLs are right for you, schedule a consultation with Erdey Searcy Eye Group in Columbus, Ohio. Their experienced ophthalmologists can guide you through the process and help you achieve your best possible vision.



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Richard A Erdey, MD Gregory D Searcy, MD Daryl D Kaswinkel, MD Patrick Janson, OD Kasey Huffman, OD Philip Arner, OD Hannah Vollmer, OD Maha Jabbar, OD Kaitlynn T. Bock, OD Erdey Searcy Eye Group Dry Eye Syndrome Medical Eye Exams MIGS About Cataracts Diabetic Eye Care Glaucoma Management Refractive Surgery YAG Laser YAG Peripheral Iridotomy Emergency Eye Health Keratoconus Corneal Transplant Surgery Blepharoplasty Dropless Cataract Surgery Premium Intraocular Lenses Pterygium Corneal Cross-Linking Light Adjustable Lens™

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.