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Understand the Safety and Risks of ICL Surgery

Implantable Collamer Lenses, or ICL for short, are a nifty solution for those who want to ditch their glasses or contact lenses and enjoy crisp, clear vision.

Focus Clinics’ ICL surgery involves implanting a super-thin lens into your eye that acts as a permanent, invisible contact lens inside your eyeball. It's a quick and precise procedure that can correct a wide range of vision problems, from nearsightedness to farsightedness.

ICLs are also called phakic intraocular lenses (phakic IOLs) because they’re implanted without removing your natural lens. 

The best part?

You don't have to worry about daily maintenance or discomfort; it's like wearing the perfect contact lens that you never even notice. If you're looking for a glasses-free life with minimal hassle, ICL might be your ticket to stunning vision.

Is ICl Safe?

ICL surgery is generally considered safe. ICL has a long history of successful procedures.

However, like any medical procedure, it carries risks. Complications are relatively rare and often depend on individual factors, such as your eye health and the surgeon's experience.

Let's dive into what you should know about the safety and potential risks of ICL surgery.

Common ICL Side Effects

While most lens surgeries are successful, some patients may experience side effects during ICL recovery.

Common ICL surgery side effects include:

  • Temporary glare
  • Halos
  • Dry eyes
  • Discomfort
  • Misty vision
  • Inflammation

These side effects are common during healing, especially in the first few days, and usually subside over time as your eyes recover. Follow your post-operative care instructions carefully and stay in regular contact with your surgeon to address any concerns or discomfort.

Are There Any ICL Surgery Risks?

When considering intraocular lenses, you may wonder whether ICL surgery can go wrong. ICL surgery, like any surgical procedure, comes with potential risks.

Common ICL surgery risks include:

  • Infection
  • Cataracts
  • Increased intraocular pressure
  • Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve caused by increased pressure in the eye)
  • Retinal detachment (in which the retina peels away from the eye)
  • Endothelial cell loss (causing cloudy vision)

These risks are relatively rare. For example, only 12% of patients develop cataracts within the first decade after ICL surgery. Recent studies suggest this incidence is now much lower. However, it's crucial to be aware of them before deciding on ICL surgery. 

Your surgeon will discuss the risks specific to your case during the pre-operative consultation.

How to Reduce ICL Surgery Risks

While the risks associated with ICL surgery are relatively low, you can take steps to reduce them further. This includes choosing Focus Clinics and a reputable, experienced surgeon. 

Following post-operative care instructions diligently and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments are key to reducing risk.

Professional diligence and sterile surgical conditions can reduce infection risk, and cataracts or glaucoma can often be monitored and managed effectively, with retreatment in the rare case it is necessary.

Regular check-ups with your eye care professional can help monitor your eye health and detect any issues early.

Are the Risks Worth It?

The answer depends on your unique situation and what you're hoping to get out of it.

Whether the risks of ICL surgery are worth it depends on your individual circumstances and the potential benefits of the procedure. For many patients, ICL surgery has been life-changing, as they often have extreme prescriptions, offering clearer, glasses-free vision.

It's essential to discuss your expectations, any concerns you may have, and your overall suitability for ICL with your surgeon. This will help you decide whether the potential risks are worth the benefits.

Understanding these risks and taking steps to minimise them is crucial in making an informed decision about ICL surgery. By consulting our experienced team and following instructions carefully, you can reduce the likelihood of these negative experiences and enjoy the life-changing potential of ICL surgery.

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To get a better idea of how we can help you, and also the different types of services we offer, book a consultation now.

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Why Choose Us?

100% 20/20 vision

100% 20/20 vision

Focus Clinic has a remarkable 100% success rate for 20/20 vision. We know of no other clinic that has matched these results. There is a big difference between, for example, 98% and 100% success, especially if you are in the 2%.

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10 year guarantee

10 year guarantee

Your 10 Year Guarantee means you can return at any time if you have additional questions on the quality of your vision. If you have distance vision correction for short-sight then any repeat laser eye treatments to correct a return of myopia in the first 10 years are included free of charge.*

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Trust Pilot Crest

Most trusted eye treatment clinic

We have the highest trust rating of any ‘eye treatment’ rated clinic, according to independent review site TrustPilot. With an outstanding 9.9 out of 10, when it comes to your eyes, choose the clinic that actual patients trust the most.

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*Terms and conditions apply, excludes any age-related changes and conditions unrelated to the primary treatment

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