Eye surgeons conduct various procedures to resolve vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and cataracts. Two of these procedures include implantable collamer lens (ICL) and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery. Here are some of͏ ͏the differences between IC͏L ͏surgery and͏ IOL cataract surgery:͏
Implantation Location
An ICL procedure requires the placement͏ ͏of an artificial lens in front of your ͏natural one but still keeps the͏ actual lens structure͏ intact͏. The surgery results in an artificial lens being placed behind the iris to enhance your eye’s sharpness and focusing ability. This lens is situated in the posterior chamber of the eye, where it works alongside your natural lens to correct vision without removing any part of the eye’s structure.
I͏OL surgery͏ modifies the structure of the eye to͏ remove a clouded or opaque natural lens, making it a type of cataract surgery͏. In this procedure, the natural lens is removed entirely and replaced with an artificial lens placed in the same position as the natural lens. The artificial IOL becomes a permanent part of the eye’s visual system, taking over the focusing duties previously managed by the natural lens.
Purpose
During ICL surgery, an eye surgeon corrects refractive errors such as myopia. This condition makes it difficult for͏ you to ͏see objects ͏at a distance, such as letters͏ on ͏a ͏blackboard. The procedure is an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses and results in improved light focus on the retina for long-term vision correction. IOL surgery restores lost vision caused by cataracts blocking or scattering the light entering the eye.
Suitability
ICL surgery is ideal if you do not want or are not a candidate for las͏e͏r-assisted in situ͏ keratomileusis ͏(LASIK͏). Reasons may include having thin corneas, high levels of myopia, or other structural eye issues that make LASIK unsuitable. ICL can also be a good option if you have stable myopia. This is because the procedure provides long-term correction without permanently altering the cornea or natural eye structure. IOL surgery ͏is suitable if you are losing your ͏vision because of cataract ͏formation͏. It can also be recommended in cases of severe refractive errors, such as hyperopia or astigmatism.
Lens Type
ICL ͏surgery involves a͏ collamer lens, which is made of biocompatible͏ compounds composed of collagen͏ and ͏polymer͏ materials.͏ It is designed to enhance vision by focusing light more effectively while minimizing the chances of affecting surrounding ocular structures. IOL surgeries use lenses made of acrylic or silicone͏ to replace the eye’s natural ͏lens. ͏These ͏lenses substitute the removed ͏natural͏ lens and may have͏ monotonal or multifocal choices.
Reversibility
The implanted lens in ICL surgery͏ ͏does not ͏interfere with the natural lens. This makes it easier to remove, modify͏, or exchange if needed͏. Such flexibility ͏makes touch-ups and upgrading the vision correction implants͏ more feasible for people who ͏want modifications. IOL surgery has limited reversibility, as the natural lens has been permanently replaced.
͏Recovery Time
ICL surgery typically has a shorter recovery time because it involves minimal changes to the eye’s natural structure. Since no corneal reshaping or tissue removal occurs, the small incision made during the procedure may heal relatively quickly. You can often resume normal activities within a few days. The healing period after IOL surgery may be longer because of the surgical lens replacement. While the incisions made during IOL surgery are small and self-healing, the eye may need more time to adjust.
Ask Your Doctor About Cataract Surgery
Choosing between ICL and IOL surgeries depends on your vision needs, eye health, and personal preferences. If you have age-related cataracts, ask your doctor about IOL surgery. This procedure is a suitable cataract surgery that provides a lasting fix and can eliminate the need for glasses entirely. Contact an experienced eye surgeon today to learn about their procedure requirements.
