subject: Pros And Cons Of Implantable Contact Lenses (icls) Lens Implants Benefits [print this page] Implantable contact lenses are a breakthrough technology that gives patients who want to reduce their reliance on glasses and traditional contact lenses an alternative to laser refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK and PRK. If you are considering implantable contact lenses, or ICLs, you should be aware of the benefits and risks associated with the treatment. Below you will find some of the most important benefits and risks; to learn more, schedule a consultation with a trusted eye doctor in your area.
The Pros of Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs)
One of the biggest advantages of implantable contact lenses is that they can be used to treat patients who might not be good candidates for LASIK or other laser refractive surgical procedures. Implantable contact lenses can be used to restore vision to those with severe nearsightedness and farsightedness. While they are still a relatively new option, implantable contact lenses have proven so far to be extremely safe and highly effective, restoring vision to 20/40 or better in most patients.
Implantable contact lenses also offer many of the same benefits as LASIK, PRK, and other laser eye surgeries. They give patients a chance to be less reliant on glasses and traditional contact lenses, and allow them to participate in a wider range of sports and other activities.
The Cons of Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs)
The risks associated with implantable contact lenses are similar to those associated with any surgical procedure: infection, damage to healthy tissues, and post-surgical discomfort. Serious risks such as loss of vision, double vision, and retinal detachment are rare, but possible. It is also possible that the patients vision will be over- or under-corrected; however, in these cases, replacement or removal of the implantable contact lenses is a possibility.
To learn whether you are a good candidate for ICLs, consult with an eye surgeon in your area.
