ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
ICL
The ICL is a revolutionary refractive lens that can correct vision for patients under 45 years of age from -3 diopters up to -15 diopters of nearsightedness (myopia) and for patients who also have astigmatism. This lens is a posterior chamber implant that is situated behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. It is also known as a Phakic IOL, which means it is used in conjunction with your natural lens.The FDA has recently granted approval of the PMA Supplement for the Toric Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL), which corrects myopia with astigmatism. The surgery takes about 15 minutes per eye and is performed in our out Outpatient Surgery Center. Both eyes can usually be done on the same day.
ICL has been FDA approved since 2005 and is approved by the United States Military for all personnel. Dr. Trevor Woodhams performed the first ICL procedure in the state of Georgia and is one of the top providers for ICL in the country.
A recent improvement in ICL technology from STAAR Surgical now allows for surgeons to treat patients with prescriptions as high as -20. The new technology, called EVO ICL, is a revolutionary new advancement in ICL as an alternative to prescription eyewear, like glasses and contacts, or refractive procedures like LASIK for treating severe myopia. Woodhams Eye Clinic in Atlanta GA is a premier clinic in the country for this procedure. Dr. Trevor Woodhams performed the first ICL procedure in the state of Georgia and is one of the top providers for ICL in the country.
To find out if you’re a candidate for EVO ICL, you will need an eye exam and you can book an appointment online here at your convenience.
The Surgery
Prior to the surgery, your surgeon will make two microscopic holes in the iris. Your eye will be numbed with a topical or local anesthetic. Once the eye is numbed, the surgeon will make two side port incisions and one main temporal incision that is used for the insertion process. Next, the surgeon will insert the ICL through the main temporal incision and place the lens behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens. There is virtually no pain associated with the procedure. Antibiotic drops are prescribed for about 1 week and a post-op visit is scheduled the day after surgery as well as other post op visits to monitor your healing.
Are you a Candidate for ICL?
Individuals who suffer from moderate to extreme nearsightedness will have a solution for their poor vision. The ICL can be an excellent option for individuals who are not candidates for LASIK eye surgery for reasons ranging from high prescriptions to thin corneas. The ICL can now give these patients the opportunity to experience the same lifestyle change that LASIK surgery has brought to millions.
Click here to go to our page on Questions About ICLs
You’re likely a good candidate for ICL if:
- You have moderate to extreme to moderate nearsightedness
- You have thin corneas and are not a LASIK candidate
- You have a history of dry eye
- You have large pupils