Can You Have ICL After Lasik?
Many vision correction techniques and surgeries in the market are good in their place. As Lasik is a common but famous technique, we are, in this article, going to deal with two techniques; Lasik and ICL.
As our main goal and focus will be on whether one can go for ICL after Lasik, we will try attempting every basic question and share the requisite knowledge with you for your better understanding.
What is a Lasik Technique?
Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are some of the more common visual issues that can be treated by LASIK, also known as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It seeks to lessen or eliminate the requirement for glasses or contact lenses.
A surgeon performs LASIK surgery to reshape the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye. Clear vision is produced by concentrating light onto the retina at the rear of the eye through the cornea. The surgeon can repair refractive problems and enhance eyesight by changing the cornea’s shape.
The full LASIK process typically takes less than 15 minutes per eye and is carried out under local anesthesia. It is considered a safe and efficient procedure that offers quick sight recovery with little discomfort. Though there are potential dangers and side effects, just as with any surgical procedure, these should be explored with an eye care specialist before having LASIK.
What is the Procedure of Lasik?
The LASIK procedure typically involves the following steps:
1. Creation of a corneal flap
A thin, hinged flap is made on the cornea’s surface by the surgeon using a femtosecond laser or a blade-like tool called a microkeratome. The flap is raised to reveal the corneal tissue underneath.
2. Reshaping the cornea
The remaining corneal tissue is then accurately removed with an excimer laser. According to each patient’s particular prescription, the laser ablation is customized. The laser makes the cornea steeper for farsightedness and flatter for nearsightedness. The shape of the cornea can also be adjusted to level out astigmatism.
3. Flap repositioning
The surgeon places the corneal flap back in its proper location after the cornea has been reshaped, where it adheres naturally without stitches. The flap functions as a natural bandage, hastening the healing process.
What is an ICL?
A type of refractive surgery known as an ICL, or Implantable Collamer Lens, involves inserting an artificial lens into the eye to treat visual issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It serves as an alternative to laser-based refractive procedures like LASIK.
The ICL technique, in contrast to LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, focuses on inserting a specifically made lens in front of the eye’s natural lens without changing the corneal shape. The lens is made of collamer, a biocompatible substance incorporating a collagen component to provide flexibility and compatibility with the eye’s tissues.
The ICL offers a permanent option for vision correction but may be removed if needed. One benefit of ICL over LASIK is that it can correct refractive defects with greater degrees that might not be amenable to laser-based procedures. People with thin corneas or who might not be ideal candidates for corneal reshaping treatments can also benefit from it.
It is crucial to speak with a qualified eye surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for ICL surgery and to review the potential drawbacks, advantages, and other relevant options.
What is the Procedure of ICL?
The ICL procedure typically involves the following steps:
1. Preoperative evaluation
The eye surgeon conducts a thorough eye examination to evaluate the patient’s eye health, measure the prescription, and establish whether ICL surgery is appropriate.
2. Lens size determination
The patient’s eye parameters, such as corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and white-to-white measurement (the horizontal distance between the edges of the cornea), are used to determine the ICL’s size and power.
3. Surgical procedure
A small corneal incision is made during the ICL operation, often carried out under local anesthesia. Through the incision, the folded ICL is carefully positioned in front of the native lens. The lens unfolds and gently settles into position once it is in place.
4. Postoperative care
After treatment, the patient might be given eye drops or other drugs to stop irritation and infection. Frequent follow-up appointments are planned to guarantee the best possible visual results and track the healing process.
So, Is ICL allowed after Lasik?
After discussing the fundamentals of both Lasik and ICL, we are interested in learning whether or not a patient can undergo ICL after having Lasik. After LASIK surgery, it is possible to have an ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) operation. Patients who have had LASIK in the past occasionally need further vision correction or go through changes in their prescription that cannot be appropriately handled by LASIK alone. An ICL may be a good choice in certain circumstances.
What are the Factors to Consider When Going for ICL after Lasik?
There are a few factors to consider when considering ICL after LASIK, which are described as follows:
1. Stability of the cornea
To correct eyesight, LASIK includes reshaping the cornea by removing tissue. After LASIK, the stability of the cornea is a crucial factor. The cornea must be stable and of sufficient thickness for the ICL to be properly positioned and succeed over time.
2. Prescription stability
Before considering an ICL, your prescription must be stabilized after LASIK. To ensure the accuracy of the ICL treatment, it could be best to postpone if your prescription is still fluctuating.
3. Assessment of corneal thickness
The cornea’s thickness is measured to establish enough corneal tissue for the ICL surgery following LASIK. The cornea must be thick enough to support both the ICL and the remaining corneal tissue, and the eye’s anterior chamber must have room for the ICL.
4. Consultation with an eye surgeon
A qualified eye surgeon with experience doing refractive procedures must be consulted. They will evaluate your situation, check your eyes’ condition, review your primary LASIK data, and decide whether an ICL operation following LASIK is appropriate.
The Final Score!
While ICL after LASIK is possible, it is important to note that each case is unique. The decision should be made after a thorough evaluation by a qualified eye care professional. They will consider factors such as corneal stability, prescription changes, corneal thickness, and your specific vision correction to determine the most appropriate course of action.
