Permanent, Implantable Contact Lens Can Dramatically Improve Vision
If you've ever worn glasses, or contacts, or both, you know what a hassle they can be. Lasik Eye Surgery has provided relief for some. But not everyone qualifies for the procedure. Still there is a new alternative to Lasik. It's called Implantable Collamer Lenses or ICL.
The procedure has been available in the U.S. since December. And it has finally made its way to the Lansing area. Dr. Rosenbaum ,of Rosenbaum Eye and Laser Center, is the first ophthalmologist to perform ICL locally.
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The lens is made of a soft material called collamer, which is a blend of collagen and polyhema, a common lens material. It has "shape memory, so it can be folded into a tiny roll and unfolded after it's inserted in the eye.
Because the lens can be rolled up, the surgeon makes just a 3 millimeter incision in the eye that requires no stitches.
Potential complications include the possibility that the new lens could rub the natural lens, causing cataracts or other irritations. In the study, surgeons removed lenses from three eyes that had developed cataracts.
The lens was designed to remain in the eye permanently, but if a patient's vision changes, the lens can either be removed and changed, or the patient can get regular corrective glasses, contact lenses or LASIK surgery.
The surgery costs anywhere between $6,000 and $10,000. Just like Lasik, it is not for everyone. The best candidates include people suffering from moderate to severe near-sightedness, ages 21 through 45 with a stable prescription.
Filed under Cataract Surgery, Contact Lens, Eye Treatment, Refractive Eye Surgery
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