Written by SNU Eye Clinic
2025.02.20
The vision correction surgery that is gaining popularity among busy professionals and university students, who have tight schedules, is SMILE LASIK. By using the VisuMax femtosecond laser device to correct vision, it minimizes corneal damage, allowing patients to return to their daily activities as soon as the next day. However, for those with excessively thin corneas, corneal diseases, or high myopia or hyperopia that make laser vision correction impossible, vision correction is achieved through Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery, which involves inserting a lens inside the eye.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a procedure in which a corrective lens is inserted between the iris and the lens of the eye to restore vision. Since this involves placing a lens inside the eye, many people have concerns and interest about whether the vision will be stably maintained and whether there are any risks of side effects or complications.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is recommended for individuals with extremely thin corneas, high myopia, or conditions such as Avelino corneal dystrophy, which make other vision correction surgeries impossible. Since ICL does not involve reshaping the cornea, it has a lower risk of side effects like corneal opacity or corneal ectasia. Additionally, the lens is made from a biocompatible material, reducing the feeling of foreign body sensation in the eye. This material prevents the deposition of particles like proteins and allows the lens to remain stable within the eye for an extended period.
Lens implantation surgery (ICL) has been widely performed overseas for over 20 years and has been widely practiced in South Korea since it received KFDA approval. It is generally divided into anterior and posterior implantation procedures. In the case of anterior implantation, the lens is directly fixed to the eye's strongest tissue, the iris. The lens is inserted in front of the iris to correct vision. Posterior implantation surgery involves inserting the lens between the iris and the lens, offering high stability and not requiring iris incisions, which allows for bilateral surgery on the same day. The EVO+ Aqua ICL lens is primarily used for posterior lens implantation. The EVO+ Aqua ICL lens is a special lens with a tiny 360㎛ hole in the center, which improves the flow of aqueous humor inside the eye, preventing an increase in intraocular pressure after surgery. This feature significantly reduces the likelihood of complications such as glaucoma. The surgery can be performed regardless of corneal thickness, and compared to traditional surgeries, it results in less glare, preserving the structure of the cornea and eye, allowing for long-term vision stability.
The process of Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery begins with a detailed examination and consultation with the medical staff to determine the most suitable vision correction method for the individual. Prior to the surgery, a 3D advanced imaging system is used to assess the eye's structure, followed by the selection of the appropriate lens type and precise insertion position to ensure a safer procedure. After anesthesia, a tiny incision of about 3mm is made, and the lens is inserted into the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye. The lens is then secured between the iris and the lens, completing the surgery. ICL is a suitable vision correction option for those with corneal diseases or those with thin corneas who are unable to undergo LASIK or LASEK surgeries, as the procedure involves placing a biocompatible lens inside the eye, similar to wearing glasses. Since there is no need for corneal healing, optimal vision can be achieved immediately after surgery.
Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery requires a high level of precision, as even a difference of just 1 micrometer can change the outcome of the procedure. Therefore, the experience and expertise of the medical staff are crucial. When choosing a hospital, it is recommended to carefully review the doctor's experience, academic activities, the number of surgeries performed, and their capability to handle ultra-precise lens insertion techniques before proceeding with the surgery.
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