Written by Gangnam Brand Eye Clinic
2025.02.20
ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) surgery is different from laser vision correction procedures like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE LASIK, as it involves inserting a lens inside the eye to correct vision rather than reshaping the cornea. Not everyone considering vision correction surgery is a candidate for LASIK, LASEK, or other laser-based procedures. If the cornea is too thin or irregularly shaped, if there are corneal diseases, or if a person has severe myopia or astigmatism, laser vision correction may not be suitable. In such cases, ICL surgery can be an effective alternative. For individuals with severe myopia and astigmatism, who have worn thick glasses, achieving the desired vision often requires more corneal tissue to be removed than in typical cases. Particularly in cases with severe astigmatism, the amount of corneal tissue that needs to be removed can increase by 20-30% compared to correcting only myopia.
ICL(Lens implant) surgery is a procedure where a transparent lens of a specific power is inserted between the iris and the lens, without cutting the cornea. Since the cornea is preserved intact, there are no risks of complications such as corneal opacity or corneal ectasia.
The lens material used in lens implant surgery is biocompatible, meaning it can be safely and stably maintained inside the eye without causing rejection. Even in cases of severe astigmatism, vision correction is effectively achieved with the use of astigmatism-correcting lenses. Lens implant surgery is a permanent procedure where a lens is inserted into the eye. This can raise concerns for some people, such as fear of the surgery, whether vision will be maintained over time, or if there will be complications or safety issues. According to studies, 10 years after surgery, patients showed stable and good vision, with no significant complications, and the intraocular pressure remained stable. However, there have been cases of mild myopic regression and endothelial cell reduction, so it is recommended that individuals who have undergone lens implantation undergo annual eye exams to monitor their eye health.
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