| Q. |
Am I a candidate for the Collamer ICLTM? |
| A. |
The best candidates for the ICL are between the ages
of 21 and 50, with myopia or hyperopia, with or without
astigmatism (please note that the ICL is not approved
in the United States and the approved treatment range
varies by country).
It is best if you have not had any previous ophthalmic
surgery and do not have a history of ophthalmic disease
such as glaucoma, iritis or diabetic retinopathy. |
 |
| Q. |
What are the advantages of the ICL? |
| A. |
The ICL and Toric ICLTM are capable of correcting a
wide range of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism without
the removal or destruction of corneal tissue. The ICL
is a small, foldable, injectable lens that is inserted
through a tiny, 3 mm incision that does not require sutures.
The ICL provides predictable refractive outcomes and excellent
quality of vision due to its placement inside the eye,
as well as its optical performance. The lens is made of
a superior lens material called Collamer® which provides
unparalleled biocompatibility. |
|
| Q. |
What if a patient’s vision changes? |
| A. |
If there are major changes in your vision the ICL can
easily be removed and replaced or another procedure can
be done at any time. With the ICL, you can still wear
glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The ICL does not
help presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses due to
age.
The ICL is available for different treatment ranges depending
on what country you live in. |
|
| Q. |
Can they dry out or get dirty like a contact lens? |
| A. |
No. ICLs are designed to remain in place within the
eye without maintenance. An annual visit to your ophthalmologist
is recommended to make sure that everything is fine. |
|
| Q. |
Can the CollamerTM be seen by the naked eye? |
| A. |
No. Because the lens is positioned behind the iris,
neither you, nor an observer will be able to identify
the lens in place. The cosmetic appearance of the ICL
is perfect and a non-professional will not be able to
notice a visual correction is in place. |
|
| Q. |
What are ICLs made of? |
| A. |
The material is called Collamer®, a collagen co-polymer
which contains a small amount of purified collagen. It
is very biocompatible (does not cause a reaction inside
the eye) and stable. It also contains an ultraviolet light
filter. This material is proprietary to STAAR Surgical. |
|
| Q. |
What is involved in the ICL procedure? |
| A. |
The ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis,
which means that the patient has surgery and leaves the
same day. Please note that someone will have to drive
the patient to and from surgery. A light, topical or local
anesthetic is administered and there is very little discomfort
and normally no pain associated with the procedure. Some
drops or perhaps oral medication may be prescribed and
a visit is usually scheduled the day after surgery. |
|
| Q. |
How long do ICLs stay in the eye? |
| A. |
ICLs are intended to remain in place without maintenance.
If it becomes necessary, for any reason, they can be easily
removed by a trained ophthalmic surgeon. |
|
| Q. |
Can the ICL be felt once it is in place? |
| A. |
The ICL is not typically noticeable after it is implanted.
It does not attach to any structures within the eye and
does not move around after it is placed. |
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