You decided it was time to ditch those glasses. You did your research and found a LASIK specialist. They tested your eyes, had you read the eye chart, you told them which was better (one or two?). Then the doctor comes in and “LASIK isn’t the best option for you…”
You’re devastated. You’ll just have to live your life behind those two little panes of glass forever. (This is how many LASIK evaluations end for those that are not great candidates)
“… but there are other options available.”
You sit up a little taller and find out, you can permanently correct your vision in another way! (This is the experience most of Chu Vision’s patients have when they aren’t a great candidate for LASIK. We offer more choices!)
Implantable Contact Lens
An Implantable Contact Lens, or ICL, is almost exactly what it sounds like. The ICL is placed in the eye, behind the pupil, in front of the natural lens to correct vision. This is a long-term implant that can be removed at any time, if necessary. World-renowned surgeon Dr. Ralph Chu has placed hundreds of ICLs in many happy patients who otherwise didn’t qualify for laser procedures like LASIK or SMILE. In fact, Dr. Chu was the first in Minnesota to use the ICL technology over 20 years ago!
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What happens during the ICL procedure?
The ICLs are placed in the patient’s eyes while they are lightly sedated. Dr. Chu and his team at Chu Vision Institute ensure the patient’s comfort for the entire process. Dr. Chu makes a tiny incision and inserts the ICL into place. The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes to complete both eyes. After the procedure, your eyes may need time to adjust to the new implant but after a few days, your vision should become clear!
During the ICL procedure, no tissue is removed from the surface of your eye, which means there is less risk of dryness after the procedure than with LASIK.
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Am I a Candidate?
Good candidates for ICLs struggle with nearsightedness and are looking to rid themselves of contacts and glasses to see in the distance. Usually, the best candidates are between the ages of 21 and 45 with a prescription higher than -3.0. If you are prone to dry eyes, ICL is a terrific option since no tissue is removed from the cornea. You will need a thorough eye exam to determine if ICL is a good option for you.
If you were considering LASIK but found out it wasn’t an option for you, we may have another solution. Dr. Chu and his excellent care team in Bloomington, Minnesota will evaluate your specific visual needs and help you come up with the best plan of action. Set up a consultation today to start your vision correction journey!
