The ICL Procedure for Myopia & Astigmatism

ICL is a refractive surgery that uses a lens implant inside the eye enabling a person to see with less use of glasses or contact lenses. The cornea is the part of the eye that focuses light to create an image on the retina. When light reaches a curved surface such as the cornea or the lens inside the eye, it bends. This bending of light is called refraction. More often than not, the shape of a person’s cornea is not perfect, which prohibits the light from focusing correctly on the retina. When this occurs, the eye is referred to as near-sighted, far-sighted or astigmatic. These problems are called refractive errors.  

ICL is a procedure that corrects nearsightedness, and also astigmatism in many cases.  The Intraocular Collamer Lens by Staar Technology is FDA approved for correction of myopia up to -16.0 diopters for suitable candidates, and reduction of myopia for up to -20.0 diopters of myopia.  

Our doctors are trained in reducing and eliminating these refractive errors, so you can see without using glasses or contact lenses. They both perform many types of refractive surgeries and are therefore able to custom tailor the perfect procedure for each individual patient.

Why ICL?

There are a variety of reasons why people choose ICL. For many it is a wish to simplify their life. A desire to wake up in the morning and see the alarm clock clearly. To no longer be dependent on contacts or glasses while playing sports or swimming. To save money on endless contact lenses and the products needed every day to wear them. To read a menu in a restaurant without reading glasses. To be able to see better, anytime…all the time.

What happens during the procedure?

To begin the procedure, you will first relax in a comfortable, outpatient surgery center. Your doctor will place a few numbing drops in your eye and will use a lid-retainer-device to gently hold your eyelids open during the procedure. Intravenous sedation will help your relaxation.   The doctor then surgically makes small incisions and the implantation of the ICL is performed. The treatment lasts a few minutes. Most patients then go home and sleep.

Common ICL Questions

Am I a good candidate for ICL?

If you suffer from nearsightedness or astigmatism, you may be a candidate. If you are over 18 years old and in good health with no history of glaucoma or cataracts, ICL may be a viable option for you. Every patient is unique and our surgeons methodically examine each individual to determine the correct vision procedure. To identify if ICL is appropriate for you, schedule an appointment for a consultation.

What are the risks?

As with any elective surgery, there are risks that are dependent upon the patient. Reeve Woods Eye Center strives to provide excellence in care and will review all risks and rewards prior to your procedure, providing you with an opportunity to make an educated decision that is right for you.

Does it hurt?

Patients of Reeve Woods Eye Center are given a topical anesthetic to numb the eye, so there is no pain. During the procedure itself, patients may experience a sensation of pressure and sedation by the intravenous monitored anesthesia care.

How long does the procedure take?

The ICL procedure takes about 10 minutes and is relatively painless.  

Why choose Reeve Woods Eye Center for ICL?

Excellent personalized care and the comfort of knowing our practice has performed tens of thousands of successful eye surgeries over the years is what sets us apart from other centers.  Both doctors of our refractive surgery center have extensive experience.  Our doctors take tremendous pride in the quality of their surgical outcomes and will do everything possible to ensure that you have your best possible visual result.  Thousands of satisfied patients have trusted their eyes to Drs. Reeve and Woods.

When selecting a eye doctor, the most important things to consider are experience, technology, safety, and comfort. At Reeve Woods Eye Center, each doctor is committed to providing the highest-quality care. Our experienced surgeons, Dr. Reeve and Dr. Woods, meet personally with each patient to perform thorough preoperative testing and ensure maximum comfort and safety throughout treatment.  Our doctors perform all follow-up care to maximize your recovery and visual outcomes.

Trust the doctors that other health professionals trust, visit Reeve Woods Eye Center today for an ICL consultation.  Call (530) 899-2244 or schedule online!