Benefits of Implantable Contact Lenses

Implantable contact lenses in Beverly Hills

Patients with cataracts have long benefitted from implantable lenses. Now, those with other vision problems can benefit from a similar type of lens technology. Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler of Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills explains why implantable contact lenses (ICLs) are a good choice for many patients, especially those who are not candidates for LASIK.

Implantable Contact Lenses

ICLs are made of biocompatible collamer, a material containing a tiny amount of purified collagen. Collamer has a long history of safe use in cataract lenses.

ICL vision correction is typically long-term, but changes are possible when necessary.

ICL Candidates

Candidates for ICLs must not have had any significant prescription changes for at least six months. They cannot have a history of signicant cataracts. The minimum age for patients is usually 21.

ICL Surgery

The ICL procedure involves an initial consultation to assess eye health and vision. During the actual procedure, the patient receives a mild sedative and numbing eye drops. The surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the eye. The ICL is then inserted behind the colored part of the eye, known as the iris. There is typically no need for stitches. The incision usually closes on its own.

Patients cannot drive themselves home from the procedure. That is true even though the change in vision is immediate.

ICL Benefits

Was there ever a time in your life when you did not need to wear glasses or put in contact lenses as soon as you woke up? Perhaps the biggest ICL benefit is a return to those days, and often with the goal of saying goodbye to the need for glasses and removeable contact lenses. ICLs have many other benefits over other vision correction procedures, including:

  • Less likely to result in dry eye
  • Lower risk of glare or halos
  • UV filter in the ICL
  • Better night vision
  • Never feeling the ICL in the eye
  • No maintenance needed

An Alternative to LASIK

Not everyone likes the idea of having laser surgery to correct vision. Moreover, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK.

For example, those with thin corneas are not LASIK candidates, but can usually receive ICLs. Not only do ICLs offer an alternative to LASIK, but they can correct vision issues that LASIK cannot.

LASIK surgery changes the cornea’s shape by permanently removing tissue. That is not the case with ICLs. Should your vision change, the surgeon can remove your current ICLs and, if desired, replace them with updated lenses.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about implantable contact lenses and whether they are right for you, contact Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills and schedule a personal consultation. Our practice treats patients from out-of-state and internationally.

A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT DR. BRIAN

Throughout his highly respected career, cornea specialist Dr. Brian has never wavered with his integrity and dedication to always do the best for each and every patient - even in the face of adversity and peer pressure. Case in point: when he developed a procedure to treat a cornea condition known as Keratoconus. While other eye surgeons were entrenched in performing invasive and painful cornea transplants, Dr. Brian invented a new non-invasive procedure that prevented needing cornea transplants. He was shocked by the medical establishment being unwelcoming to his innovation because, as he later found out, his new procedure was preventing other eye surgeons from performing their lucrative cornea transplants. Dr. Brian persisted, went against the grain and didn’t give up because he believed in himself and in his procedure as it was in the best interest of patients. Eventually, he crossed paths with U.S. Olympic bobsled driver Steven Holcomb who had Keratoconus and became so depressed over it that he tried to commit suicide. Luckily, he survived. The United States Olympic team and his coaches found Dr. Brian and sent Steven to see him. Dr. Brian restored his vision to 20/20 which enabled Steven later win a historic Olympic gold medal for United States in bobsled - the first in 62 years! As a result, Dr. Brian was later invited to give a prestigious TEDx talk about his integrity and dedication to patients. You can watch his moving and inspiring TEDx talk here.

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