Thinking of Getting Permanent Contact Lenses? Here’s What You Need to Know

Scores of people wear eyeglasses or regular contact lenses to help improve their vision. However, many more come to our Vaughan optometrist seeking LASIK eye surgery to say goodbye to using glasses and regular contacts.

However, not everyone is cut out for LASIK, but it doesn’t mean that there are no excellent alternatives. Our Vaughan optometrist offers consultations for an implantable contact lens to all our patients looking for a more permanent solution.

How Do Implantable Lenses Work?

In a nutshell, implantable contact lenses (ICLs) are permanent contact lenses. They are fashioned from a biocompatible material, including collagen, which means that there will be no toxicity, and it works well with your body’s chemistry.

The lenses are thin and foldable, and they are uniquely customized to match each patient’s eye. These permanent contact lenses are inserted behind the colored part of your eye (iris) and in front of your eye’s lens. The procedure is relatively quick, and it is virtually painless.

Once they have been placed, the focusing point of your eyes will be altered, meaning that you will have a clearer vision. They operate on the same principle as glasses or regular contact lenses.

The new ICLs are completely invisible to anyone who will look at your eyes. You can continue with life, as usual, play sports, swim, etc.

What’s the Difference Between Regular Contacts and Implantable Contacts?

Regular contact lenses are the ones you typically get from our optometrist to help rectify your vision. There are several types of regular contact lenses that are available, including:

• Bifocal lenses
• Toric lenses
• Monthly wear lenses
• Bi-weekly wear lenses
• Soft lenses
• Colored lenses
• Hard lenses
• Daily wear lenses

One of the clear-cut difference between regular contacts and ICLs is regular contacts can be prescribed for all ages and can be used to correct a variety of vision problems, including:

• Nearsightedness
• Astigmatism
• Farsightedness
• Presbyopia

However, a major area of concern with regular contacts is that there is a heightened risk of improper contact storage and usage, eye infections, and other behaviors that can permanently damage your vision. These are issues that you don’t have to worry about when you are using ICLs.

What Do ICLs Treat?

So long as you have met the requirements, such as those aged between 21 and 45 and cannot undergo LASIK surgery, you can benefit from ICLs. However, ICLs are primarily used to treat:

• Moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia)
• Astigmatism

Are There Any Precautions?

ICL surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, it isn’t safe for everyone. When you consider going down this road, talk to us to determine whether this option is appropriate for you. It is not a good choice for you if you:

• Are above 45 years
• Are breastfeeding or pregnant
• Have a chronic disease that may cause hormonal fluctuations
• Are younger than 21 years
• Don’t meet the minimum endothelial cell count required for the procedure
• Have a condition that affects wound healing
• Are taking prescription drugs that cause vision changes

What Are the Benefits of Using ICLs?

As you might have guessed, ICLs are packed with lots of benefits, including:

• ICLs can rectify severe degrees of refractive errors.
• If your work depends on good eyesight, you can benefit from the high-quality vision that ICLs offer.
• ICLs are convenient since you don’t have to deal with glasses or contact lens solutions and supplies.
• ICLs are protected from the normal wear and tear that plague traditional contact lenses. They are also protected from dirt and dust that causes dryness, which is characteristic of traditional contact lenses.
• ICLs offer a safer alternative to the patients who are ineligible for LASIK surgery.
• The procedure is reversible, meaning that if you desire to remove them or use another option, you are at liberty to do so.
• ICLs are a permanent corrective solution, not unless you decide to remove the permanent contact lenses.
• The ICL procedure does not exacerbate or cause chronic dry eye. It helps maintain eye health.
• Recovery is quick since no tissue is removed.

Are There Any Implantable Contact Lens Risks?

As you know by now, there is no surgical procedure devoid of risks. However, patients rarely experience issues or complications after the surgery. In fact, under 1% of the patients experience adverse effects. Even when complications do occur, they can be rectified.

Contact our optometrist near you if you need a consultation for implantable contact lenses in Vaughan, ON, at Dr. Allyson Tang Optometrist.