Can keratoconus patients undergo ICL surgery?

It can be applied in some patients. It requires that the progression of the disease has stopped and that the structure of the eye is suitable.

Does ICL fully treat keratoconus?

No. It improves visual quality; it does not eliminate the disease.

Is the ICL lens felt inside the eye?

No. It is not visible from the outside and is not felt by the patient.

Is the ICL lens permanent?

It can remain permanently; however, it can be removed or replaced if necessary. It is a reversible method.

Yes, it is a safe method that has been applied for many years. Rarely, increased intraocular pressure, light halos, or lens positioning issues may be seen.

Can keratoconus patients undergo laser surgery?

In most cases, no. Because the corneal structure is weak, alternatives such as ICL may be preferred.

Is there an age limit for ICL?

It is generally evaluated in patients over 18 years of age whose eye prescription is stable.

keratoconus

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

ICL is a special lens placed inside the eye; it corrects high myopia and astigmatism without intervening in the corneal tissue. In keratoconus patients, it can be applied to improve visual quality once the disease has stabilized.

Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven

Ophthalmology · Istanbul

{ AI · preliminary guidance }

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Quick Answer

The implantable contact lens (ICL) corrects high myopia and astigmatism with a thin lens placed inside the eye, without touching the cornea. It is reversible and not felt; in keratoconus, it improves visual quality once the disease has stopped progressing, in patients who are not suitable candidates for laser treatment.

What Is the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)?

ICL is an advanced eye treatment method used for high myopia, astigmatism, and certain special conditions. A specially designed thin lens is placed inside the eye, allowing light to be focused properly onto the retina. It works without disrupting the corneal tissue and can be removed if necessary.

ICL Treatment in Keratoconus Patients

In keratoconus patients, ICL can be applied to improve visual quality in patients who have keratoconus together with high myopia or astigmatism. However, it is not a treatment that eliminates keratoconus.

Conditions for eligibility:

The progression of the disease must have stopped
Adequate vision cannot be achieved with glasses/contact lenses
Patients not suitable for laser treatment
Presence of high myopia/astigmatism

How Is Suitability Evaluated?

Suitability is assessed following a detailed eye examination and advanced technological measurements: corneal topography, Pentacam corneal analysis, intraocular pressure measurement, retinal examination, and intraocular distance measurements.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

It is performed under local anesthesia administered with drops. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes. The lens is inserted through a small incision at the edge of the cornea and fixed inside the eye. Patients can return to daily life the same day.

Advantages

Corneal tissue is preserved
High visual quality can be achieved
It is a reversible method
Not felt inside the eye
Night vision may improve
An alternative to laser treatment

Differences Between ICL and Laser Treatment

Corneal intervention: Laser reshapes tissue in the cornea; ICL does not involve any intervention to the cornea.
Permanence: Laser cannot be reversed; ICL can be removed.
Patient suitability: Laser requires a suitable corneal structure; ICL may be preferred in thin corneas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can keratoconus patients undergo ICL surgery?

It can be applied in some patients. It requires that the progression of the disease has stopped and that the structure of the eye is suitable.
Does ICL fully treat keratoconus?

No. It improves visual quality; it does not eliminate the disease.
Is the ICL lens felt inside the eye?

No. It is not visible from the outside and is not felt by the patient.
How long does ICL surgery take?

Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Is the ICL lens permanent?

It can remain permanently; however, it can be removed or replaced if necessary. It is a reversible method.
Is ICL surgery safe?

Yes, it is a safe method that has been applied for many years. Rarely, increased intraocular pressure, light halos, or lens positioning issues may be seen.
Can keratoconus patients undergo laser surgery?

In most cases, no. Because the corneal structure is weak, alternatives such as ICL may be preferred.
Is there an age limit for ICL?

It is generally evaluated in patients over 18 years of age whose eye prescription is stable.