Intraocular Contact Lens

Eye Care & Surgery

Ophthalmologists & Optometrists located in New York City, NY & The Bronx, NY

If you want to treat poor eyesight with a method that requires no maintenance and isn’t noticeable to others, talk to the Eye Care & Surgery team about intraocular contact lens placement. These biocompatible lenses give you excellent vision without the hassle of external contacts or eyeglasses. You can schedule your consultation at the Eye Care & Surgery office in the Washington Heights neighborhood in Manhattan or visit their location near the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, directly across from Yankee Stadium. Book online or call the nearest Eye Care & Surgery location to arrange your appointment today.

What is an intraocular contact lens (ICL)?

ICLs are artificial lenses surgically implanted in the eye to correct your vision. They’re also known as phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) or implantable contact lenses.

These remarkable lenses correct:

Nearsightedness
Farsightedness
Astigmatism

These lenses are an excellent option if you need help to see but don’t want to wear glasses. They are placed in front of your natural lens and behind the iris to improve your eye’s function. Due to this positioning, they remain in place without maintenance.

What are the benefits of intraocular contact lenses?

In addition to anyone looking for an alternative to eyeglasses, the Eye Care & Surgery specialists may recommend ICLs if you have dry eyes or thin corneas.

They give you stable and clear vision, particularly at high prescriptions, and don’t require maintenance. ICLs are also reversible — the team can remove or replace them if you want a change. They are made of biocompatible material, so you heal quickly and avoid irritation.

Am I a candidate for intraocular contact lenses?

If you’re myopic (nearsighted) and between 21-45 years old, you may be a good candidate. An ICL may not be best for you if you have a history of eye diseases, such as:

Iritis
Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy

If you are pregnant or nursing, you’ll need to postpone an ICL implantation.

What happens during intraocular contact lens placement?

A week before your surgical procedure, your ophthalmologist makes a small incision to let fluid pass between the lens and the front chamber of your eye. This prevents a buildup of intraocular pressure after surgery.

The placement procedure is outpatient and takes only about 15 minutes. Your provider uses a local or light topical aesthetic, and you can also request a mild sedative.

What happens after intraocular contact lens placement?

Your provider checks your intraocular pressure a few hours after surgery and ensures the lens is correctly positioned. You’ll typically have follow-up visits the day after your surgery, at the one-month mark, and after six months.

Your ICL is invisible to others, and since it doesn’t interact with the eye’s structures, you don’t feel it. You can enjoy improved vision without maintenance or any noticeable change.

To talk to the team about intraocular contact lenses, call the Eye Care & Surgery office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

What we offer