Can you have ICL after LASIK?
If you have undergone LASIK surgery and are now considering ICL surgery, you may be wondering if it is possible to have ICL after LASIK. As with most things in life, it is not a straightforward answer. In this blog post, we will explore the details of both surgeries, and whether you can have ICL after LASIK.
LASIK surgery: explained
So, what is LASIK surgery? Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a highly popular laser refractive surgery that reshapes your cornea to correct shortsightedness, longsightedness, and astigmatism. Our surgeon creates a thin flap on the outer layer of the cornea, applies the excimer laser to reshape the cornea while the flap is retracted, and finally, repositions the flap. A LASIK procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes1https://www.hindawi.com/journals/joph/2009/230528/ for both eyes combined, and the recovery period is quite short as well with most people returning to normal activities within a week or two.
ICL surgery: explained
ICL or Implantable contact lens surgery, on the other hand, is a refractive surgery that involves implanting a soft and flexible contact lens that permanently between your iris and natural lens. It works by adding a second lens to the eye’s existing lens to change your total focusing power and address your refractive error. It is a very safe and effective procedure with a high satisfaction rate.2https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016164201000374X
What’s the verdict?
Now, back to the question at hand: can you have ICL after LASIK surgery? The answer is yes, but it depends on many factors that only your surgeon can determine. Some patients may have residual prescription after LASIK that requires additional correction with ICL. Still, in other cases, we may recommend ICL instead of LASIK if you have dry eyes or thin corneas, which are not suitable for LASIK surgery.
We must perform a thorough eye examination to evaluate your eye’s anatomy, residual prescription, and overall health before deciding whether ICL surgery is feasible following LASIK surgery.
To find out more about ICL or LASIK surgery, book a free assessment with us.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialist
HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST
With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.
Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.
I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.
Dr. Matthew Russell
MBChB, FRANZCO
