Is ICL better than LASIK?

Living in sunny Brisbane, you know the importance of clear vision. Whether it’s taking in the breathtaking views from Mount Coot-tha or enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Fortitude Valley, you want to experience everything this beautiful city has to offer without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. That’s why you might be considering laser eye surgery, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery and LASIK, and help you decide which one is right for you.

What is ICL surgery?

ICL surgery involves implanting a small lens in between your iris and natural lens to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea to correct vision, ICL surgery leaves the cornea untouched and adds an extra lens to the eye. This makes ICL surgery a good option for people with thin corneas or high prescriptions that may not be suitable for LASIK. ICL surgery can also be an excellent option for those who are not good candidates for LASIK due to dry eyes or other corneal abnormalities.

What are the pros and cons of ICL surgery?

One of the main advantages of ICL surgery is its ability to treat a wider range of shortsightedness than LASIK. Typically LASIK is only suitable for those with mild-moderate myopia so ICL surgery can be a great alternative to LASIK if you have a higher degree of shortsightedness. It also has a lower risk of certain complications, such as dry eyes and night vision problems, which can be more common with LASIK. However, ICL surgery is a more invasive procedure than LASIK and requires a longer recovery time.

How does ICL compare to LASIK?

When comparing ICL and LASIK, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. LASIK is a less invasive procedure that typically has a faster recovery time¹https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007112.pub3/full, but may not be suitable for people with thin corneas or high prescriptions. ICL surgery, on the other hand, can correct a wider range of vision problems and has a lower risk of certain complications, like dry eye, but may require a longer recovery time and carries a slightly higher risk of other complications such as clouding of the cornea, over or under treatment or visual disturbances such as glare or double vision.

While both ICL surgery and LASIK have their advantages and disadvantages, only a qualified ophthalmologist can determine which option is best for you. If you’re ready to take the first step towards clear vision in Brisbane, we encourage you to book a free assessment with us. Our experienced team of eye care professionals is committed to providing personalised care and helping you achieve optimal results.