Laser Vision Surgery

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

Implantable Contact Lenses FAQ

What are the risks involved with ICLs?

The implantable contact lenses (ICL) procedure is considered a very safe one, especially when it is performed by someone of Dr. Kawesch's background and expertise. Just like all vision correction procedures, the Implantable Contact Lens procedure involves some degree of risk. However, at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, we feel we've done an excellent job of minimizing complication rates with advanced technology, strict safety and hygiene protocol, and ongoing physician and training.

To decide if this procedure is right for you, you should weigh the risks and benefits of ICLs and examine what clear vision truly means to you. During your free, no obligation consultation, Dr. Kawesch will go over all of the potential side effects and answer any questions you may have. All patients have different levels of risk, based on their unique vision characteristics. Risks of this procedure may be late onset lens opacities, pigment dispersion, and other visual disturbances.

Are both eyes implanted at once?

Because the vision enhancements take some time to achieve stability, only one eye is implanted at a time. You may have the second eye implanted once Dr. Kawesch feels the first has adjusted to a reasonable vision level. For the majority of ICL recipients, the period between implants is about 2 - 4 weeks.

Are ICLs permanent?

Yes. The procedure is designed to give you permanent vision enhancement. While implantable contact lenses enhance vision by addressing abnormalities of the cornea like regular contact lenses do, they cannot be expected to address vision problems that develop following insertion, such as presbyopia. However, the procedure is reversible and the ICLs can be removed and replaced if necessary.

Will I be permanently free of glasses?

The vision results you are able to achieve will depend on your unique vision abnormalities as well as your lifestyle and health status. Our goal with ICLs is to improve your nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism as much as possible with the technology offered. Some patients, notably those with presbyopia, may require reading glasses for up-close tasks.

Trust your vision to a San Francisco eye doctor who is committed to giving you the best results possible. Call or email Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today for your free consultation.