Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

If you are a contact lenses or glasses wearer, you know how time consuming the task of clear vision can be. With implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs), you may never have to remember where you left your glasses or mess with cleaning contacts. ICLs are another alternative to LASIK, one that is particularly recommended for patients who may not make good LASIK candidates due to high levels of extremes of myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and/or astigmatism. Often these high aberrations can pose added risk in LASIK patients, and Dr. Kawesch simply does not perform LASIK on patients who he may not be able to get great results for. Patients with especially thin corneas fall into this category. When LASIK first came out, these thin cornea patients only had the option of PRK. Now with alternative procedures like ICLs and LASEK, these patients have viable options for clear, natural vision.

ICLs correct vision much like a temporary contact lens. These thin, plastic, foldable lenses are implanted behind the iris and in front of the eye's natural lens for a seamless integration. Dr. Kawesch makes a tiny corneal incision and inserts them in place. After a period of adjustment, the eye works with your ICLs to provide sharp, clear vision. Unlike the mail-order, one-size-fits-all contact lenses, your ICLs are custom designed to fit your individual needs.

Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) may be the perfect vision alternative for patients who:

• Have nearsightedness more than -8.0 D and up to -20.0 D
• Have farsightedness more than +4.0 D, and up to +18.0 D
• Have especially thin corneas
• Have trouble wearing contacts or dislike glasses
• Are older than 21 years and have had a stable refraction for 2 years or more
• Are not pregnant

Implantable Contact Lens Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about eliminating your dependence on glasses and contacts with the advanced Implantable Contact Lens procedure. Call or email San Francisco's Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley for a comprehensive and informative consultation.

408.984.1010