ICL vs. Traditional Contact Lenses: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to improving vision, many people rely on traditional contact lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. However, advances in eye care technology have led to the development of a new, innovative option known as Implantable Collamer® Lenses (ICL). For patients seeking a more permanent and hassle-free solution to correct various vision problems, ICL may be an ideal alternative to traditional contact lenses.

At Wang Vision Institute in Nashville, TN, led by world-renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Ming Wang, our team is proud to offer the latest advancements in vision correction, including the ICL procedure. Take a closer look at how ICL compares to contact lenses here.

How do contacts work?

Traditional contact lenses are small, curved discs placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct refractive vision issues, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Available in both soft and hard varieties, these lenses sit on the cornea and work by refracting light properly into the eye, which improves visual acuity. Contacts require daily care, cleaning, and frequent replacement. While effective for many people, traditional contacts can sometimes lead to discomfort, dryness, and irritation.

What are ICL contacts?

ICL, or Implantable Collamer® L enses, is an advanced vision correction option that differs from traditional contacts in several ways. Instead of being placed on the surface of the eye like a typical contact lens, the EVO ICL is surgically implanted inside the eye, positioned between the iris and natural lens. The procedure is minimally invasive, typically taking only 20 – 30 minutes to complete.

Is ICL the same as LASIK?

EVO ICL and laser vision surgeries such as LASIK are not the same. Unlike laser vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea, the ICL procedure is additive, meaning no tissue is removed. Made from a biocompatible material called Collamer, the EVO ICL lens works in harmony with your eye's natural structure. This innovative lens provides high-quality vision without the need for daily care or replacements, and it can be surgically removed if needed.

What vision problems can be corrected with ICL?

ICL is designed specifically to correct the following vision issues:

Nearsightedness (myopia)
Astigmatism

For men and women who have been told they are not candidates for LASIK or PRK, ICL may offer a safe and effective solution for achieving clearer vision.

What's the difference between ICL vs contacts?

While both ICL and traditional contact lenses improve vision, there are some important differences between the two options that may make one or the other more appropriate for you, including:

ICL does not require cleaning, replacement, and other maintenance required with contacts
Because ICL is implanted into the eye, patients do not experience the discomfort of dryness and other issues sometimes associated with contacts
ICL can be tailored to correct specific issues, like myopia and astigmatism

Am I a candidate for ICL eye surgery?

Generally speaking, candidates for ICL vision surgery should:

Be in good overall health
Have myopia with astigmatism
Have a stable eyeglass prescription
Be at least 21 years of age

During a comprehensive eye exam at Wang Vision Institute, our team will assess your candidacy for EVO ICL based on your medical history, overall eye health, and current vision needs. Men and women with conditions like keratoconus, glaucoma, or cataracts, or those who have undergone cataract surgery, may not qualify for EVO ICL. Additionally, pregnant or nursing women are typically advised to postpone ICL eye surgery until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Get clearer vision with implantable Collamer® lens in Nashville, TN

If you're tired of the hassle of traditional contact lenses or have been told you're not a candidate for PRK or LASIK, ICL may offer the lasting solution you've been searching for. At Wang Vision Institute, led by Harvard & MIT graduate Dr. Ming Wang, our team is committed to providing innovative vision correction solutions to help you achieve and maintain clearer vision in the most convenient, longest-lasting way possible. To learn more about the benefits of implantable contacts in Nashville, TN, call to schedule your private consultation today.