- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: December 8, 2024
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic on Harley Street, London, we understand that many patients with astigmatism are seeking effective, long-term solutions for their vision problems. One question we frequently encounter is, “Will my ICL surgery correct my astigmatism?” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery can indeed address astigmatism, providing clearer vision and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Understanding Astigmatism
Before delving into how ICL surgery can correct astigmatism, it’s essential to understand what astigmatism is and how it affects your vision.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. In a normal eye, the cornea is shaped like a smooth ball. However, with astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball, causing light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than a single point. This results in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Common symptoms of astigmatism include:
- Blurry or distorted vision at all distances
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eyestrain and headaches
- Squinting to see clearly
- Problems with depth perception
ICL Surgery: A Solution for Astigmatism
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery has emerged as an effective treatment option for patients with astigmatism, especially those with moderate to high degrees of the condition.
What is ICL Surgery?
ICL surgery involves implanting a soft, flexible lens behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with high prescriptions or those who may not be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery.
Will My ICL Surgery Correct My Astigmatism?
The answer is yes, ICL surgery can correct astigmatism, particularly with the use of Toric ICLs. These specialised lenses are designed to address both near-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism simultaneously.
Toric ICLs: Tailored for Astigmatism Correction
Toric ICLs are specifically designed to correct astigmatism along with myopia. Here’s how they work:
- Custom Design: Each Toric ICL is custom-made based on the unique measurements of your eye and your specific astigmatism.
- Precise Positioning: During surgery, the Toric ICL is carefully positioned to align with your eye’s astigmatism axis.
- Dual Correction: The lens corrects both your myopia and astigmatism in a single procedure.
Effectiveness of ICL Surgery for Astigmatism
Studies have shown impressive results for ICL surgery in correcting astigmatism:
- High Success Rate: A significant percentage of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better without glasses after Toric ICL surgery.
- Improved Vision Quality: Many patients report better vision quality compared to their pre-surgery vision with glasses or contact lenses.
- Stable Results: The correction provided by ICLs remains stable over time, offering a long-term solution for astigmatism.
Advantages of ICL Surgery for Astigmatism Correction
Choosing ICL surgery at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic on Harley Street offers several benefits:
- Precision: Toric ICLs provide highly accurate astigmatism correction.
- Reversibility: Unlike laser eye surgery, ICL implantation is reversible if needed.
- UV Protection: Many ICLs offer built-in UV protection for the eye.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours of surgery.
- Suitable for High Prescriptions: ICLs can correct higher degrees of astigmatism and myopia than some other procedures.
The ICL Surgery Procedure at Blue Fin Vision®
At our Harley Street clinic in London, we ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for our ICL patients:
- Comprehensive Assessment: We conduct thorough eye examinations to determine your suitability for ICL surgery.
- Customised Treatment Plan: Our expert surgeons create a tailored plan based on your unique eye characteristics and vision needs.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: We use state-of-the-art technology for precise ICL implantation.
- Minimally Invasive Procedure: The surgery is performed through a tiny incision, promoting quick healing.
- Post-operative Care: We provide comprehensive aftercare to ensure optimal results and address any concerns.
Who is a Good Candidate for ICL Surgery?
ICL surgery with Toric lenses may be an excellent option if you:
- Are between 21 and 45 years old
- Have moderate to high astigmatism and myopia
- Have a stable prescription
- Are not a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery
- Desire to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses
Comparing ICL Surgery to Other Astigmatism Treatments
While ICL surgery is highly effective for astigmatism correction, it’s important to understand how it compares to other treatment options:
ICL vs Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK/PRK)
- ICL is suitable for higher prescriptions
- ICL doesn’t involve removing corneal tissue
- ICL is reversible
ICL vs Glasses/Contact Lenses
- ICL provides a permanent solution
- ICL eliminates daily maintenance of contact lenses
- ICL may offer better vision quality, especially in low light conditions
The Importance of Choosing the Right Eye Clinic
When considering ICL surgery for astigmatism correction, selecting an experienced and reputable eye clinic is crucial. At Blue Fin Vision® on Harley Street, London, we offer:
- Expertise: Our surgeons are leaders in ICL implantation and astigmatism correction.
- Cutting-edge Technology: We use the latest diagnostic and surgical equipment for optimal outcomes.
- Personalised Care: We tailor our approach to each patient’s unique needs and vision goals.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation to long-term follow-up, we provide thorough care throughout your vision correction journey.
Conclusion: Clear Vision Awaits
ICL surgery, particularly with Toric lenses, offers an excellent solution for correcting astigmatism and achieving clearer, sharper vision. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic on Harley Street, London, we’re committed to helping you achieve your best possible vision.
If you’re tired of struggling with astigmatism and are considering ICL surgery, we invite you to book a consultation at our clinic. Our expert team will assess your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and help you determine if ICL surgery is the right choice for correcting your astigmatism.
Remember, your vision is precious. Trust the experts at Blue Fin Vision® to provide you with the highest standard of care and the most advanced astigmatism correction techniques available. Take the first step towards clearer vision today – your eyes deserve nothing less than the best care London has to offer.
