The Wonders of Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery
Imagine a life without glasses โ a world where crisp, clear vision becomes your new reality. For those who have been reliant on glasses since a tender age, the concept of waking up to a world free from lenses is nothing short of a dream come true. This is where Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery shines. As someone who spent most of their life behind frames, I can personally attest to the transformative power of ICL surgery.
When I was 6 years old…
I remember getting out of my parent’s car as they were dropping me off at a ballet class, opening the door right next to a tree not noticing how close the branches were to my eyes, and walking into a branch that would go straight into my eye. I remember being in pain and having blurred vision and then having to go to the doctor who then told me that I needed glasses. I blamed that damn branch. I blamed my parents for parking too close to the curb that was too close to the branch that stabbed me in the eye, but that’s another trauma story that we don’t need to discuss today. I later found out that I’d been having blurred vision anyway and that was just the catalyst that finally got my parents to get me in glasses. So, no one’s fault. Fine. And I’m talking, about bottle cap glasses. On a 6 year old.
I remember walking into my 1st grade class after getting my glasses for the first time and being laughed at by the entire classroom because of my glasses and that’s when the name-calling and bullying started. “4 Eyes” was my personal favorite. Enter the rest of my adolescence stage left.
That being said I couldn’t wait to wear contacts to get rid of my glasses. I went as far as trying to scratch my glasses at the bottom of a pool, throwing my glasses away, anything so that I wouldn’t have to wear them. I didn’t realize I needed them, I just didn’t want to be bullied anymore.
As I grew up and learned about vision corrective surgery, LASIK seemed like the way to go. Now, I will say that as I got comfortable in my own skin I started loving my glasses and was absolutely used to glasses and contacts and I wasn’t in a rush to fix anything that wasn’t broken. It wasn’t until my 40s when my eye doctor told me that my prescription was too high for LASIK and recommended ICL surgery. At first, I was skeptical and I also didn’t feel like I needed it… well, I may not have “needed it” but boy, it’s amazing.
Enhanced Visual Clarity
ICL surgery is a revolutionary procedure that corrects a wide range of vision problems, from myopia to astigmatism. For someone who has been nearsighted for as long as they can remember, the clarity of vision that ICL surgery provides is nothing short of a revelation. After the quick and virtually painless procedure, I found myself amazed at how I could finally see and read signs far away without reaching for my glasses. ICL lenses are placed inside the eye, ensuring the quality of vision is excellent, just like natural eyesight.
This may not be a “con” for you, but I found that I no longer could see anything close up – or as close as I was able to see it before with my terrible vision. I couldn’t see the pores on my baby’s face anymore and that took a minute to adjust to. The trade-off was obviously not being nearsighted anymore, but I just wasn’t prepared for what that actually looked like after 36 years of being nearsighted.
Freedom from Glasses
One of the most liberating aspects of ICL surgery is the newfound freedom from glasses. As someone who has been wearing glasses since the age of 6, and contacts constantly since the age of 14, it’s refreshing to wake up and not have to fumble for my glasses just to see the world clearly. Life becomes simpler and more convenient when you can swim, exercise, or even just roll out of bed without the need for corrective eyewear.
Quick and Painless Procedure
ICL surgery is a relatively quick and painless procedure. The surgery itself takes only about 15-20 minutes for each eye, and the patient experiences minimal discomfort. This means you can return to your daily routine in no time, with only a short recovery period required. The recovery process is typically smooth, and most patients report noticeable improvements in their vision within the first 24 hours. They operated on one eye at a time, and there’s normally a 2 week wait in between surgeries. My surgery was in the morning and I was able to see fully by the evening. I ended up taking a lens out of my glasses to be able to see out of both eyes, but the new eye was so much clearer than wearing glasses that I just patched the other eye up until my second surgery. They also gave me huge darker sunglasses to wear because my eyes were very sensitive to any kind of light.
I wore this eye patch right after surgery up until the next surgery. 
Being able to see for the first time without glasses or contacts.
Long-lasting Results
ICL surgery is known for its long-lasting results. The implanted lenses are designed to be permanent, and they can correct your vision effectively for years to come. This means you won’t have to worry about regular replacements or ongoing maintenance, as you might with glasses or contact lenses. When you need cataract surgery later in life, they can (allegedly) remove the ICL and perform the cataract surgery.
Improved Quality of Life
Life with glasses can be cumbersome and ICL surgery has the power to enhance your quality of life, whether it’s enjoying outdoor sports, pursuing a water-based hobby, or simply appreciating the beauty of the world without obstructions, ICL surgery opens up a world of new possibilities.
Confidence Boost
Wearing glasses can affect one’s self-esteem and body image. After ICL surgery, the confidence boost is undeniable. You can face the world without the need for glasses, feeling more confident in your appearance and ability to interact with others without the barrier of eyeglasses.
I went to see Dr Evan Schoenberg and he was truly the best. He listened to what I had to say, gave me options, and ultimately gave me my choice in my healthcare and I appreciate that in any physician. I highly recommend seeing him if you’re in the Atlanta area.
For those who have been wearing glasses since a young age, like myself, Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a life-changing experience. The benefits are not limited to improved vision alone but extend to newfound freedom, convenience, and a boost in confidence and I highly recommend it!
*I am NOT a medical professional nor am I giving medical advice. Please consult your physician.
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