Hello,This is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic. When people begin looking into vision correction surgery, LASIK or LASEK are often the first procedures that come to mind. However, after undergoing a comprehensive eye examination, some patients are told that laser vision correction may not be suitable for them depending on factors such as corneal thickness or the degree of myopia and astigmatism. In particular, for patients with high or extremely high myopia, severe astigmatism, or insufficient corneal thickness, the available options for vision correction may be limited. In such cases, one of the vision correction procedures that can be discussed at our ophthalmology clinic in Haengsin-dong is ICL lens implantation. ICL lens implantation is a procedure that corrects refractive errors by inserting a specially designed corrective lens inside the eye. Recently, Toric ICL lenses, which can correct not only myopia but also astigmatism, have also been widely used, allowing treatment options to be considered according to each patient’s individual eye condition. 1. What Is ICL Lens Implantation? ICL lens implantation is a vision correction procedure in which an intraocular corrective lens is placed in the posterior chamber, the space located behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. Unlike ordinary contact lenses that are worn on the surface of the eye, the ICL lens is positioned inside the eye, so it is not visible externally. One of the main features of this procedure is that it does not require removal of corneal tissue. Unlike LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE, which use a laser to reshape the cornea, ICL implantation allows refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism to be corrected while preserving the existing corneal tissue. Because an appropriate lens is selected based on the patient’s refractive error and eye structure, ICL implantation may also be considered for patients with high myopia or severe astigmatism. ICL lenses are made of Collamer, a material composed of collagen and a hydrophilic polymer. This material is generally considered biocompatible and stable within the eye and may cause relatively little foreign-body sensation. If necessary, the lens can also be removed or replaced. 2. Candidates for ICL Lens Implantation ICL implantation may be considered in the following cases: ✓ Patients with high or extremely high myopia✓ Patients with insufficient corneal thickness✓ Patients with severe astigmatism✓ Patients who are not suitable candidates for laser vision correction✓ Patients for whom preservation of corneal tissue is important For patients who may find corneal laser surgery burdensome or who are not suitable for such procedures, suitability for ICL implantation can be evaluated through consultation and examination at our ophthalmology clinic in Haengsin-dong. On the other hand, surgery may not be recommended if there is insufficient space inside the eye or if the anterior chamber depth does not meet the required criteria. Therefore, eligibility should not be determined solely based on visual acuity or the degree of myopia. The overall structure and condition of the eye must also be carefully evaluated. 3. Examination Methods At our Haengsin-dong ophthalmology clinic, various examinations are performed depending on each patient’s eye condition. Major parameters include anterior chamber depth, corneal diameter, and corneal endothelial cell density. ✅ Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD) → 2.80 mm or greater This examination checks whether there is enough space inside the eye to safely accommodate the ICL lens. ✅ White-to-White Corneal Diameter (WTW) → 10.70–13.00 mm This measurement is used to assess the size and structure of the eye and is an important reference when selecting the appropriate lens size. ✅ Corneal Endothelial Cell Density (ECD) → 2,000 cells/mm² or greater Corneal endothelial cells play an important role in maintaining the transparency of the cornea. Because these cells have limited regenerative capacity, it is important to confirm that an adequate number of healthy endothelial cells are present before surgery. 4. How the Procedure Is Performed First, topical anesthetic eye drops are administered. A small incision is then made near the edge of the cornea. The folded ICL lens is inserted into the eye using a dedicated injector. Once inserted, the lens is carefully positioned behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. Finally, the position of the lens, intraocular pressure, and overall condition of the eye are checked before the procedure is completed. Because the incision is relatively small, the procedure can generally be completed without sutures. However, recovery time may vary from person to person, so it is important to follow the ophthalmologist’s postoperative instructions carefully. 5. Precautions After ICL Surgery After surgery, patients should avoid rubbing their eyes or applying strong pressure to them. When washing the face or taking a shower, care should be taken to prevent water from entering the eyes directly. Patients should also consult their ophthalmologist regarding when it is safe to use public baths, saunas, steam rooms, or swimming pools.…
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