Drs. Fine, Hoffman & Packer Opthalmologists in Eugene Oregon

IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS — PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Description of Procedure
The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is an intraocular lens implant designed for correction of moderate to high nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). The ICL is designed to be permanently implanted inside the eye behind the iris (colored portion of the eye) but resting in front of the natural crystalline lens. The lens cannot be felt inside the eye and does not require maintenance.

Patient Process and Procedure

Three (3) days before ICL Surgery
	Place one drop of Ocuflox into the eye to be operated on every four (4) hours while awake.
On the night before ICL Surgery
	Make transportation arrangements. You should NOT drive yourself home after surgery because you may be mildly sedated and your eye may be patched. You will need someone to bring you to your post-operative visit. At your post-operative exam, your doctor will let you know when you are able to drive.
	Wash face well with soap and water. Take a shower or bath and wash hair.
	*No food or drink after midnight unless otherwise instructed.* You will be contacted by a nurse from the surgery center about eating instructions.
The Day of ICL Surgery
	Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or after-shave on your surgery date. Please do not use any hair products that contain alcohol such as hair spray or mousse.
	Do not wear make-up. Wash face again with soap and water.
	Avoid coffee, tea, or milk unless otherwise instructed.
	Make sure to take all of your usual medications before coming to the surgery center.
	Wear comfortable clothing and a short-sleeved shirt or blouse that opens down the front. Do not wear nylons, stockings or support garments. Men, do NOT wear t-shirts.
After Implantable Collamer Lens
	Topical anesthesia means rapid visual recovery after Implantable Collamer Lens surgery. Occasionally, a local anesthetic is necessary. In that case your vision will return more gradually, and you may notice blurred or double vision at first. Once in a while a patch is placed over the eye after Implantable Collamer Lens surgery. Leave the patch in place until your appointment on the day after surgery. Wear the shield over your eye when you go to sleep for one week after your surgery.
	Post-Operative Medication: After Implantable Collamer Lens you should use these eye drops as directed: OCUFLOX……….FOUR TIMES A DAY until gone VOLTAREN……...FOUR TIMES A DAY x 2 weeks PRED FORTE…..FOUR TIMES A DAY x 1 week TWO TIMES A DAY x 2 weeks
	Post-Operative Symptoms: You may have a scratchy or funny feeling like something is in your eye after surgery. Also, many people notice a pink or red glow following surgery. These experiences are normal and expected. If you have severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication you should call the doctor's office. If you have severe pain, sudden change in vision, or need explanations, call any time day or night (541) 687-2110 / 800-452-2040.
	Many people need a change in their eyeglass prescription following Implantable Collamer Lens surgery. Some will only need glasses for reading, and some may find they need glasses only rarely or not at all (especially with multifocal or accommodating lenses).
	You should expect to visit the doctor's office on the day after your surgery and again two weeks after your surgery. Of course, individual differences in healing may mean changes in this schedule.

Related Information About Implantable Collamer Lens:

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Commonly Asked Questions:
How soon after surgery will I see well?
Most ICL patients see quick, dramatic improvements in their eyesight, with 80 - 90% of their vision restored within the first 24 hours. Additional gradual improvements will continue during the first few weeks.

Will refractive surgery hurt?
During the procedure, a strong topical anesthetic is used to numb the eye. Generally, only pressure is felt during the procedure.

Will I still need my glasses or contacts?
The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses, but ICL patients still may benefit from reading glasses or distance glasses when they desire perfect near or distance vision.

Will my insurance cover ICL?
Most health care coverage considers ICL surgery an elective surgical procedure and does not cover it. For our ICL patients, we highly recommend CareCredit® or ChaseHealth Advance.