Why is ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery becoming more popular recently?

Hello, this is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic 😊💙

In the past, when people thought of vision correction surgery,

LASIK or LASEK often came to mind first.

However, recently, there has been a noticeable increase in people

visiting ophthalmology clinics for ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery consultations.

In fact, quite a few patients come in saying, ‘I was told that only ICL surgery is possible for me.’

So, why have more people been choosing ICL surgery recently?

1. Increase in patients with high myopia and high astigmatism

Studies consistently report an increase in people with high myopia compared to the past.

The cause is attributed to an increase in near-vision work during childhood.

As the use of smartphones, tablets, and computers has increased,

the time children spend focusing their eyes on close objects

has lengthened.

Additionally, with improved nutrition and physical development compared to the past,

there is also an analysis that the length of the eyeball tends to grow along with it.

The longer the eyeball, the more severe myopia can become.

In such cases, since LASIK or LASEK would require removing a significant amount of corneal tissue,

ICL surgery, which does not involve corneal ablation, becomes suitable for more cases.

2. Advancements in ICL surgery and reduction in side effects

Early ICL surgery raised concerns about cataracts

and increased intraocular pressure.

However, the lenses currently used

have continuously improved in design and material,

and the surgical methods have also advanced.

In particular, with lens designs that consider the flow of aqueous humor between the iris and the crystalline lens,

stability has significantly improved compared to the past.

Of course, no surgery can have a 0% chance of side effects.

However, it is true that more patients are considering ICL surgery

due to increased predictability and stability of surgical outcomes compared to the past.

3. Hospital profitability

Up until now, the reasons were medical.

However, there is another practical reason behind the increase in ICL surgery.

That is, ICL surgery is also highly profitable for hospitals.

Frankly, from a hospital's perspective, ICL surgery is an attractive procedure.

ICL surgery uses expensive lenses

and the surgical process is complex,

making it more costly than typical LASIK or LASEK.

Of course, a higher cost does not mean it is a bad surgery.

In fact, for patients with high myopia or thin corneas,

ICL surgery can be the best option.

The problem is that not all patients fall into this category.

Recently, through internet information or consultation processes,

quite a few patients come in believing, ‘I absolutely must have ICL surgery.’

In fact, just last week at our clinic,

a patient came in after being told at another hospital that only ICL surgery was possible,

but after a detailed examination, LASEK was found to be perfectly viable.

The most important criterion when deciding on a surgical method

should be the patient's eye condition, not the hospital's profit.

Is the most expensive surgery necessarily the best surgery?

Ultimately, the best surgery is the one most suitable for your eyes.

The right surgery for your eyes

Vision correction surgery is not a competition to see which is best among

LASIK, LASEK, or ICL surgery.

In fact, at our clinic,

many patients come in thinking that only ICL surgery is possible for them,

but choose LASEK after a detailed examination.

What's important is not recommending a specific surgery,

but finding the most suitable option for each individual patient.

Each surgery has different advantages, disadvantages, and indications,

and it is most important to choose the method that suits your eye condition

through a detailed examination.

Although more people are seeking ICL surgery recently,

not all cases of high myopia require ICL surgery.

More important than surgical trends are accurate examinations and

thorough consultations.

The surgery is not decided by the hospital, but by the patient's eyes.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic always prioritizes the patient's eye condition and

long-term safety,

and strives to suggest 'the most suitable surgery'

rather than trendy surgeries or cost.

We will be with you through accurate examinations and thorough consultations

to ensure your vision correction surgery is a choice you won't regret.

💙 Smile Surgery is indeed Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic 💙

💙🤍 𝖦𝖠𝖭𝖦𝖭𝖠𝖬 𝖲𝖬𝖨𝖫𝖤 𝖤𝖸𝖤 𝖢𝖫𝖨𝖭𝖨𝖢💙🤍

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery recently gained popularity?

Yes, the main reasons why implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery has recently gained popularity are a combination of factors, including an increase in patients with high myopia and high astigmatism, advancements in ICL technology and reduced side effects, and increased profitability for hospitals. In particular, the increased use of smartphones has led to more near-vision work, contributing to the rise in high myopia patients.

Is ICL surgery more suitable for patients with high myopia?

Yes, for patients with high myopia, ICL surgery is increasingly suitable because a large amount of corneal tissue would need to be ablated with LASIK or LASEK. If myopia has worsened due to an elongated eyeball, ICL surgery, which does not involve corneal ablation, can be a good alternative.

Has the safety of ICL surgery improved compared to the past?

Yes, the safety of ICL surgery has significantly improved compared to the past. In the early days, there were concerns about cataract formation or increased intraocular pressure, but now, lens designs and materials have been improved, and designs that consider aqueous humor flow between the iris and lens have been applied, enhancing safety.

Is ICL surgery the best vision correction surgery?

No, ICL surgery is not necessarily the best vision correction surgery. Each surgery has different advantages, disadvantages, and indications, so it is crucial to choose the most suitable surgery for the patient's eye condition. In some cases, LASIK or LASEK may be more appropriate after a precise examination.

What is the most important criterion when choosing vision correction surgery?

The most important criterion when choosing vision correction surgery is the patient's eye condition. Rather than hospital profits or surgical trends, it is crucial to find the most suitable and long-term safe method for an individual's eyes through precise examinations and thorough consultation.