Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

Dr. Slade is a leader in the ICL technology and one of the first surgeons in the US to use the Staar lens. Dr. Slade has been involved with the FDA clinical trials of the ICL for years. In fact, Dr. Slade was selected to present the data and study results to the FDA resulting in approval for the ICL. The FDA determined that the ICL was safe and effective and gave full approval in late 2005. Please click here [ppt 7.98MB] to see the actual data presented to the FDA. You can also read the study results [pdf 436KB] for the ICL in a document form.

Dr. Slade is also one of only two surgeons selected in the United States to teach the technique to other surgeons. He is actively involved with the research and development of future ICL lenses to correct astigmatism and farsightedness as well.

What is the Procedure like?

A tiny incision is created with a diamond and the lens is slipped in to the eye. No sutures are required and only drops are needed to deaden the eye, not shots. The procedure takes just a few minutes. The surgery is performed on an out patient basis. Most of our patients have very good vision an hour or two after surgery and can return to normal activities quickly. There is very little discomfort at all with the procedure, in fact no pain medication is needed at all after surgery. Please click here [mpg 41.3MB] to view a detailed video of the surgery.

Once placed in the eye, the ICL is invisible to anyone looking at your eyes naturally.

Is it better than LASIK?

The ICL is the right choice for many patients. The ICL is a very powerful technology and can treat higher ranges of myopia than LASIK. Many of these higher myopic patients will have a better quality of vision with the ICL than LASIK. The ICL can also be used to treat lower ranges of myopia as well. In fact, the majority of ICL patients after surgery with no glasses at all see better than or equal to what they saw with their best glasses before surgery!

We will do a complete exam on your eyes to help determine which is right for you. It is very important to be able to match the best procedure to the individual patient. To do this, a surgeon must be familiar with several different technologies. Dr. Slade was the first in the United States to do LASIK and was in charge of teaching the LASIK courses to other surgeons as well. We will use this wealth of experience to help find out the best option for you.

Is the ICL safe?

Yes, the ICL is fully approved based on safety and efficacy by the FDA. While the risks are low with the ICL, it is surgery and there are always risks with any eye procedure. Even standard contact lenses can have complications such as infections. You must weigh the risks against the benefits to find out the best procedure for you. With our experience with LASIK, PRK, lens surgery and the ICL, we can help you find that best procedure. You may click here [pdf 58KB] to read the informed consent for the ICL.

How do I find out more?

The best first step is to come in to the clinic for a screening evaluation. We will then run several tests on your eyes to help determine what options are best for you. There is no charge for this first visit. You can email us or call us at 713-626-5544 to schedule your visit.