Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a vision correction procedure that involves placing a small, flexible lens inside the eye, typically behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. This method provides an alternative for individuals with moderate to high prescriptions or those who may not be suitable candidates for laser procedures like LASIK. For many people considering this option, the primary concern is whether the procedure itself is painful. The experience of ICL surgery does not generally involve sharp pain, but rather a series of unique, manageable sensations both during the operation and in the immediate recovery period.
Sensations During the Procedure
The absence of sharp pain during ICL surgery is due to the use of a localized anesthetic. Before the procedure begins, the surgeon applies numbing drops to the eye’s surface, which temporarily prevents the transmission of pain signals. This topical anesthesia ensures the eye remains insensitive to the small surgical incision and the manipulation required to place the lens.
Patients are typically awake throughout the entire procedure, which usually takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes. While the eye is numb, you may still perceive other tactile sensations. A feeling of pressure on or around the eye is commonly reported as the surgeon works to stabilize the eye and insert the lens.
Some patients are given a mild oral sedative to help them relax. During the operation, bright lights are unavoidable, and you may see various colors or shadows as the lens is positioned inside the eye. The sensation of a cool fluid, like water running over the eye, is also frequent as sterile solutions are used to clean and hydrate the eye’s surface.
Immediate Post-Operative Discomfort
Once the ICL procedure is complete and the numbing drops begin to wear off, which often occurs within the first few hours, patients transition into the initial recovery phase. A common sensation is a feeling of grittiness, often described as having an eyelash or a grain of sand stuck in the eye. This mild irritation is a normal response to the tiny incision made in the eye’s surface.
Along with this scratchy feeling, patients frequently experience mild aching or throbbing localized to the eye area. The eye may also water excessively or appear bloodshot due to the manipulation during the procedure. Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, is another expected side effect immediately following the surgery. Visual disturbances, such as blurry or fluctuating vision, and the perception of halos or glare around lights at night, are also typical during the first 24 to 48 hours.
Managing Pain and Recovery Expectations
Management of post-operative discomfort relies on a prescribed regimen designed to facilitate healing and prevent complications. Surgeons typically prescribe a schedule of eye drops, which include antibiotics to guard against infection and anti-inflammatory or steroid drops to control swelling. Adhering to this drop schedule is important for a smooth recovery.
For the mild aching or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually sufficient. The most significant discomfort and grittiness typically resolve within the first 24 to 48 hours. Most patients find their vision and overall comfort improve rapidly after the first night of rest.
Most individuals can resume light daily activities within a day or two, though heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for a short period to avoid putting pressure on the eyes. While minor discomfort is expected, it is important to be aware of warning signs that warrant immediate contact with the surgical team. These include the sudden onset of severe, unrelenting pain, sudden loss of vision, or the appearance of new flashes of light or an increase in floaters.