Blog: My ICL Experience

Over a decade has passed and vision is still 20/20 with no new issues. The ICL continues to be narrow as previously reported (50 microns) and close to the natural lens but it isn’t getting worse each year - it’s stable. Found out from the doctor today that you can switch out the lens for a thinner, looser one to further reduce risk of cataracts - either preemptively or on first signs of symptoms. Didn’t know there was a solution! Not choosing this option yet as my eyes have been good so far so not going to do elective surgery for something that remains a risk and not an issue yet.  I’ve been hearing about the new ICLs which don’t require iridotomy so maybe this blog will make itself obsolete over time. Until then, I’ll try to remember to post annually for those that remain interested :) 

Quick update for you all: annual check-up went well again in my 9th year -- vault distance remains as narrow as last year -- a cataract risk, but still not an issue (yet)! They will continue to monitor over the next decade when cataracts & bifocals from aging simultaneously become a risk. Should the vault narrow to the point of an imminent cataract - the options will be to 1. remove the ICL & go back to glasses, or 2. accept the cataract formation & move through the needed cataract surgery to retain glasses-free vision. Something to think about for sure...

 Annual check-up went well again in my 8th year -- vault distance remains a cataract risk, but not an issue (and may never become an issue) -- pressure, eye health, etc. is otherwise all good, normal, and healthy! 

Been a while since I’ve posted. Saw my ophthalmologist today. Vision is still 20/20. The distance between my ICL and natural lens shrank from 112 microns to closer to 100 microns. Apparently 90 microns is when the risk factor becomes serious. So the doctor said nothing to worry about for now as  there may not be any changes in the future, but if things get worse we will look at options given the increased risk of early onset cataracts. Two options exist. First, an additional iridotomy-based procedure which I would not be a fan of given the white line glare issues I’ve already written about in the past here. Second would be swapping out the lens which would essentially involve another ICL procedure. Something to consider for future years — fingers crossed I don’t get there and the vault space stays where it is! Hope you’re all staying safe in this crazy year! :/ Overall, eyes have been great to date! I shall keep monitoring. 

It has been 5 years and almost 2 months since I elected to undergo ICL surgery. Went to the Ophthalmologist for my annual check up today and received the same good results. Pressure was 15 in both eyes, visual chart test indicated 20/20 vision in both eyes, and the space between the ICL and my natural lens hasn't changed since last year (phew!). I still fear early onset cataracts, but it seems like this fear can be allayed at least for now. These days, I don't think about/completely forget that I have ICLs -- I do have to actively force my eyes to look up and under harsh lighting in order to see faint iridotomy line glare. Since I don't really see them and don't have anything else going on to report, I haven't been updating this blog as much anymore. All is great and hope it remains so! Thank you for all your questions and inquiries Wishing you all good health - whatever you end up choosing or not choosing to do with your eyes. I will report back soon!

As I start into Year 5 of having ICLs, I get more concerned about early onset cataracts given what I've read and heard on the internet. Then again, it is the Internet. I'm hoping that I will be a lucky one. Saw an Ophthalmologist for my annual eye exam at a LASIK/ICL center in New York. This new doctor was not as thorough as the one I usually have and I will a) be following up with a retinal specialist and b) going back to my regular doctor next year (he seemed rushed like he needed to go somewhere). That being said, my results are good! 15/20 and 20/20 in each eye and pressure of 11 and 12, which is normal. I asked specifically about a concern that has been raised here and is high on my mind: the narrow(ing) vault in my left eye -- something that puts me at risk of developing early onset cataracts (as the ICL gets closer to touching the natural lens). The doctor said I have 150R and 124L. Vaults should be >100, so I am good, but the aim is usually for 200. So I'