Blog: My ICL Experience

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'...

Template update: I'm on an everlasting quest for a cleaner, more functional Blogger template... Can't believe it has been 4 years now since I've had ICLs done. My life has truly been changed for the better -- however, I am very aware of the terrible potential side effects that folks have experienced. A quick glance at the numerous comments I have received over the years in each of my posts reflects this. I still maintain that it is a personal choice - one that you should take very seriously. I also strongly believe that people remain unaware - due to doctor salesmanship - of the very real side effect of the "white line glare." I haven't heard from many others like me who have a corneal tattoo yet, so do reach out if you have received it successfully (mine was not successful). For now, I am anxiously awaiting the risk of early onset cataracts. Despite the studies, I hope it doesn't happen to me! My next annual check up with my Ophthalmologist is May 201...

I went to see my Opthalmologist for my annual check up last week. 20/20 both eyes, which was great to hear, but unfortunately they told me the vault between my natural lens and my ICL on my left eye has narrowed. He said it's natural for the space to narrow as one ages, but that it is not a good thing obviously. However, there's still space -- so nothing to worry about. Just need to monitor annually. Not the greatest news, but nothing I can do right now to worry... Will provide another update next year. Hopefully it won't be worse!

Don't worry - you're in the right place. I just decided to change the template of this blog. I never really liked the older design -- this one is more clear. I know this blog would benefit from more photos, but I don't really have any to post! Scroll down for a chronological account of my ICL experience going back in time and look out for more updates in the future! [Hello from NYC!]

Saw an Ophthalmologist on March 5, 2015 and forgot to update this blog! Somehow my eyes have improved: 20/20 R (as usual) and 20/25 L (was 20/30 before)! I attribute this to having a different doctor down in the US...  in any case, great news! :)