Pune – A recent study conducted in Pune has brought forward a breakthrough for individuals who are not suitable candidates for LASIK surgery. Researchers found that Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) could be an effective alternative for people with high myopia or thin corneas, conditions that usually prevent LASIK treatment.
Dr. Vardhan Kankariya, Director of Asian Eye Hospital and Laser Institute, who led the research, explained that a 35-year-old US man with 3 myopia was unable to undergo LASIK due to his thin corneas. Instead, he underwent an advanced surgical procedure using the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) at a clinic in Pune. This procedure, unlike LASIK, places a thin, flexible, biocompatible lens within the eye’s natural lens capsule, making it reversible and fully safe for the patient’s eyes.
Key Findings from the Study:
- ICL: A Potential LASIK Alternative: The ICL procedure involves implanting a thin, flexible lens that does not require corneal thinning, unlike LASIK, which is often unsuitable for high myopia patients.
- Improved Results for Lower Myopia: The study revealed that ICL also works for individuals with low myopia, making it a viable option for patients previously turned away from LASIK.
- Effective for Thin Corneas: The ICL implant is a promising alternative for patients with thin corneas, making LASIK a non-option due to corneal complications.
- Rapid Procedure: The ICL procedure takes about 5 minutes and does not require anesthesia, making it a quick and relatively painless option.
According to Dr. Shirin Sonvane, the presenting author of the study, “This procedure is a game-changer for patients who would otherwise have no option but to rely on glasses or contact lenses.”
Dr. Harshul Tak, a member of the Indian Intraocular and Refractive Society, added, “The study on ICL implants offers a ray of hope for LASIK-rejected patients with low myopia, as it shows that ICL is a reliable and effective option.”
In conclusion, the findings of this study make it a valuable reference for ophthalmologists globally, particularly for those looking to treat high and low myopia patients who have been rejected for LASIK.
Key Points:
- The ICL procedure is an ideal alternative for LASIK-rejected patients.
- ICL works well for individuals with low to high myopia.
- The surgery is quick, reversible, and does not require corneal thinning.
The study is expected to revolutionize the way myopia is treated for patients who were once left with limited options.
