Understanding Post-ICL Surgery Eye Clarity: Insights and Expert Advice

After 15 days of ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery, if you notice that your left eye is clear while your right eye is blurry, it's essential to consult your eye doctor. It's crucial to have a professional assessment to understand the specifics of your condition, the type of procedure performed, and the vision changes before and after surgery. No one can provide a definitive answer without a thorough diagnostic evaluation.

Is it Normal?

If you're concerned about the discrepancy in your eye clarity, it's important to note that laser treatments for myopia might not resolve the issue immediately. Post-surgery, it's relatively common for one eye to have a clearer vision than the other, especially in the initial days. This is usually due to surgical adjustments, lens positioning, or other recovery factors.

Immediate Clarity on One Eye

Post-surgery, it's not uncommon for your left eye to be immediately clear while the right eye appears blurry. This can be due to a number of factors such as the tilt of the lens during placement, refractive changes, or other postoperative symptoms. While this might be concerning, the most important thing is to keep in regular contact with your eye surgeon.

Continued Monitoring and Follow-Up

Staying in close contact with your eye surgeon is crucial. Take all postoperative visits as advised and inform your doctor about any changes in vision. If your left eye vision does not improve significantly, it could be indicative of a lens displacement or other issues such as corneal edema. Early detection and intervention are key to successful recovery.

Experiencing ICL Surgery: shared Insights

Karthik Sullia, in his response to the question 'What is it like to undergo ICL surgery to get rid of spectacles?', shares his personal experience. He describes a typical post-surgery situation where there is some initial discomfort and cloudy vision for the first day, but the vision improves significantly as the days progress.

'POST SURGERY
There is a discomfort in the eye the following day along with some amount of cloudy vision but no pain again at all. Vision is not at its best at this point and one would feel dissatisfied. At the test, I tested 6/9 and 6/12 in both eyes, 1 day later.'

He further shared his journey: '1 week later, I tested 6/6 or perfect vision in both eyes. I have never been happier. Some of the side effects include glares, starbursts, and one would see rings when staring at lights. But eventually, these disappear in the coming weeks. Some restrictions are applied like absolutely no rubbing of eyes as the lens may shift position. Also, no lifting weights and swimming as these may disturb the cut or increase pressure in the eye.'

Comparison to Other Procedures

Compared to LASIK or SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), ICL is considered a safer and more effective option. The procedure does not alter the shape of the cornea and is fully reversible, making it a preferred choice for many. The recovery period is also relatively shorter, and most patients return to their normal lifestyle within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Conclusion

Following ICL surgery, it's normal to experience varying degrees of clarity in each eye. Early and regular follow-ups with your eye surgeon are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. If you have any concerns or notice that your vision is not improving as expected, do not hesitate to reach out to your medical professional. With the right care and monitoring, most patients experience significant improvements in their vision, leading to a happier and clearer life.