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Implantation of Intra-Corneal Ring (ICR)
- What is ICR?
- Am I a suitable candidate?
- How to prepare for implantation of ICR?
- How is the procedure performed for implantation of ICR?
- Commonly Encountered Symptoms after implantation of ICR during Recovery Phase
- How to take care of my eyes after implantation of ICR?
- Follow Up Examination
- What are the possible complications of implantation of ICR?
- FAQ
Back ICR is the abbreviation for Intra-Corneal Ring. They are semicircular plastic rings that can be implanted within the cornea to reshape the corneal curvature.
Implantation of ICR is a refractive surgery to correct low myopia without any tissue removal.
ICRs cannot be felt by the patient and requires no maintenance. It is also a reversible procedure. ICRs can be removed or replaced if any adjustment is needed. ICRs are suitable for patients with mild nearsightedness, and without significant astigmatism.
Top In general, suitable candidates:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are in good general health
- Have no health issues affecting your eyes
- Have no active eye conditions which may affect healing
- Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for the last year
Top - Attend one of the public seminars organized by Guy Hugh Chan Refractive Surgery Centre to obtain basic information about refractive surgeries. Admissions are free. Reservation can be made by contacting 2835 8899 or online at www.hksh.com.
- Make an appointment with our Centre for a complete eye examination and evaluation. Book the date of operation if you are suitable for implantation of ICR.
- Wear eyeglasses and stop wearing contact lenses before implantation of ICR:
- Soft lenses for 3 to 7 days
- Hard or gas permeable lenses for 2 to 4 weeks (Another option: Change to soft lenses for 3 weeks, then stop wearing soft lenses for 1 week)
Top - The surgery could be done with topical anaesthesia or other types of anaesthesia.
- Place a speculum to hold the lids apart.
- Use laser (Intralase) or special blade to create corneal stromal tunnels.
- Insert the ICRs.
- Suturing is required which can be removed 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
- Apply antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Top - Mild post-operative pain. It usually goes away in a few weeks.
- Unstable vision. It usually gets more stable with time.
- Dry eye symptoms, artificial tear drops may be needed.
Top On Surgery Day
- Do not drive motor vehicles or operate machinery. Exercise caution with stairs to avoid accidents.
- Return home and rest for 6 hours. Lying down in face-up position is recommended.
- If there is discomfort in your eyes, you may take the pain relieving medications provided. Take medications according to instructions.
- Keep the eye shields on until the next day. In case of excessive tearing, wipe it off at the edge of the eye shields. DO NOT RUB THE EYES.
- The eye shields can be removed on the following day after surgery when you wake up. (Please keep the eye shields. Do not throw them away).
- Follow doctor's instructions when using eye drops.
Post-op Eye Care
- Start antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops provided according to instructions of your doctor. Some patients may have a slight burning sensation after instillation of eye drops.
- During the first week after surgery, eye shields should be worn when sleeping.
- Do not wear eye make-ups for the first few weeks.
- Avoid crowded and polluted places to prevent infections. Avoid trauma to the wound.
- Wear sun-glasses for outdoor activities under sunlight.
- You must return to your doctor for follow up as instructed.
- If necessary, glasses will be prescribed several weeks after surgery.
Top - Return for eye examination on the next day, Day 3, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery or at times your doctor deems necessary.
- Return for suture removal 2 to 4 weeks after surgery or at times your doctor deems necessary.
Top Post-operative complications include infection, over or under correction, night vision problem, induced astigmatism, blurry vision, halos, glare, fluctuating distance vision and reduced best-corrected vision. In case the results are not satisfactory, doctors can remove the ICRs.
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