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Is implantable lens surgery safer than laser?
“The surgeon’s expertise and experience matter.”
Because implantable lens surgery literally places a lens inside the eye,
the surgeon’s clinical expertise and experience matter a great deal.
Our doctors plan each surgery carefully based on your examination results.
GANGNAM CENTRAL EYE CLINIC
Implantable Lens Surgery
Unlike laser vision correction, this modern procedure preserves the cornea without reshaping it,
and corrects vision by implanting a lens of a set power inside the eye.

Point 01

Corneal endothelial cell count (Normal endothelial cell density: 2,000–3,000 cells/mm²)
Once damaged, corneal endothelial cells do not regenerate.
Therefore, eligibility for surgery depends on each individual’s test results,
and we proceed according to US FDA safety standards.

Anterior chamber depth (≥3.2 mm for anterior-chamber lenses, ≥3.0 mm for posterior-chamber lenses)
Anterior chamber depth is the distance between the crystalline lens and the back surface of the cornea.
The US FDA sets anterior chamber depth safety criteria
for safe implantable lens surgery.

The importance of lens size
If the lens is too small: it may contact the crystalline lens and cause cataract
If the lens is too large: aqueous humor outflow may be impaired, potentially causing glaucoma
Other: inadequate infection control after iridotomy may lead to iritis

Precise insertion aligned to the astigmatic axis
A lens even slightly misaligned from the astigmatic axis will not fully correct the astigmatism
and can leave residual astigmatism. Based on thorough testing
and long experience, we provide good outcomes.
GANGNAM CENTRAL EYE CLINIC
Precise insertion position
Depending on lens size and the angle of insertion, the results of implantable lens surgery can vary greatly.

Point 02

Just as a 1° deviation can greatly change where a shot lands, an insertion error of just 1 μm can leave residual astigmatism.
GANGNAM CENTRAL EYE CLINIC
Anterior-Chamber vs. Posterior-Chamber Lenses

Anterior-chamber lens implantation
An iris-fixated lens placed in the anterior chamber, in front of the iris
Corrects astigmatism / Same-day surgery possible

Posterior-chamber lens implantation
A lens inserted behind the iris and in front of the crystalline lens
No iridotomy needed / Same-day surgery possible / Correction of very high myopia and astigmatism

Which implantable lens suits my eyes?

FAQ

1DAY Implantable Lens Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the cornea is not reshaped?

It means we do not remove corneal tissue with a laser. We leave the cornea as it is and correct vision by placing a lens with your prescription inside the eye. Testing first confirms that there is room for the lens. We do not promise a specific level of vision.

Do you reshape the cornea?

No. We leave the cornea as it is and correct vision by placing a lens with your prescription inside the eye. Testing first confirms that there is room for the lens.

Can I have surgery on the same day as the exam?

Only if the exam clearly shows you are eligible and you do not need a custom-made lens. If the anterior chamber is shallow or the status is borderline, we will reschedule.

Can anyone have AQUA ICL, regardless of conditions?

No. We assess eligibility by checking anterior chamber depth and angle, anterior chamber space, corneal endothelial cell count, and the astigmatic axis. If the exam shows you are not suitable, we will suggest another option or not recommend surgery. We cannot advise on eligibility without test results.

How do you determine the lens size?

We measure the anterior chamber angle and space. If the lens is too small, it can touch the crystalline lens and cause cataract; if too large, it can impede aqueous outflow and cause glaucoma.

When should I stop wearing contact lenses before the exam?

Stop soft lenses for at least 5 days and hard lenses for at least 7 days before your visit. Otherwise, the corneal shape may still be altered by lens wear, and the values will differ.

Can it correct very high myopia or astigmatism?

We evaluate both whether there is room in the eye for the lens and whether your prescription falls within range. We decide based on those measurements.

Can I have implantable lens surgery if I have astigmatism?

We measure the astigmatic axis and power separately and use them to set the lens position, because misalignment from the axis leaves residual astigmatism.

Which do you use, AQUA ICL or ECHO ICL?

We use both at Gangnam Central Eye Clinic. Which one is used is determined by exam results, considering intraocular space and prescription range.

How long is recovery after implantable lens surgery?

You can usually resume daily activities the next day, and stabilization is typically between 1 week and 1 month. However, this varies by person, so we do not promise a set timeframe.

How do GLAZE, EVO+ ICL, and Artiflex differ?

GLAZE, EVO+ ICL, and Toric EVO+ ICL are posterior-chamber lenses, while Artiflex, Toric Artiflex, and Artisan are anterior-chamber lenses. The need for iridotomy, the size of the corneal incision, and the visual recovery time differ by type, and we choose the right lens based on your test results.

Why do you test corneal endothelial cells?

Because corneal endothelial cells do not regenerate once damaged. We therefore count them before surgery and make decisions according to US FDA safety standards.

How does ECHO ICL differ from AQUA ICL?

Both are lenses we use for implantable lens surgery at Gangnam Central Eye Clinic. Which one is used is determined by exam results, considering intraocular space and prescription.

What tests are done before implantable lens surgery?

We check anterior chamber depth and angle, anterior chamber space, corneal endothelial cell count, and the astigmatic axis.

Why do you measure anterior chamber depth?

It measures the distance between the crystalline lens and the posterior corneal surface and determines whether there is room for the lens. For safe implantable lens surgery, the US FDA sets minimum anterior chamber depths of 3.2 mm for anterior-chamber lenses and 3.0 mm for posterior-chamber lenses. If below the criteria, we consider other options.

Can I receive a surgery certificate?

We provide a surgery certificate to patients who have undergone implantable lens surgery. It is a document so you can verify which procedure you received.

Why do you count corneal endothelial cells?

The normal range is considered 2,000–3,000 cells/mm², and because they do not regenerate once damaged, we decide on surgery according to US FDA safety standards. If this value does not meet the criteria, we do not recommend this method.

When should I stop wearing contact lenses before the implantable lens evaluation?

Stop soft lenses for at least 5 days and hard lenses for at least 7 days before your visit. Otherwise, the corneal shape may still be altered by lens wear, and the values will differ.

When do I come back after implantable lens surgery?

We check your progress at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months, and from 6 months to 1 year we also look at long-term stability, night vision, and dry eye. After that, we recommend a checkup once a year. Recovery speed varies from person to person, so we do not promise a set timeframe.

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