Is ICL Surgery Covered By Insurance?

Most general and vision insurance policies do not cover ICL since it is considered a cosmetic and elective procedure.

A special health spending account can typically be used to offset or refund the costs of an elective operation like ICL.

How much does ICL surgery cost?

The cost of an ICL surgery varies depending on the patient. The eventual cost of surgery is influenced by a number of factors. The type of implanted lens utilized, the location where the surgery is performed, and the experience of the ophthalmologist performing the procedure are all factors to consider. ICL surgery can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per eye, depending on a variety of factors, with the average being around $3,500. This amount may appear to be excessive at first, but it covers the surgeon’s fee, the facility’s fee, and the cost of a follow-up appointment. Patients should also think about how much money they would save in the long run if they no longer need glasses or contact lenses. Because ICL expenses vary, scheduling a consultation with one of our eye doctors is the only way to acquire an accurate estimate for the cost of ICL.

Do I qualify for ICL surgery?

Dry eyes, a thin cornea, and extreme myopia are common characteristics of patients who do not qualify for LASIK but do for ICL. Not allergic to local anesthetic eye drops, which are absolutely necessary for the surgery to take place.

Does insurance cover implantable contact lenses?

  • Cosmetic Procedure — The ICL, like LASIK, is considered a cosmetic procedure, and most insurance companies will not cover it. Because the implants are custom-made for each patient, an ICL is often more expensive per eye than LASIK.
  • This is not for everyone — The use of an ICL is mostly for those between the ages of 18 and 50. Your prescription and eyesight are still changing if you’re under the age of 18. Over the age of 50, your natural lenses become defective, and a treatment called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is recommended.
  • Annual Check-Ups – Although ICLs are designed to last indefinitely, it is still recommended to have annual follow-up appointments to ensure that the implants are in place and functioning properly, as well as to check for premature cataracts, which may necessitate cataract surgery and increased intraocular pressure.

Not only is ICL surgery a great alternative to LASIK if you can’t get LASIK, but it was also pioneered in part by Dr. Paul Dougherty. He was a primary investigator for the FDA clinical trial of the surgery and has done over 1,200 ICL operations to date.

Who is not suitable for ICL surgery?

Not everyone is a good candidate for ICL surgery. If you’re thinking about the procedure, consult a doctor to see if it’s right for you.

You’ll also need to take other precautions before the surgery. For example, in the weeks coming up to the treatment, you’ll have to cease wearing contact lenses.

What is the success rate of ICL surgery?

Visian ICL has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for myopia. Visian ICL is a corneal reshaping method that does not need cutting or reshaping. The ICL stands for implanted collamer lens and is used by Visian. The lens is implanted behind the pupil of the eyes by the surgeon. Its patient recovery time is faster than other brands because it is one of the most recent eye corrective technology treatments available today. It is effective, with a reported satisfaction rate of 99.9% among individuals who have undergone the operation. So, if you’re on the fence about whether Visian ICL is suited for you, here are the four most crucial facts you should know about it to help you decide:

Visian ICL has a remarkable success record, with a customer satisfaction percentage of 99.9%.

The cornea of the eye is altered during Lasik surgery, which takes a little longer. Because the implantable collamer lens is simply placed in the eye, there is no need to reshape the cornea with Visian ICL. Only a doctor, not a lawyer, can evaluate which surgery is suitable for which patient based on the patient’s condition and needs. Second, because it is formed of collagen, the implantable collamer lens is suitable with some patients’ eyes. The surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure and takes between 15 and 30 minutes. When compared to other surgeries, the eye suffers less harm, however this is not always the case. A highly skilled doctor, such as Dr. Khokhar of Sugarland Eye and Laser Center, and his well-trained staff, can assist you in determining which operation is ideal for your condition.

There is a danger of problems with any sort of operation, including Lasik or laser eye surgery. The likelihood of problems is much lower with Visian ICL. It isn’t always the best course of action. Patients who have had Lasik surgery are just as satisfied as Visian. A excellent ophthalmologist understands the data from a medical standpoint, which is based on scientific studies rather than personal opinion. Infection, unintentional lens damage following surgery, and intraocular pressure are among the Visian ICL consequences. To avoid difficulties, get a reputable eye surgeon who specializes in Visian ICL surgery. Sugarland Eye & Laser Center is one of Houston’s premier eye clinics. They are experts in Visian ICL and Lasik procedures.

The operation falls within the category of an outpatient procedure. It may just last 15 to 30 minutes. The patient is given topical anesthesia during surgery. For the lens, the surgeon makes small incisions in the base of the cornea. Before the lens is implanted in the iris of the eye, a protective eye gel is applied as an extra layer of protection. Because the incisions are so small, sutures are rarely used to close the corneal aperture.

The price of Visian ICL varies between $1,500 and $5,000. The price varies depending on a number of things. The overall cost of the Visian ICL is much lower than the cost of spectacles, which are updated every now and then, and the cost of contact lenses, which are discarded on a regular basis. The same is true of LASIK; the initial cost may appear high, but the ultimate cost is cheaper. Many clinics offer payment plans to help with the expense.

Can you swim after ICL surgery?

Following ICL, similar to Lasik, certain minor precautions are required. A person must be cautious while bathing for a week to ten days to avoid infection. For the next two weeks, no eye makeup, swimming, or hot spa treatments are permitted. Heavy exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks. For a week, avoid excessive digital strain on your eyes.

Is ICL painful?

Is ICL Surgery a Painful Procedure? No. ICL eye surgery is a reasonably painless outpatient surgical procedure that takes less than 30 minutes to complete. You will most likely be given a little sedative before surgery, as well as a local anesthetic to numb your eye and block any potential pain.

Is ICL eye surgery worth it?

For nearly three decades, the ICL has had an excellent safety record. According to studies, the ICL has one of the greatest postoperative results of any refractive treatment now available. The majority of clinical studies have a patient satisfaction percentage of over 99 percent.