The ICRS (Intra-Corneal Ring Segments) Procedure

Prior to the procedure

• Do not wear soft contact lenses for seven days prior to your procedures
• Do not wear any makeup or fragrances on the day of surgery
• Do not wear any fibrous clothing that loses a lot of lint, eg. a mohair or fluffy jumper on the day of surgery
• You should take any prescribed medications as normal
• You should have breakfast or lunch as normal before arriving for your procedure

Preparation

Both eyes are routinely treated one month apart and you can expect to be at Vista for approximately two to three hours. So that you know what to expect here is a step-by-step guide of what happens on the day of the procedure:

• When you arrive on the day of your procedure, you will have some anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eye and possibly a sedative to make you feel more relaxed.
• A soft rubber suction ring will hold your eye in place.
• A circular tunnel is made in your cornea using the IntraLase laser.
  
  
  
  
• The cornea has several layers to it, like a pad of paper. Making a place for the ICRS is like separating two pages just enough to create a space.
• The ICRS inserts are placed into the corneal tunnels.
• ICRS gently reshape the curvature of your cornea so that light rays focus more regularly on the retina. Objects in the distance, which once appeared blurry, become sharp and clear.

The procedure for ICRS is safe and quick. The procedure does not permanently cut or remove tissue from the central cornea.

After the procedure

After your procedure you will meet with our orthoptist or optometrist who will check your eyes. We will explain your post-operative care and you will receive a take home pack with instructions.

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and spend the rest of the day relaxing at home. Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours. We will provide you with dark sunglasses for you to wear home. You will also be required to use eye drops for approximately one week. Eye shields are to be worn while sleeping for seven nights following your procedure to protect your eyes.
• You can expect your vision to be blurry for approximately two to three weeks. You may also experience some discomfort or a mild gritty sensation within the first week. You are able to return to most normal activities a few days after your procedure. Your vision will improve and sometimes fluctuate within the first weeks as healing occurs.
• We ask that you return to Vistaeyes the following day to have your eyes checked. Routine examinations are also performed at one week, one month, and four months after surgery.