The Do’s And Don’t’s Post Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery

Dr. Ella Faktorovich is among the leading ophthalmologists practicing in San Francisco. As an innovator in the development of advanced vision correction treatments, she has achieved worldwide acclaim for her contributions in the field of refractive surgery. Dr. Faktorovich founded Pacific Vision Institute more than twenty years ago. Under her leadership, Pacific Vision Institute is the first in the Bay Area to bring the industry's newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for LASIK and Cataract Surgery patients. Dr. Faktorovich is the founder and remains the Chair of the Annual San Francisco Cataract, Cornea, and Refractive Surgery Symposium dedicated to the continuing education of the Bay Area eye doctors in refractive surgery and other aspects of advanced patient eye care. She is a recognized leader in this groundbreaking vision correction technique, with her definitive textbook used in educating eye surgeons around the world. 

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If you're considering getting implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery, or you already have your appointment, you're probably wondering what to expect during recovery. You'll be glad to know that most patients' recovery period after ICL is generally short. To ensure a smooth recovery period and you heal well, Haute Beauty expert Dr. Ella Faktorovich shares a list of do's and don't's. 

Note that your vision will likely be blurry immediately after your surgery, which may last for one to two days. Once this passes, most patients are back to work or their usual activities. While complete healing is achieved one to two months after the procedure, this is not significant and will not affect your day-to-day life and activities. Each individual has different recovery experiences, but for most patients, the recovery process generally includes some mild soreness or irritation for a few days. From there, you can expect your eyes to be "back to normal,"--except normal now means you can see clearly!

The Do's 

• Do get plenty of rest and allow yourself time to heal.
• Do limit your screen time, as watching too much tv or looking at a laptop or phone for too long can strain your eyes.
• Do gently clean your eyes with a slightly wet, clean cloth.
• Do follow a healthy diet with plenty of brightly colored vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
• Do drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated.
• Do keep tap water out of your eyes for at least two weeks.
• Do follow the eye drop regimen we provide to aid your recovery.

The Don't's

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery or power tools on the first day after surgery.
• Do not drink alcohol on the first day after your surgery.
• Do not strain or lift anything heavy for several days after ICL surgery.
• Do not swim or use a hot tub for 5-7 days. 
• Do not bend past your waist for five days.

For more information, visit Dr. Ella Faktorovich's social media: