This essential pre-operative test is a cornerstone of a successful Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery. Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, we meticulously map the internal structures of your eye. This allows our surgeons to determine the perfect ICL size and ensure the procedure’s long-term safety and effectiveness.
What is a ICL Vault Prediction & Sizing?
The “vault” refers to the microscopic space that must exist between the newly implanted ICL and your eye’s natural crystalline lens. The ICL Vault Prediction & Sizing test uses advanced, non-contact imaging systems like high-resolution Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) or Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to take precise, cross-sectional measurements of the anterior chamber of your eye. This data is fed into sophisticated software that calculates the exact internal dimensions, allowing surgeons to select a custom-fit lens and predict the resulting vault with incredible accuracy, ensuring the ICL fits perfectly without touching other delicate eye structures.
Why is this test performed?
This critical diagnostic step is performed to guarantee the highest standards of safety and precision for your ICL procedure. Key reasons include:
Custom Lens Sizing: To determine the exact size of the ICL required for your unique eye anatomy, ensuring a perfect, stable fit.
Safety Confirmation: To predict and confirm that an adequate and safe amount of space (the vault) will exist between the ICL and the natural lens.
Risk Prevention: To significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as the development of cataracts or an increase in eye pressure (glaucoma), which can result from an improperly sized lens.
Optimizing Visual Outcomes: To ensure the ICL is positioned optimally for the clearest possible vision and long-term comfort.
How to Prepare for Your ICL Vault Prediction & Sizing
This test is quick, non-invasive, and requires very little preparation. Our dedicated team at Pristine Eye Hospitals will provide you with all the necessary instructions.
If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to discontinue their use for a specific period before the test (typically 3-5 days for soft lenses and 1-2 weeks for hard/RGP lenses).
Please inform your ophthalmologist about any current eye conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking.
No fasting or special diet is required; you may eat and drink as you normally would before your appointment.
The Procedure: What to Expect Step-by-Step
1. You will be seated comfortably in front of the imaging machine, placing your chin on a chin rest and your forehead against a bar to keep your head steady.
2. You will be asked to focus on a small, steady light inside the device. This helps to align your eye correctly for the scan.
3. The machine will capture a series of high-resolution images of the inside of your eye. The entire process is non-contact (nothing touches your eye) and completely painless.
4. The scan for both eyes is typically completed in just a few minutes, after which the system’s software analyzes the data to provide the precise measurements for your surgeon.
Understanding Your Results
The results of the ICL Vault Prediction & Sizing test are a set of highly detailed measurements, not a simple “pass” or “fail.” These measurements provide our expert surgeons with the critical data needed to select the ICL that is perfectly tailored to the dimensions of your eye.
An ideal predicted vault confirms that your eye has the appropriate internal space to safely accommodate the lens, making you an excellent candidate for ICL surgery. Our specialists will carefully review these results with you, explaining how this data informs your personalized treatment plan and ensures a safe path towards visual freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ICL vault test painful?
Not at all. It is a completely non-contact, non-invasive imaging test that feels similar to having a photograph taken of your eye.
How long does the test take?
The actual scanning process is very quick, usually taking less than five minutes to complete for both eyes. Your total time in the clinic will include a consultation to discuss the results.
What happens if the predicted vault is not ideal?
If the measurements indicate that the vault would be too small or too large, your surgeon will prioritize your long-term eye health. They will discuss these findings with you and explore excellent alternative vision correction procedures, such as Contoura Vision LASIK.