Introduction: Toward a New Life with Clear Vision

Concerns about your vision can significantly impact your daily quality of life (QOL). Many people wish to free themselves from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses and see the world more clearly. You may want to enjoy sports and hobbies to the fullest, increase your focus at work, or avoid relying on reading glasses.

At our clinic, led by Chief Surgeon Dr. Kazuo Ichikawa, an ICL Senior Expert Instructor, we provide optimal vision correction treatments tailored to each patient's eye condition and lifestyle. We believe in not just restoring vision, but also helping you achieve a richer life beyond that. To do so, it is essential to have accurate knowledge about the treatment and to proceed with confidence and understanding.

In this column, we will provide a detailed explanation of the knowledge you should have before your visit, key points for choosing a clinic, and what to expect after treatment, so that those considering ICL or cataract surgery can approach it with peace of mind. We hope you will use this as an opportunity to think about your eye health and the future of your vision.

Finding the Best Treatment for Your Eyes: Options for ICL and Cataract Surgery

There are various options for vision correction treatment. The most suitable method differs depending on your eye condition and your desired visual outcome. The main options include ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), which involves inserting a contact lens-like device into the eye, and cataract surgery, which replaces the cloudy natural lens with an artificial one.

The Appeal and Types of ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

ICL is a surgical procedure that corrects myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by inserting a small lens into the eye while preserving your natural crystalline lens. Unlike LASIK, it does not involve reshaping the cornea, which is associated with a lower risk of dry eye. It is an extremely effective option, especially for individuals with high myopia or those who have been deemed unsuitable for LASIK.

• Presbyopia-Correcting ICL (IPCL): In recent years, a new type of ICL (IPCL) that also addresses presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) has become available, offering the potential to improve vision across a wide range of distances, from far to near. This holds the promise for many people suffering from presbyopia to live a life closer to being glasses-free.
• Wide Range of Applicability: ICL may be an option for individuals for whom LASIK was considered difficult, such as those with thin corneas or very high levels of myopia. This has allowed more people to benefit from vision correction.
• Reversibility: In the unlikely event that your eye condition changes or a new treatment becomes necessary in the future, the inserted lens can be removed. This reversibility is one of the major reasons why patients choose ICL.

Our clinic is home to one of only two ICL Senior Expert Instructors in Japan. With the highest level of expertise and skill certified by STAAR Surgical, we propose the best treatment plan tailored to each patient. We support your first step toward clear vision with reliable and trustworthy technology.

Cataract Surgery: Improving QOL with a Variety of Intraocular Lenses

Cataracts are a condition where the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, causing blurry or glaring vision. Statistics show that it affects about half of people over 40 and almost everyone over 80 in Japan. The treatment involves removing the cloudy lens and inserting a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There are various types of IOLs, and the choice significantly affects your vision after surgery.

1. Monofocal Lenses: These are standard lenses that focus at a single distance (you can choose from far, intermediate, or near). You can see clearly at the chosen distance without glasses, but may need them for other distances.
2. Multifocal Lenses: These lenses can focus at multiple distances, from far to near. They can significantly reduce the need for glasses, but it may take time to get used to the vision, and some people may experience glare or halos around lights.
3. EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) Lenses: These lenses have characteristics that fall between monofocal and multifocal lenses, providing natural vision from a far to an intermediate range while also addressing presbyopia. They also have the advantage of causing less glare than multifocal lenses.
4. LAL (Light Adjustable Lens): This is a groundbreaking lens whose power can be adjusted after surgery by applying a special UV light. This allows for fine-tuning the prescription to the patient's preference post-operatively, enabling a more personalized vision correction.

At our clinic, we help you choose the most suitable lens from this wide variety through thorough counseling, based on your lifestyle and preferences. For example, we might recommend a lens that provides excellent distance vision for someone who plays golf, or one that offers comfortable near vision for a passionate reader, always prioritizing each patient's desire for a particular kind of life.

Key Points for Choosing a Clinic for Safe and Reliable Treatment

Choosing a clinic is extremely important for a treatment that concerns your precious eyesight. To avoid any regrets, please use the following points as a guide to find the best clinic for you.

Presence of a Specialized and Experienced Doctor

ICL and cataract surgery require a high level of skill, so the surgeon's experience and professional qualifications are crucial indicators. The doctor's expertise and track record are directly linked to the safety and success rate of the treatment.

• Doctor's Experience and Qualifications: At our clinic, treatments are performed by Chief Surgeon Dr. Kazuo Ichikawa, one of only two ICL Senior Expert Instructors in Japan. Dr. Ichikawa has authored numerous books, including Scary Eye Diseases That Lead to Blindness if Left Untreated, and his medical knowledge and experience are highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Having a doctor with the highest standards of skill and knowledge allows our patients to undergo treatment with complete peace of mind.
• Utilizing a Second Opinion: If you have any doubts or concerns about the treatment method or clinic choice, we actively encourage seeking a second opinion. Hearing from multiple doctors will help you make the best choice for yourself. At our clinic, we are committed to clear explanations (informed consent) so that patients can proceed with treatment with full understanding. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Finding a doctor you can trust is the first step toward a successful outcome.

Precise Examination System and Advanced Medical Equipment

To create an appropriate treatment plan, precise examinations to accurately assess the condition of your eyes are essential. Furthermore, the use of the latest medical equipment is a key factor in enhancing the safety of the surgery.

• Thorough Pre-operative Examinations: To prevent post-operative over-correction and aim for more accurate vision improvement, our clinic conducts two pre-operative examinations. This allows us to understand the specific characteristics of each individual's eyes in detail and determine the optimal lens type and power. A thorough examination system is the foundation for maximizing patient safety and the quality of treatment results.
• Introduction of the Latest Technology: For surgery, we employ heads-up surgery using a digital microscope and a 3D 4K monitor. This magnifies the surgical field, enabling more precise and stable operations, which contributes to improved patient safety and treatment quality. The ability to view the surgical site in 3D allows for more accurate lens insertion and positioning.

The latest equipment and a thorough examination system play a vital role in protecting your eye health and achieving your ideal vision.

Long-Term Post-Operative Support and Guarantees

Surgery is not the goal, but the start of a new life with new vision. Post-operative care and how the clinic handles unforeseen situations are also crucial factors in your choice. Be sure to check if they have a long-term support system in place.

• Comprehensive Guarantee System: To prepare for any unexpected changes in your eye condition, our clinic has a unique system that offers a free guarantee for lens replacement or removal within three years of surgery. This ensures that even if an unforeseen event occurs, patients can receive the appropriate care without worrying about the cost.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor your recovery and maintain long-term eye health. Our clinic carefully follows up on your post-operative progress and provides support to ensure you maintain comfortable vision. Our professional staff is always ready to address any post-operative concerns or questions you may have.

Before undergoing surgery, be sure to confirm the details of the guarantee and aftercare system. This will provide you with additional peace of mind in your life after treatment.

Accessibility and Flexible Service

In our busy modern lives, a clinic's accessibility is also an important factor. It is a good idea to check the clinic's location, operating hours, and service flexibility in advance.

• Access and Hours: Our clinic is located on the 16th floor of the Grand Central Tower, directly connected to the Konan Exit of Shinagawa Station, making it extremely convenient to access. You can easily stop by after work or while shopping, reducing the burden of clinic visits. We also operate on a strictly by-appointment-only basis to ensure smooth consultations without keeping our patients waiting. You may also want to check for evening or weekend availability to fit your lifestyle.
• Diverse Consultation System: While some clinics now offer online consultations, a detailed, in-person examination is indispensable for precise eye exams and surgical decisions. Some patients may also prefer to be seen by a female doctor. Our clinic has established a support system from various perspectives so that patients can consult with us with peace of mind. We have English-speaking staff available to assist international patients. We are also equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.

Clarify your priorities and choose the clinic that is most suitable for you.

The Process from Consultation to Treatment: Taking the First Step with Confidence

Our clinic's vision correction treatment process is designed to be straightforward and reassuring, even for first-time patients. Understanding the specific steps will help you prepare for your visit without anxiety.

1. Book an Appointment: Our clinic operates strictly by appointment. Please start by booking via phone (0120-210-109) or our website. We are conveniently located on the 16th floor of the Grand Central Tower, directly connected to the Konan Exit of Shinagawa Station, making it easy for busy individuals to visit.
2. First Visit, Free Counseling & Screening: Upon arrival, you will first have a free initial screening and counseling session with a specialist. Here, we will examine your eyes in detail and explain whether ICL or cataract surgery is suitable for you and what the best treatment options are. If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment at this stage, please don't hesitate to ask. Our doctors and staff will answer them thoroughly.
3. Detailed Pre-operative Examinations (2 Sessions): Once you decide to proceed with surgery, we will conduct two detailed pre-operative examinations to get a more precise understanding of your eye condition. These tests are crucial for accurately determining the lens power and type, thereby minimizing post-operative over-correction or discomfort. We take our time to perform these tests carefully to create the optimal treatment plan for you.
4. Finalizing Treatment Date & Final Explanation: Based on the examination results, we will finalize the treatment plan. We will go over the specific surgical procedure, pre- and post-operative instructions, post-operative lifestyle, and a detailed cost breakdown. We will schedule the surgery only after you are completely satisfied and have no remaining questions. Please feel free to ask about anything, no matter how small.
5. Surgery: Our highly experienced chief surgeon will perform the surgery safely and precisely using advanced equipment, including heads-up surgery with a digital microscope and a 3D 4K monitor. Most cataract surgeries can be performed as an outpatient procedure.
6. Post-operative Check-ups and Aftercare: After the surgery, several follow-up visits are necessary to check on your eye's condition. Our clinic carefully monitors your recovery and provides support to help you maintain comfortable vision for the long term. If you notice any issues or have any concerns, please contact us at any time.

Our clinic accepts cash, as well as various credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club), e-money, and QR code payments (PayPay, LINE Pay, d-払い, etc.), offering you flexible payment options. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about medical costs.

Understanding Medical Costs: The Basics of Insured vs. Private Treatment

When considering vision correction treatment, understanding the associated medical costs is crucial. There are two types of treatment: insured treatment and private (self-pay) treatment, each with significantly different coverage and costs. It's important to confirm which category your treatment falls into beforehand.

What is Insured Treatment?

Insured treatment is covered by national health insurance based on government-set medical service fees. Patients are responsible for a portion of the medical costs (typically 30%), while the rest is covered by their health insurance union, which helps keep out-of-pocket expenses low.

• Scope of Coverage: It applies to basic consultations, tests, procedures, and surgeries aimed at treating a disease. For example, the cost of a monofocal intraocular lens used in general cataract surgery may be covered by insurance. However, there are certain limitations on the types of lenses and treatment methods available.
• Cost Estimate: While the cost is relatively low, there are restrictions on the medical devices, medications, and types of intraocular lenses that can be used. A key disadvantage is the limited range of treatment options.

ICL, a vision correction surgery, is, in principle, not covered by insurance and is considered a private treatment at this time.

What is Private (Self-Pay) Treatment?

Private treatment is chosen for procedures not covered by health insurance, such as those using advanced medical technologies or high-performance intraocular lenses that go beyond the scope of insured treatment. The patient bears the full cost, but this opens up a much wider range of treatment options.

• Scope of Coverage: This category includes many treatments that pursue the latest technology and improved QOL for patients, such as ICL surgery and cataract surgery using advanced IOLs like multifocal, EDOF, and LALs. The greatest advantage is the freedom to choose the best vision and treatment method that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
• Cost Estimate: Although it tends to be more expensive than insured treatment, it offers a broader range of choices and the benefit of receiving the optimal treatment tailored to your lifestyle. All ICL, presbyopia-correcting ICL, cataract surgery with multifocal/EDOF/LAL lenses, and IOL exchange surgeries offered at our clinic are private treatments. We will explain the specific fees in detail during your free counseling session.

The cost of private treatment may be eligible for a medical expense deduction on your tax return, so please check when filing your taxes. It is important to confirm whether the treatment you want is insured or private and to discuss the costs thoroughly in advance.

Conclusion: A Richer Life with Your New Vision

Vision correction treatment holds the potential to dramatically improve your quality of life. Free from glasses and contact lenses, you will be able to lead a more active life, enjoying travel, sports, and hobbies more than ever before. The clear vision you experience from the moment you wake up, and the comfort your eyes feel even on rainy or dry days, will bring more joy to your daily life than you can imagine.

Our clinic is home to one of only two ICL Senior Expert Instructors in Japan. We welcome our patients with precise examinations, the latest medical technology, and a mission to present the best options to each patient with broad and deep knowledge, and deliver high-quality vision improvement and an enhanced QOL through thorough counseling and clear explanations, free of anxiety. We aim to not only treat the eyes but also to support our patients in enriching their lives.

• If you are considering vision improvement treatment, please start by taking advantage of our free screening and counseling. Understanding the condition of your eyes and what options are available is the first step.
• Our prime location, directly connected to the Konan Exit of Shinagawa Station (Grand Central Tower 16F), and our appointment-only system ensure a smooth visit. We do our utmost to help you prioritize your eye health amidst your busy schedule.
• Our entire staff sincerely looks forward to resolving your questions and concerns and helping you undergo treatment with peace of mind.

We hope that with new, clear vision, your every day will shine even brighter. Please consult with us about the future of your eyes.