Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery offers a safe and effective solution for patients with high refractive errors, thin corneas, or those seeking an alternative to traditional LASIK procedures. Consult with our skilled refractive eye surgeon today to see if ICL is right for you!
Implantable Contact Lens (ICL), sometimes called Implantable Collamer Lens, is a permanent corrective lens implanted inside the eye to treat moderate to high refractive errors. It offers a safe and effective alternative for those whose prescriptions exceed the limits of laser vision correction or have thin or irregular corneas.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery can be life-changing for patients who aren't ideal candidates for laser-based procedures like LASIK or PRK. Let’s walk through the types of patients who may benefit most—and the conditions that need to be checked before moving forward.
ICL surgery is particularly well-suited for patients with moderate to severe refractive errors. If you've been told your prescription is “too high” for laser correction, this may be the path for you. ICL can correct:
Myopia (nearsightedness) up to -18.00 diopters
Hyperopia (farsightedness) up to +10.00 diopters
Astigmatism up to -6.00 diopters
These levels are often beyond the safe range for LASIK or LASEK, making ICL a strong alternative for those seeking sharp, stable vision without relying on glasses or contacts.
One of the main reasons patients are ruled out for LASIK or PRK is thin or irregular corneal thickness. These procedures involve reshaping the cornea using a laser, which can compromise the structural integrity of the eye if there's not enough tissue to work with.
ICL bypasses this entirely. Since the lens is implanted behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, the shape and thickness of your cornea remain untouched. This makes ICL an excellent solution for people who would otherwise be considered “non-candidates” for refractive surgery.
Do your eyes tend to feel dry, gritty, or tired—especially after wearing contacts? Dry eye syndrome is a common issue, and many patients are hesitant to undergo LASIK because it can sometimes make dryness worse.
ICL has an edge here. Because the surgery leaves your corneal nerves largely intact, it avoids disrupting tear production. Many patients with pre-existing dry eye symptoms find ICL offers not just better vision, but better day-to-day comfort, too.
To qualify for ICL, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old with a stable vision prescription for at least one year. That’s important because fluctuating prescriptions can lead to poor long-term outcomes, regardless of how precise the procedure is.
Your refractive surgeon will take a detailed history of your prescription trends to make sure your vision has settled before moving forward with any lens-based correction.
One of the key measurements we take before recommending ICL surgery is the anterior chamber depth—the space between your cornea and your natural lens. There needs to be enough room for the implanted lens to sit comfortably and safely.
Additionally, good overall eye health is essential. We’ll assess the health of your corneal endothelium, check for signs of glaucoma or cataract development, and screen for any pre-existing eye diseases that could affect the safety or success of the procedure.
There are a few situations where ICL might not be the best option. If you have:
Glaucoma or a strong family history of it
Pre-existing corneal disease or dystrophies
Abnormal endothelial cell counts
Active eye infections or inflammation
Uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions affecting healing
In these cases, our surgeon will explore other safe and effective options tailored to your eyes.
ICL is a vision correction procedure that involves the surgical placement of a thin, flexible lens made of biocompatible Collamer— a collagen co-polymer known for its compatibility with the human eye. The lens is inserted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens in a minimally invasive day surgery lasting about 15 to 20 minutes per eye. Since ICL is additive, it works in harmony with your natural eye by enhancing focusing power, which means there is no removal of corneal tissue as seen in laser vision correction procedures.
Before ICL surgery, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to assess your visual health and the anatomical dimensions of your eye. This includes tests for refractive error, corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and an examination of the anterior chamber depth. Because precise measurements are crucial for determining the appropriate size and power of the ICL, you will be asked to remove your contact lenses several days before the evaluation—three days for soft contact lenses and 14 days for hard contact lenses. Additionally, eyedrops are administered to dilate your pupils and allow our refractive eye surgeon a better look at your eye structures.
On the day of your ICL surgery, you should avoid driving and arrange for transportation, as your vision may be temporarily affected after the procedure. Upon arrival at the clinic, you will be given local anesthetic eyedrops to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. A small, self-sealing incision of about 2 to 3 mm is made at the edge of your cornea. The ICL is then folded and carefully inserted through the incision, positioning it perfectly between your iris and natural lens. The incision closes on its own, and there is little to no discomfort during the minimally invasive procedure. The surgery may be performed on both eyes during the same session, or scheduled separately, depending on your specific circumstances and the recommendation of our refractive eye surgeon.
ICL surgery offers many benefits, making it an attractive option for patients who are not candidates for traditional laser vision correction. Here are some of its key benefits:
ICL can effectively correct a high range of prescriptions, from as low as -0.50 to as high as -18.00 for myopia and similarly for hyperopia and astigmatism. This makes it a preferred choice for those with more extreme refractive errors.
Unlike laser procedures that remove corneal tissue, ICL maintains the structural integrity of your cornea. This is especially beneficial for patients with thin or irregularly shaped corneas.
ICLs generally have a lower incidence of night vision issues such as haloes and starbursts. Many patients report improved night vision quality compared to other procedures.
The lens material includes an ultraviolet filter that offers extra protection against harmful UV radiation, helping to safeguard the inner eye, including the macula.
One of the unique features of ICL surgery is its reversibility. Should your vision needs change significantly or if you experience any adverse reactions, the ICL can be removed by our refractive eye surgeon without causing major complications.
Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within days. Most can resume normal daily activities, with full stabilization of vision typically occurring within three months.
Additionally, since the ICL does not involve laser reshaping of your eye, it generally creates less risk of dry eye symptoms post-procedure. This factor, along with its minimal interference with the natural anatomy of the eye, underpins its appeal as a reliable long-term vision correction solution.
Following the advice of your surgeon is crucial to a smooth experience and optimum outcomes. In the days leading up to your surgery, you must avoid wearing contact lenses as advised during your evaluation. This ensures that your eyes are in their natural state for precise measurements. You should also refrain from activities that might strain your eyes or expose them to excess contaminants that could interfere with the procedure.
The recovery process after ICL surgery is both quick and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect after the procedure:
Although some patients may experience mild glare, halos, or blurred vision during the initial healing period, these effects are typically temporary and subside as your eyes adjust to the new lens. Following these guidelines diligently will contribute to a smooth and strong recovery.
While ICL surgery is considered low-risk, as with any surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and complications. Our refractive eye surgeon take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure maximum safety during and after the procedure.
In all cases, continuous monitoring, regular post-operative appointments, and sticking carefully to aftercare instructions significantly lower the likelihood of serious complications. Our refractive eye surgeon will fully inform you of all risks during the consultation so that you can make an educated decision that fits your lifestyle and vision needs.
It is natural to compare ICL with traditional laser vision correction methods such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE. Laser vision correction involves reshaping the cornea, which can sometimes lead to issues like dry eyes or corneal weakening, particularly in patients with high prescriptions. ICL, in contrast, preserves the natural corneal structure and avoids the thinning of the cornea.
Once laser surgery is performed, it cannot be undone. ICL surgery, however, is flexible because the lens is removable should your prescription change significantly or in case of any complications. This aspect offers additional reassurance to patients concerned about long-term outcomes.
Patients with thin corneas, high refractive errors, or dry eye conditions may not be suitable candidates for laser-based procedures. ICL expands the range of candidates by offering a solution that is less dependent on corneal thickness, making it a viable option for those previously considered ineligible.
Ready to explore your options for Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery? Schedule a consultation with our experienced refractive eye surgeon to determine if ICL is the right choice for you. Don't wait—your path to clear vision starts now!
Studies indicate that patients receiving ICL surgery generally report better quality of vision, fewer visual aberrations, and overall improved contrast sensitivity. Many also notice fewer problems with night vision compared to those who underwent laser correction.
ICL technology has been refined over several decades, with the Visian® ICL being one of the most trusted and widely used variants approved by the US FDA. With over 500,000 successful implants worldwide and satisfaction rates exceeding 95%, ICL surgery has a proven track record. The lens is designed to remain in your eye permanently, delivering long-term vision correction without interfering with the eye's natural functions.
The material used—Collamer—is soft, flexible, and biocompatible, reducing the likelihood of the body reacting negatively. It even includes a built-in ultraviolet filter that offers extra protection to the inner parts of your eye. As long as you continue with regular eye check-ups, our refractive eye surgeon can monitor the ICL’s performance and ensure that your vision remains optimal over time. Should any issues develop, the reversibility of the procedure provides an added layer of safety, allowing for adjustments or removal if needed.
When considering ICL surgery, there are several important factors to keep in mind. A detailed examination of your eye's corneal thickness, the depth of the anterior chamber, and overall health is crucial. These measurements ensure that your eye can safely accommodate the ICL.
Every eye is unique. Our refractive eye surgeon customizes the ICL power and placement to align with your specific prescription and eye anatomy, ensuring personalized and precise vision correction.
Following post-operative care guidelines is essential for a quick recovery and long-term success. This includes using prescribed eye drops, protecting your eyes from excessive light, avoiding unnecessary strain, and attending scheduled follow-up visits.
While ICL offers many advantages, such as superior night vision, reversibility, and preservation of corneal integrity, it is still important to be aware of potential complications. Open communication with our refractive eye surgeon about any concerns before and after the surgery is key to ensuring a positive outcome.
This procedure is not just about correcting your vision; it’s about enhancing your overall quality of life. Patients who undergo ICL surgery often enjoy the freedom from glasses or contact lenses while reaping the benefits of a natural-feeling visual improvement.
No, the ICL is designed to be completely unnoticeable once it is in place. It does not attach to any structures within the eye, so you will not feel any discomfort or notice its presence during your daily activities.
The intention of ICL surgery is to provide a long-term solution for vision correction. While the lens is meant to remain in your eye permanently, it is also reversible. In the event that your vision changes or if other concerns arise, our refractive eye surgeon can remove or exchange the ICL to adjust to your needs.
Many patients gain a significant improvement in vision within 24 hours following surgery, with most experiencing further stabilization over the next three months. Although you might notice an initial adjustment period with some temporary effects like mild glare, these typically subside as the eye heals.
For a short period after your ICL surgery, you will need to take precautions to allow your eyes to heal effectively. This includes avoiding heavy physical activities, strenuous reading, and exposure to bright lights without proper eye protection. You will also need to avoid swimming, hot tubs, and dusty or smoky environments temporarily to minimize the risk of infection or injury.
One of the notable advantages of ICL over LASIK is that it does not interfere significantly with the corneal nerves responsible for tear production. This means that the risk of chronic dry eye is generally lower with ICL, making it a favorable option for patients who already experience dryness and irritation.
ICL surgery is a state-of-the-art procedure offering a reliable solution for vision correction. Please consult our refractive eye surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized guidance on your journey toward clearer vision.
Ready to explore your options for Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery? Schedule a consultation with our experienced refractive eye surgeon to determine if ICL is the right choice for you. Don't wait—your path to clear vision starts now!
ICL surgery provides an effective option for treating high refractive errors, preserving corneal integrity, and enhancing vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
