Overview | Video FAQs | Suitability | Advantages | Risks | Recovery
Is poor vision quality affecting your day-to-day life? You may wish to have ICL surgery for a permanent solution.
What is implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery?
Implantable Contact Lens, also known as Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), gives you sharp, clear vision without the need for glasses or traditional contact lenses. During ICL surgery, we implant a specially designed custom refractive lens in the eye through a tiny self-healing incision.
This ICL lens sits in the space in front of your natural crystalline lens (behind the coloured part of your eye, known as your iris), allowing you to see clearly and sharply without any glasses or contact lenses. The ICL lens can remain in the eye permanently, is not visible to the naked eye, and does not have to be removed to be cleaned, unlike traditional contact lenses. Learn more about contact lens use on our blog: Contact Lens: Risks, Side-effects & Alternatives.
The procedure
Our video below – How is Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery performed? – covers how we perform ICL surgery. The procedure takes between 20 and 30 minutes per eye, after which you have a permanent lens implant.
However, the procedure is reversible, and we can remove the lens implant if appropriate; if for example you need cataract surgery later in life or you have a major prescription change. This offers you peace of mind and flexibility for the future.
Who is suitable for ICL eye surgery?
Almost all prescriptions and eyes can be treated with ICL, so long as there is enough space in the eye to safely fit the ICL lens. This ranges from very low to very high prescriptions.
If you aren’t deemed suitable for laser vision correction (such as if you have a very high prescription, your corneas are too thin or you suffer from dry eye issues or another eye surface condition), then ICL surgery may be the very best option for you. Other factors also influence whether you are suitable, such as the space available in the front part of your eye.
ICL may be the most appropriate vision correction procedure for you if you have:
- A very high prescription
- Stable keratoconus
- Thin corneas
- Dry eyes
- Other minor corneal problems
Suitability is also dependent on your:
- Age <45 (ICL is indicated up to 65 years old)
- Lifestyle
- Eye examination
- Work and hobbies
- Consultation eye scan results
During your consultation, Mr Ayoub will discuss whether this or an alternate procedure is suitable for you depending on your circumstances.
The range of spectacle prescriptions that can be treated effectively is approximately:
- Up to -20.00D of myopia or short-sightedness
- Up to +10.00D of hyperopia or long-sightedness
- Up to ±6.00D of astigmatism
Advantages of ICL surgery?
ICL surgery has several advantages over other types of refractive surgery. It can provide you with a sharp, clear vision and offer you freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
What are the benefits of ICL surgery?
- Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
- Fast recovery time – around a few days
- Excellent night vision
- Sharp, clear vision
- Quick and pain free procedure
- UV protection
- No dry eye syndrome
- No removal of any natural tissue
- Biocompatible – made with collagen
- We can remove ICL implants
Results show that patients achieve excellent vision during the day and night after ICL. It doesn’t worsen dry eyes, and ICL implants are removable, providing you with future flexibility and peace of mind. Contact us to learn more about the cost of ICL surgery at Oculase.
Implantable contact lens risks
During your consultation, we will discuss all ICL surgery risks with you and how likely they are. Implantable contact lens surgery is safe and effective and the likelihood of complications is rare.
Mr Ayoub discusses ICL surgery risks in more detail in our video: What are the risks of Implantable Contact Lens surgery? He also covers how we counter these complications.
What to expect after ICL surgery
You will notice an immediate improvement in vision after the surgery; as your eyes heal, your vision will continue to get sharper.
Read our blog to learn more about recovering from ICL surgery: What to expect after ICL surgery: Benefits and recovery. Within this blog, we offer aftercare tips and discuss how to prepare for ICL surgery. We also cover when you should speak to a doctor about symptoms after ICL surgery.
Watch our videos below to learn more about implantable contact lens surgery.
Book an appointment
If you are interested in ICL or are not suitable for laser eye surgery, take control of your vision with implantable contact lenses.
Allow our expert eye specialists to assess your eyes and provide educated guidance. We offer thorough consultations, examinations, and testing to recommend the best treatment option for you. To hear the Oculase experience of others, read our patient reviews.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
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