ICL eye surgery, also known as an implantable collamer lens procedure, is a vision correction technique to treat a wide range of eyesight conditions.
If you have poor vision due to refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism, an implantable collamer lens could remove your reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
An implantable collamer lens is the same as Implantable Contact Lenses, with the former medical term referring to the material used in the procedure. This material is biocompatible, soft and flexible, and similar to traditional contact lenses.
Find out if you’re a suitable candidate for an implantable contact lens by booking a consultation with Laser Vision. Implantable contact lenses are an alternative to other procedures, such as LASIK and PRK.
Laser Vision clinics are located across the country. Get in touch to find your nearest one and book an initial consultation. Call us on 0800 024 8888 or fill out our contact form online.
What is ICL Surgery?
ICL surgery involves implanting a collamer lens in between the natural lens and the iris. This soft, flexible lens will help correct blurry vision and other eyesight problems, meaning you needn’t rely on glasses or contact lenses for sharp and clear vision.
You can’t feel the artificial lens, and it does not need to be removed or cleaned. This type of surgery has been performed for more than 20 years.
Each lens implant is custom-made for each individual and can be a solution for those with very high prescriptions who may be unsuitable for LASIK laser treatment or who have thin corneas.
Benefits of Having an ICL Surgery Procedure
There are many advantages to this procedure;
- No maintenance: Unlike traditional contact lenses, you will not need to remove, replace or clean the implantable collamer lens.
- Reversible: If necessary, the lens can be removed.
- Vision correction: Get crisp, clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
- Suitable for a wide range of prescriptions: An implantable contact lens can help correct refractive errors in very high prescriptions between +8.00D longsightedness and -20.00D shortsightedness, as well as up to +6.00D astigmatism.
- Non-invasive for the natural lens or corneal tissue: The ICL procedure doesn’t require any modification to the cornea.
- Comfortable: You will not be able to feel the soft lens implant after surgery.
- UV protection: The technologically advanced collagen-based collamer material provides both UV-A and UV-B protection with exceptional optical clarity.
- Quick procedure: Many patients are surprised by how quick this procedure is completed – taking just 15 minutes.
- No risk of dry eyes: Enjoy outstanding outcomes with no risk of dry eyes associated with other laser eye surgery procedures.
ICL Laser Eye Surgery vs. LASIK
There are several key differences between implantable contact lens surgery and LASIK. ICL does not involve the removal of corneal tissue or the making of a thin flap on the cornea, unlike LASIK surgery.
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK; those with very high prescriptions or thin corneas are usually unsuitable for LASIK eye surgery. ICL surgery can effectively treat such patients.
LASIK is a permanent, irreversible procedure whereas the implantable contact lens can be removed in the future if necessary.
What are the ICL risks?
Complications are rare with ICL vision correction; however, as with any eye surgery, there are risks involved. These will be explained in detail during your initial consultation but may include infection, eye pressure, lens exchange, cataracts or retinal detachment. Laser Vision is home to specialists in ICL surgery who take every measure to minimise risk.
How Much Does ICL Eye Surgery Cost?
Implantable contact lens surgery varies in price depending on your chosen provider, surgeon, hospital fees, location and technology required.
Please view our fees page for pricing details. For an accurate quotation, please book an initial consultation with a Laser Vision specialist near you.
Laser Vision is pleased to offer patients 0% APR finance on certain vision correction procedures. Get in touch to find out more.
Next Steps
You can book an assessment at your nearest clinic online. If you’d like to speak to a member of the team, please call 0800 024 8888.
