What Is ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) Surgery?
The implantable lens, commonly known as the ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), is a precision medical lens made from a biocompatible material called Collamer, which is well tolerated by the eye's tissues. The lens is implanted inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the eye's natural lens to correct vision, without removing any corneal tissue and without touching the natural lens.
Unlike laser procedures, which work by reshaping the surface of the cornea, the ICL adds a corrective lens inside the eye that works permanently — much like a contact lens, but inside the eye, with no need for daily removal or cleaning.
Who Is ICL Best Suited For?
Not every eye is a candidate for laser surgery; in some cases implantable lenses are the more suitable and safer option. The most common of these include:
- People with very high myopia that is difficult to correct safely with laser.
- Those with a thin cornea that cannot safely tolerate laser tissue removal.
- Patients with dry eye that may worsen after surface laser treatment.
- People ruled out for LASIK or SMILE after a corneal scan (topography).
- Those who want a removable solution that does not permanently alter the corneal tissue.
Important note: The choice between LASIK, SMILE and ICL can only be made after a thorough eye examination, including your prescription, corneal thickness and anterior chamber measurements. The free consultation helps you find out which technique is best suited to your specific case.
Benefits of ICL Implantable Lenses
- High-quality vision and excellent clarity, even with very high prescriptions.
- No corneal tissue is removed, so the cornea keeps its natural strength.
- Removable or adjustable in the future if your eye condition changes.
- Preserves the eye's natural lens and its ability to focus (accommodation).
- Some models also provide UV protection.
- Fast results, with a noticeable improvement in vision shortly after surgery.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
ICL implantation takes just a few minutes per eye under topical (eye-drop) anaesthesia. The steps are:
1. Examination and Measurements
Your prescription and eye dimensions are measured precisely to choose the right lens size for each eye individually.
2. Lens Implantation
The flexible lens is inserted through a tiny, self-sealing incision, then gently positioned in its correct place inside the eye.
3. Recovery and Follow-up
Most patients go home the same day, with eye drops, simple follow-up visits and post-operative instructions.
The implanted lens is invisible — the patient cannot feel it and others cannot see it — and it stays inside the eye permanently unless the doctor decides to remove or adjust it for a medical reason.