What Is ICL Surgery?

ICL surgery is a common procedure that has been used on many patients over the years to help improve their vision issues. In this article, we will be exploring everything about ICL surgery, from what the procedure is and how it works to recovery and aftercare.

What is ICL surgery?

ICL stands for implantable collamer lens. But, it’s commonly known as an implantable contact lens or phakic lens implant. It is an artificial lens that is permanently implanted into your eye. ICL’s are like contact lenses; they’re very thin and very soft. The difference is, we implant the ICL inside the eye instead of it sitting on the eye’s surface.

ICL has been in practice for more than 20 years. The lens has been developed to achieve a very safe and effective quality outcome.

An ICL is used to treat different conditions such as:

  • Myopia
  • Hyperopia
  • Astigmatism

The aim of the implant is to help improve vision, making it clearer and easier for patients to see.

At Eye Clinic London, we have been using this safe and effective procedure for the last six years. We are proud to say that we have helped many patients improve their vision and helped them reduce their need for using contact lenses and glasses.

Patients who want a higher quality of vision may opt for an ICL. If you also have issues such as dry eyes, irregular corneas, or prescriptions that exceed the acceptable range for other procedures, then an ICL could be the best course of action for you.

How does ICL surgery work?

ICL surgery is a quick process that takes no longer than 20 minutes to perform. The process is not too dissimilar from laser vision correction. A small opening is created, then the ICL is gently placed within the eye. The lens itself is very soft, so it is not uncomfortable for you. Once the lens is centered and aligned, the procedure is done.

We perform the surgery through a very small incision at the cornea’s edge. This incision is no more than 3.2-millimeters. The lens is very soft, and we inject it inside the eye, behind the pupil, where we center and align it. If it’s a toric lens implant, we bring the pupil down, and we seal the eye. It’s a really quick and comfortable procedure, taking six to seven minutes to perform.

Our team is on hand to guide you through every step of the process, making sure you feel comfortable and at ease.

Benefits of ICL surgery

There are several benefits that patients can enjoy as a result of an ICL. One of the most obvious benefits is improved vision. Patients can enjoy clearer eyesight without the need for visual aids. As well as everything being sharp and in focus, you’ll no longer need to depend on your glasses which can be an inconvenience.

The surgery has also been known to improve people’s confidence. For a lot of patients, this will be the first time that they are seen without their glasses on. Glasses will no longer dominate your appearance and get in the way, and as a result, patients can feel free and motivated.

Contact lenses are another visual aid that people can live without as a result of the surgery. At times, they can result in infection, but after an ICL, you will no longer need to wear them, and you can minimise that risk.

Implantable contact lens risks

Like all surgeries, there are some possible side effects of an ICL. Although the list of risks isn’t too long, it is still important to make yourself aware of them so you are comfortable undergoing the surgery. It may cause complications such as:

  • Under correction: can occur, which means if your near-sightedness wasn’t fully corrected by the ICL, this can result in a blurring of your vision
  • Over correction: can result in leaving you far-sighted
  • Presbyopia: A loss of close vision may occur sooner after ICL surgery
  • Nighttime halos and starbursts: An ICL can cause halos to appear around lights at night
  • Increased eye pressure: A sudden rise in eye pressure may occur, though this is very rare
  • Early cataracts: An ICL can increase the risk of cataracts

It is important to note that the risk of complications is low if performed by an experienced surgeon like the team at Eye Clinic London. If you have any questions about the risks of the treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the matter further. Alternatively, you can visit our ICL FAQs page.

Implantable contact lens vs LASIK

The main difference between LASIK and ICL is how they are performed. LASIK is used to correct the same issues as an ICL, but it is performed on the cornea without the need to enter the eye. During the procedure, a special type of cutting laser is used to precisely change the dome-shaped clear tissue at the front of the eye to help improve vision.

Some patients may not be suitable for LASIK as they will have to undergo an assessment before the procedure.

You need to have a prescription that doesn’t change often, healthy eyes, and a strong cornea that can withstand the effects of surgery. If the results of your examination suggest you are not suitable, then an ICL could be the best course of action.

ICL surgery recovery and aftercare

The recovery process of the procedure can take a matter of months for you to achieve the final results. For the first few days, your vision may be slightly blurred, but this should subside.

Your eyes will continue to heal over the next couple of months. It is advised that during this process, you try not to scratch or rub your eyes and avoid wearing makeup if you can.

Water should also be avoided as you don’t want this to enter your eye immediately after your surgery. If you find your eyelashes become sticky, then we suggest cleaning them using a cotton bud soaked in warm water.

Activities such as sport and driving should also be avoided. Your doctor will let you know when it is ok to do so. Finally, whilst you are sleeping, it is important that you do what you can to protect your eyes. It can help to wear eye shields to bed. You can stick them down with tape and then make sure to wash and dry them before you need to use them again.

To find out more about the recovery and aftercare process, please visit our What To Expect After ICL Surgery page.

How Eye Clinic London can help you

Eye Clinic London offers an unparalleled service that always ensures you are in the best possible hands. Our experienced team of medical professionals will be there for you every step of the way, from the initial consultation right the way through to recovery. Book a free virtual or in-person consultation with our optometrist today to start the road to better vision with Eye Clinic London.

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“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”

Annabel Giles, Lens replacement

“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”

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“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”

Timothy Thompson

“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”

Nat & Rich
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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.