Discover the innovative world of Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), a leading-edge solution in vision correction. This advanced collamer lens technology offers a long-term alternative to traditional glasses or contact lenses, promising enhanced visual acuity and quality of vision. With the reassurance that more than 3,000,000 ICLs have now been implanted globally. If you are looking for freedom from wearing glasses or contact lenses, then the STAAR® ICL may be right for you.
David Anderson has been performing ICL surgery for more than 15 years and will always be happy to discuss the procedure and alternatives to treatment with you in person.
An Implantable Collamer Lens, often referred to as ICL, is a sophisticated implantable intraocular lens designed for vision correction. The procedure involves the careful implantation of this small, flexible lens inside the eye, specifically between the iris and the natural lens. This lens implant works in harmony with your eye to correct your vision. The lens is not visible within the eye as it sits behind the iris and pupil.
Collamer lenses come in various types and powers to address a range of refractive errors. The choice of lens depends on individual needs, ensuring the right fit for optimal vision correction. The ICL comes in three forms; the EVO ICL™, the EVO+ ICL™ and the Visian® ICL, depending on your spectacle prescription. The ICL can be used to correct/reduce myopia in patients from the age of 21 to 60 years, ranging from -0.50D to -20.0D without or with astigmatism up to 6.0D and the correction/reduction of hyperopia in patients from 21 to 45 years of age ranging from +0.5D to +16.0D without or with astigmatism up to 6.0D.
Your surgeon, David Anderson, will determine the most suitable type of lens to correct your vision, ensuring that you are suitable for treatment with ICL or discuss alternatives with you.
Unlike traditional contact lenses that rest on the cornea, the Implantable Collamer Lens is placed inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. The EVO ICL does not cause contact lens-induced dry eye nor dry eye syndrome, since, unlike other forms of vision correction, there is no removal of corneal tissue with EVO ICL.
15 - 20 Minutes per eye
Local anaesthetic (numbing drops) can be combined with sedation
1 - 2 Days
2 Days recommended
2 - 3 Days
Permanent
The primary benefit of ICLs is the visual freedom they offer. The EVO ICL procedure can help you live life uninhibited by getting rid of the hassle of contacts and glasses. EVO ICL means you’re always ready to live life to the fullest. Many ICL patients find they can enjoy activities without the constraints of wearing glasses or contact lenses, making daily life more convenient and enjoyable. This visual freedom is a significant motivator for those seeking ICL surgery.
ICL represents an alternative to other refractive surgeries, including laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and incisional surgeries. EVO is an excellent alternative to LASIK and other vision correction treatments as it does not require the removal of corneal tissue or cause dry eye. ICLs are particularly advantageous for individuals with thin corneas, significant dry eye disease or high prescriptions where laser vision correction may not be suitable.
Long-term outcomes for ICL patients are generally very positive. 99.4% of people surveyed would have the procedure again. The EVO ICL is a permanent solution that can be removed later on in life if, or when cataracts develop when an intraocular lens will replace the cloudy crystalline lens instead. Implantable Contact Lenses are a permanent answer to eyesight issues such as blurred distance vision and astigmatism, and can be removed if necessary. Although the lens can be removed, many ICL patients enjoy lasting vision correction for many years.
ICL surgery is a relatively quick day case procedure, taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes to perform per eye. You’ll receive anaesthetic eye drops to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Many patients report minimal discomfort and are often surprised by the speed and ease of the ICL procedure.
How it works exactly:
1. Drops are applied to the eye to dilate your pupil and numb the eye
2. A small opening is made in the cornea to insert the EVO ICL lens
3. The EVO ICL is then rolled up and inserted through the small opening
4. Small adjustments are made to correctly position the lens in the eye
5. Before you leave the hospital your eye will be examined
6. Post-operative medication will be provided to aid healing
Recovery after ICL surgery is generally swift, with most patients returning to daily life within 1–2 days. While those working in dusty environments or engaging in manual labour may need a longer recovery period, your surgeon, David Anderson, will provide personalised guidance during your initial assessment. Regular eye checks are recommended following this surgery.
Let’s begin with some of the basics of ICL surgery:
While ICL surgery boasts a high success rate, it's essential to be aware of potential, though rare, side effects. Like any surgical procedure, ICL surgery carries some risks. These may include the need for additional eye surgery, the formation of a cataract, or raised pressure inside the eye. In extremely rare cases, vision loss or infection are possible. Unwanted visual effects e.g. experiencing halos after surgery are uncommon and usually settle within a month or two. Although rare, if unwanted visual effects persist, the EVO ICL can be removed (or explanted) from the eye to return vision and correction to how it was before the surgery . Understanding these considerations will help you make an informed decision regarding the EVO+ ICLTM procedure. A small proportion of ICLs will require either adjusting or replacing (explanting) for sizing issues as they may be slightly too short or too long for the eye. If this is the case, no additional charge is made for this adjustment.
Although ICL does not cause dry eyes, it is possible to experience some dryness in the initial period after ICL surgery. If you experience dry eye, artificial eye drops can provide relief. In more persistent cases, other treatments, such as prescription eye drops or punctal plugs, may be recommended by your eye care professional. Maintaining proper hydration and a healthy diet can also help minimize dry eye symptoms.
Ideal candidates for ICL surgery are generally between 21 and 60 years old and have stable vision. The ICL is designed for correcting myopia (nearsightedness) from -0.5 D to -20.0 D, with or without astigmatism up to 6.0 D, and hyperopia (farsightedness) from +0.5 D to +16.0 D, with or without astigmatism up to 6.0 D. Suitability is determined through a comprehensive eye exam to ensure sufficient space for lens implant placement. If you are interested in an implantable collamer lens, book a consultation with your eye care professional so that you can find out more from an expert and ask any questions that you may have.
During implantable collamer lens surgery, the ICL is folded or rolled up and injected through a small incision, then unfolded and positioned behind the iris and in front of the natural lens using a special delivery device. The procedure is phakic (the eye’s original lens is left untouched) and additive; the lens is inserted into the eye without removing the natural lens. Typical ICL insertion takes about 10-15 minutes per eye, and most surgeons use topical anaesthesia with sedation as needed. The use of a special delivery device minimises incision size and speeds recovery.
Risks of ICL implantation are different from cataract surgery or lens replacement because the natural lens remains in place. Potential risks include infection, increased intraocular pressure, pigment dispersion, or rarely, contact between the implant and the natural lens that could hasten cataract formation. Regular follow-up is necessary to check the space between the natural lens and the ICL. Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens, which is a different risk profile and often recommended when the natural lens is already clouded or when ICL is unsuitable.
Yes, one advantage of an implantable collamer lens is reversibility: the ICL can be removed or exchanged if necessary, for example, if you later require cataract surgery or an ICL of a different power. Because the lens is additive and inserted into the eye between the natural lens and the iris, surgeons can remove it using similar small-incision techniques. Decisions about removal or replacement are based on eye health, changes in vision, or onset of cataract, and are managed at your eye clinic.
The implantable contact lens offers continuous correction without the daily handling and hygiene requirements of external contact lenses and can provide superior optics for high prescriptions. Long-term eye health monitoring is essential: clinicians will assess the vault (space) between the ICL and the natural lens, endothelial cell counts, and intraocular pressure to ensure no adverse effects. If you experience symptoms or are concerned, please contact us through our contact form to book an appointment.
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