Break free from glasses and contacts with implantable contact lenses

ICL offers long-term freedom from glasses and contacts, giving you clear, hassle-free vision every day

Break free from glasses and contacts with implantable contact lenses

ICL offers long-term freedom from glasses and contacts, giving you clear, hassle-free vision every day

Everything you need to know about implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery

Your Path to Clear, Effortless Vision

ICL suitability criteria

You may be a good candidate for vision correction with ICL surgery if:

  • You want clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
  • Your prescription has stayed the same for at least one year.
  • You are not eligible for LASIK because your prescription is too strong or your corneas (the clear front part of your eye) are too thin.
  • You want the option to reverse or change the procedure in the future if your vision needs to change.

Implantable contact lenses are placed between the eye’s natural lens and the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye. They work like regular contact lenses by focusing light onto the retina, the part of the eye that helps you see, to correct your vision.

Advantages:
ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses) or Phakic lenses are a good option if you cannot have laser eye surgery or if your prescription is very high. Recovery after ICL surgery is faster than laser eye surgery, and the procedure can be reversed if needed.

Disadvantages:
ICL or Phakic lenses are usually recommended for people aged 18 to 50. You will need to have regular checkups every year to monitor your eyes.

Rare complications include:

  • Risk of infection or inflammation after surgery.
  • Possible development of cataracts over time.
  • Increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma).
  • Potential for vision changes or glare at night.

We offer ICL surgery in cases where corneal refractive surgery is not appropriate or is unsafe.

The alternative would be to use glasses or contact lenses and not proceed with surgery.

We implant ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses) in a procedure that takes less than 30 minutes. It is done as an outpatient, so you can go home the same day.

Step 1: We numb the eye using drops. We usually operate on both eyes on the same day.
Step 2: We dilate the pupil and make a small cut in the cornea (the clear front part of the eye).
Step 3: We insert the ICL between the eye’s natural lens and the iris (the coloured part of the eye). The small cut heals on its own after surgery.

ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses) or Phakic lenses can provide excellent vision. In one study with US military personnel, 96% of patients had 20/20 vision or better without glasses just three months after surgery1Parkhurst et al.: Phakic IOLs in US Military Warfighters: A retrospective analysis of early clinical outcomes of the Vision ICL. Journal of Refractive Surgery. 2011;27(7):473-481.

Another study by STAAR Surgical involved 369 eyes, showing impressive results. Of patients who had good vision before surgery and aimed for no need for glasses after surgery (called emmetropia), 95% achieved 20/40 vision or better without glasses. 57% had better vision without glasses than they did with glasses before surgery. Additionally, 38% of patients improved by one line on the eye chart, and 10.8% improved by two or more lines, meaning their vision became clearer than before surgery.2Staar.com. 2021. Investigator Reports 99.4% Patient Satisfaction Rate as Part of First Three Year Follow Up Results on STAAR Surgical’s Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) for Myopia – Staar Surgical. [online] Available at: <https://staar.com/news/2003/investigator-reports-99-4-patient-satisfaction-rate-as-part-of-first-three-year-follow-up-results-on-staar-surgicals-implantable-contact-lens-icl-for-myopia> [Accessed 25 August 2021].

ICL – Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation

See the future clearly: Claim your free vision correction assessment today!

Take the next step in discovering how you can have vibrant and healthy eyes.

See the future clearly: Claim your free vision correction assessment today!

Take the next step in discovering how you can have vibrant and healthy eyes.

Gain visual freedom in 3 easy steps

Navigating eye treatment options can seem daunting, but we’ve streamlined the process to ensure it’s as simple as possible

Get in touch

Understanding the right treatment for your eyes starts with a straightforward conversation. Contact our welcoming team on +44 20 7112 4921, or book an assessment through our online booking system.

We’ll meet

During your assessment, we’re here to listen and provide clear, tailored advice based on your individual lifestyle needs. You’ll walk away with a solid understanding of the most suitable eye treatment for your unique situation.

Enjoy freedom

Following your treatment, countless individuals have shared their joy with us, celebrating the remarkable clarity and freedom they’ve achieved. Many express a sense of rejuvenation and often say they wish they’d made the decision sooner.

Real stories, real freedom: How countless individuals escaped the grip of reading glasses

Uncover their journey to revitalised vision and your path to ditching dependence!

For more information about ICL surgery

Expand your knowledge. (These links will take you off our website.)

“Toric Implantable Collamer Lens for Moderate to High Myopic Astigmatism” investigates the efficacy and safety of using the Toric Implantable Collamer Lens (TICL) in treating patients with moderate to high myopic astigmatism. It evaluates visual outcomes, postoperative stability, and potential complications. Results showed that TICL provided significant improvement in visual acuity and astigmatism correction, with minimal complications. The study concludes that TICL is a viable option for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional refractive surgery. Click here for more information.

The article, “Surgical Management of Refractive Error Following Cataract Surgery: A Narrative Review,” reviews various surgical approaches to managing refractive errors post-cataract surgery. It discusses the use of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange, piggyback IOL implantation, laser vision correction (LASIK, PRK), and light-adjustable lenses. The authors highlight key decision factors for choosing between these methods and offer insights into advancements and challenges in the field, emphasizing individual patient factors and refractive outcomes. Click here for more information.

This study introduces a modified Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) procedure and examines perioperative complications, comparing outcomes between no-hole and central-hole ICLs. ICL implantation is effective for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism but carries risks like abnormal arch height, ICL positioning issues, corneal cell loss, high intraocular pressure, and cataracts. The central-hole ICL shows fewer complications, such as lower risks of corneal decompensation and secondary glaucoma, but more night vision issues. The study confirms the overall safety and efficacy of ICLs. Click here for more information.

Sharmina Khan

MBBS(Lond) MSc FHEA FRCOphth DipCRS CertLRS, Consultant Eye Surgeon

Hi, I’m Sharmina Khan

I am a specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital.

I have carried out over 7000+ cataract/lens procedures in the last 10 years across both my private and NHS practices.

In my private clinic I offer my clients bespoke Premium Cataract Care Pathways. There are options so that you can achieve your dreams of better vision and more, according to your lifestyle needs.