The ICL procedure is quite different from other refractive surgery techniques such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE®, as the insertion of the intraocular contact lens leaves the cornea largely intact. This makes for an excellent option with ICL refractive surgery for our Melbourne clients whose corneal thickness exclude them from these other procedures.

Another significant benefit of ICL is that it covers higher prescriptions that may make a patient ineligible for other refractive surgeries, including those mentioned above. ICL surgery can correct prescriptions of higher than -10.00 dioptres of short-sightedness (myopia), as well as high levels of astigmatism and long-sightedness (hyperopia).

Once you have been determined as a suitable candidate for the intraocular contact lens procedure, you will be scheduled into our day surgery theatre. Some patients may require a preliminary treatment known as a peripheral laser iridotomy. This is a quick laser procedure that helps to widen the space between the iris and the cornea to ensure fluid drainage is not affected by the insertion of the ICL.

Your eye will be numbed with topical anaesthetic eye drops. Although ICL in Melbourne is not typically conducted under general anaesthesia, you can be offered a light sedative to help you relax if you’re feeling anxious. A folded intraocular contact lens is inserted through a keyhole incision in the cornea and then gently manipulated to unfold into place. Your eye is then administered preventative antibiotics to minimise your risk of infection from the procedure.

You can expect excellent vision immediately after the surgery but the eye will continue to heal over the following weeks, and you will experience no physical discomfort from the presence of the ICL. The ophthalmology team will organise review appointments with you to ensure the healing process occurs as expected.

Patients interested in ICL surgery are invited to organise their initial appointment with our team.