Everything About Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Eye Surgery
If you’ve been searching for a long-term alternative to glasses or contact lenses, you might have come across ICL eye surgery. Short for Implantable Collamer Lens, ICL is a form of refractive surgery that offers a permanent, flexible solution for people with high prescriptions or who are not suitable for laser procedures.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the ICL procedure. We’ll explore what makes it different from laser eye surgery, how it works, what to expect before and after the procedure, and whether it could be right for your vision needs. If you’ve been told LASIK isn’t suitable, or you’re simply looking for an advanced vision correction method, this might be the option for you.
What Is ICL Eye Surgery?
ICL eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery that involves placing a specific lens inside the eye. This soft, flexible lens sits between your natural lens and the coloured part of your eye (the iris), working with your natural vision system to provide clearer sight.
Unlike laser vision correction, ICL surgery does not remove corneal tissue, and is typically recommended for individuals with short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism, especially those with high prescriptions.
How Does The Implantable Collamer Lens Work?
The implantable contact lens is made from a biocompatible material called collamer, which contains collagen and is known for its clarity and UV protection. This lens helps focus light correctly onto the retina, similar to the way contact lenses or glasses work, except it’s surgically implanted inside the eye.
It remains in place permanently, though it can be removed if necessary. For many people, this offers a reassuring sense of flexibility while delivering lasting results.
Key Benefits Of ICL Eye Surgery
There are several reasons people across Australia are choosing the ICL procedure for their vision correction:
- Achieves excellent vision typically shortly after surgery
- Retains your natural lens, preserving accommodation
- Offers UV protection built into the lens
- Avoids reshaping the cornea
- Can be removed or replaced in future
- Doesn’t cause dry eyes the way some contact lenses can
- Ideal for people with high prescriptions or thin corneas
- Allows freedom from glasses or contact lenses
- Enables people to return to normal activities quickly
The ICL Procedure
If you’re considering ICL eye surgery, it’s natural to want a clear picture of what the process involves. While every individual’s experience is unique, here’s a general overview of what to expect from consultation to surgery day.
Initial Consultation
Before undergoing the ICL procedure, you’ll attend an initial consultation with an appropriately qualified eye surgeon. During this visit, your eye health, prescription, corneal thickness, and general suitability will be assessed.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand how ICL compares to other procedures, such as laser eye surgery.
Preparing For Surgery
Leading up to your surgery, careful planning is essential to support a smooth experience and optimal results. You may be prescribed medicated eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
In some cases, you’ll also require a laser iridotomy. This step creates a tiny incision in the coloured part of your eye to ensure fluid can circulate freely once the lens is in place.
Day Of Surgery
ICL surgery is usually performed as a day procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day.
Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll receive anaesthetic eye drops to numb the area
- A light sedative may be offered to help you stay calm
- A small, keyhole incision is made in the eye
- The implantable collamer lens is gently inserted behind the iris
- The self-sealing incision means no stitches are required
The ICL surgery itself takes only 15–30 minutes per eye.
LASIK Vs ICL
While LASIK surgery remains popular, it’s not ideal for everyone. Here’s how ICL eye surgery compares in plain terms:
- ICL is reversible, while LASIK is not
- ICL doesn’t change the cornea, which means less risk of dry eyes
- ICL offers a solution for people with thin corneas or high prescriptions
- LASIK is more common for people with mild to moderate prescriptions
- Both options offer clear vision and quick recovery, though the right choice depends on your individual needs
Your ophthalmology team will help you decide which approach is most appropriate during your initial consultation.
Will I Still Need Glasses After ICL?
Many people achieve excellent unaided vision after ICL surgery. However, some may still need reading glasses as they age, due to presbyopia, which is a normal part of the ageing process. ICL is designed to treat refractive errors, but not age-related near vision decline.
Life After ICL Eye Surgery
Many people who undergo ICL eye surgery report a renewed sense of freedom. Whether it’s waking up and seeing clearly, playing sports without worrying about glasses, or enjoying travel without carrying contact lenses, the benefits extend far beyond just vision correction.
ICL eye surgery may also be suitable for individuals living in dry or dusty environments, as it avoids the issues commonly associated with external contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the implantable contact lens noticeable?
Once placed, the collamer lens sits behind the iris and cannot be seen from the outside. It also doesn’t move or require maintenance the way traditional contact lenses do.
What is the success rate of ICL surgery?
While outcomes vary, many patients experience a significant improvement in vision. Your eye surgeon will explain what to expect based on your unique prescription.
What is the recovery time?
Most people resume normal activities within a few days. Full recovery varies, but minimal discomfort is expected.
Are there risks with the procedure?
Like any other surgery, risks are possible. Your appropriately qualified health practitioner will discuss all potential complications.
Final Thoughts
ICL eye surgery is more than a procedure; it’s an investment in your lifestyle, confidence, and long-term comfort. Whether you’ve struggled with glasses or contact lenses your whole life or you’re simply looking for a more permanent solution to suit your active lifestyle, ICL could be the path to the visual freedom you’ve been searching for.
Every eye is unique. The best way to know whether you’re a candidate for this advanced form of refractive surgery is to book an initial consultation with an experienced and appropriately qualified health practitioner.
You deserve to explore your options with confidence, guided by expert care and supported every step of the way.
If you’re ready to explore life in Melbourne beyond glasses or contact lenses, ICL eye surgery could be a suitable option for you. The first step is a personalised consultation with an appropriately qualified eye care professional who can assess your eyes and help you understand whether this advanced vision correction procedure is right for you.
Reach out to Armadale Eye Clinic at (03) 9070 5753 to book your consultation. We’re here to guide you through every step of the journey, no pressure, no obligation, just thoughtful, expert care tailored to your needs.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Fu M, Li M, Xian Y, Yu Z, Zhang H, Choi J, et al. Two-Year Visual Outcomes of Evolution Implantable Collamer Lens and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for the Correction of Low Myopia. Frontiers in Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Apr 13;9. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.780000/full
Hebebrand K. What to Know About Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery? [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 18]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/what-to-know-icl-surgery
Thompson V, Cummings A, Wang X. Implantable Collamer Lens Procedure Planning: A Review of Global Approaches. Clinical Ophthalmology [Internet]. 2024 Apr 6; Volume 18:1033–43. Available from: https://www.dovepress.com/implantable-collamer-lens-procedure-planning-a-review-of-global-approa-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OPTH
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