Freedom from glasses starts here.
An implantable collamer lens (ICL), also known as an implantable contact lens, is a vision correction lens implant that is implanted into the eye to correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It functions exactly like a contact lens, except that it is surgically implanted into the eye. Unlike a contact lens, an ICL does not require any maintenance, and it cannot be seen or felt once implanted in the eye.
To be a suitable candidate, you should:
Implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) are a good alternative for patients who are not suitable for LASIK or other refractive procedures. ICLs can correct a wide range of refractive errors and are therefore commonly recommended to patients with high prescriptions that cannot be safely treated with laser eye surgery.
ICLs can treat the following refractive errors:
Implantable collamer lenses are made of a proprietary material that contains a small amount of collagen which occurs naturally in your body, thereby making it biocompatible with the eye. The lens also contains an ultraviolet light filter to provide natural UV protection.
ICL surgery takes 20-30 minutes per eye and is performed under local anaesthetic. A small opening is made in the periphery of the cornea to allow the ICL to be introduced into the eye through an injector. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds and is positioned behind the iris. The small opening is self-sealing and does not require any sutures.
Visual recovery is fast and most patients are able to see very well by the next day. Your vision will continue to improve as the eye heals and settles down over the first few weeks following ICL surgery
ICL is designed to deliver strong visual outcomes in appropriate candidates, but it is important to set realistic expectations and understand long-term factors.PresbyMAX is one of several ways to manage presbyopia. The best option depends on your eyes, your goals, and how you feel about different trade-offs.
The goal is sharp, stable vision with reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Some people still choose to use glasses for specific tasks, but many achieve meaningful day-to-day freedom from corrective eyewear.
Some people notice halos or glare, particularly in dim lighting. This is assessed before surgery by looking at pupil size, prescription, and your visual needs. If night driving is a major part of your life, that should be discussed during planning so expectations are clear.
Even with excellent distance vision after ICL, vision can change with age. Many people will still need reading glasses later due to normal age-related focusing changes. Cataracts can also develop later in life because that is part of ageing. If cataracts develop, the ICL can be removed at the time of cataract surgery if required.
Choosing the right setting for ICL is about careful assessment and a safety-first approach, not just the procedure day.
ICL is only recommended when measurements and eye health checks support a safe outcome. Screening includes anatomical safety checks, pressure risk assessment, and a close look at the retina when myopia is higher.
Lens selection, sizing accuracy, and surgical technique all matter. Your surgeon will explain why a particular plan is being recommended, what the main risks are for your eyes specifically, and how those risks are managed.
The difference between ICL and LASIK is that ICL corrects vision by implanting a lens inside the eye while LASIK corrects vision by creating a corneal flap and reshaping corneal tissue with a laser.
Yes. Toric ICL options are designed to correct astigmatism, but careful measurement and alignment are important.
Do not drive on the day of surgery. You can drive again once your vision is safe and you have been cleared at follow-up. This timing varies between patients.
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