An ICL (implantable contact lens) is a contact lens implanted over the eye’s existing lens, used for higher prescription corrections or for those not suitable for laser eye surgery.

ICL’s also have the advantage of being reversible.

The ICL is a very thin lens similar to a normal prescription contact lens and works in much the same way to adjust and improve vision.

ICL is made from a biologically compatible material known as ‘Collamer’ which is a combination of collagen with a soft, flexible polymer.

Both eyes can be treated with ICL at the same time.

ICL Implantable Contact Lens

The ICL Implant Surgical Procedure

  • The eye is first numbed with anaesthetic eye drops

  • During the procedure, a small incision is made to enable placement of the ICL.

  • The lens is placed behind the iris (the coloured part of eye) and in front of the eye’s natural lens.

  • The ICL procedure usually takes around 20 minutes and the incision heals on its own within days.

Vision correction with ICL is achieved immediately as there is no corneal tissue removal. Complete recovery usually takes one to two days.

Key Benefits of ICL’s

RLE (refractive lens exchange)

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

RLE (refractive lens exchange) is most suitable for age-related vision loss or where laser eye surgery is not appropriate.

RLE replaces the natural eye lens with a permanent monofocal, multifocal or extended depth of focus (EOF) lens.