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Treatment
ICL surgery
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a vision correction procedure that involves implanting a thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia). Unlike LASIK or PRK, ICL surgery doesn't require the removal of corneal tissue and is often considered for individuals with high prescriptions or thinner corneas.
Technology
Which Implantable Contact Lens do we use?
At Optimax, we use the EVO Visian Implantable Contact Lens produced by STAAR Surgical for all ICL treatments. This lens is an excellent choice as it can cater to very strong prescriptions (up to +10 for long-sighted patients, -20 for short-sighted patients, and +6 for astigmatism). It is made from collamer which means it is biocompatible and works in natural harmony with your eye, as well as providing UV protection.
The Procedure
How is ICL surgery performed?
The ICL is positioned in front of your eye’s natural lens and behind the iris. With Implantable Contact Lens surgery, the natural lens remains in place, so the procedure is reversible, should your visual requirements change. Furthermore, there is a complication rate of less than 1 in 1,000 (>0.1%), so you can be confident that ICL eye surgery is one of the safest medical procedures. ICL surgery is an easy, quick, painless 20–30 minute procedure.
PREPARATION
When you arrive for your procedure your doctor will administer eye drops to dilate your pupils as well as anaesthetise your eyes. To prepare for the implant your doctor will create one small opening at the base of your cornea to insert the EVO ICL lens.
IMPLANT
The EVO ICL lens then can be folded and inserted through the small incision your doctor has made. Once the lens is inserted the doctor will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper positioning in the eye.
AFTERCARE
At this point, the procedure is over and many patients will have improved vision nearly immediately. Your doctor will prescribe more eye drops intended to aid in the healing process following the procedure.
Benefits
What are the benefits of ICL surgery?
Taking the decision to have ICL surgery should leave you with vastly improved vision and the ability to see things much more clearly and in greater focus. Some of the benefits include:
Biocompatibility
The material from which the lens is made contains collagen, helping it to work in natural harmony with your eye.
Reduced dry eye risk
Because the ICL procedure doesn’t involve reshaping your corneal tissue, there is a much smaller risk of developing dry eyes following treatment.
Removability
Should you prescription change in the future, your ICL can be replaced with an updated version. This means that you’re also prepared for any technological advancements further down the line.
Night vision
Clinical studies have shown that the EVO Visian ICL provides excellent night vision, benefiting you in many areas of life, which may have been more difficult with glasses and contacts, e.g. driving in the dark.
UV protection
The Collamer material of the lens provides UV protection. UV rays can damage the eyes by bringing on a variety of eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, pinguecula, and pterygium. The EVO Visian ICL helps to lower your risk for this.
Quick procedure and recovery
The treatment usually takes between 20-30 minutes and people often notice a visual difference immediately. Most patients are back to their usual routine within a few days.
Suitability
Can I have ICL surgery?
ICL surgery tends to be most suitable for patients in their 20s and early 30s with a higher than average prescription, or eye surface characteristics that makes them ineligible for laser eye correction. It is also suitable for hyperopic patients over 35. However, please note that there are a number of factors which could prevent you from having the operation. ICL surgery may also be suitable for patients between the ages of 21 - 60 years old who:
- Are near-sighted with mild to severe myopia (-0.5D to -20.0D)
- Are farsighted with mild to severe hyperopia (+0.5D to +10.0D)
- Have astigmatism between 0.5D and 6.0D
- Have not had a change in prescription of more than 0.5D in a year
- Are looking for an alternative procedure to laser vision correction
1. Retina, 2. Out of Focus, 3. Correct Focus Point
Myopia
Also referred to as short-sightedness, this condition makes it difficult to focus on objects far away.
1. Retina, 2. Correct Focus Point, 3. Out of Focus
Hyperopia
Also referred to as long-sightedness, this condition makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects.
1. Retina, 2. Multiple Focus Points
Astigmatism
Blurry vision caused by imperfect curvature of the eye affecting both near and distance vision.
Costs
How much does ICL surgery cost?
If you come to Optimax, your ICL surgery will cost £3,745 per eye and this fee is fixed regardless of your prescription. There will be no hidden charges for you to worry about, and we also offer 0% APR finance* for up to 24 months, so you have the option to spread the payment for your procedure across a more manageable timeframe. Following treatment, you must attend a cell count appointment once a year, at a cost of £50 per appointment. This is essential in order to check your eye health and lens compatibility.
Aftercare & Recovery
What aftercare is there?
We pride ourselves on the excellent level of service provided to our customers, and that guarantee extends well beyond the day of your operation. You will receive one year's free aftercare, during which we will meet a number of times to discuss the progress of your ICL surgery recovery. Your first appointment will be scheduled within a day or two of your operation, with two more to come over the subsequent 4-6 weeks. Finally, if all is well and everything seems satisfactory, you will be discharged after 3-6 months.
Optimax
Why should I come to Optimax for my ICL surgery procedure?
The Facts
What Our Customers Say About Us
"Day to day it’s made the biggest difference though at home and work. Life is so much easier and I have a much better quality of life."
Shona Dickens, ICL Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive. We are constantly keeping track of what information our patients are interested in and aim to provide it in the simplest form possible. If you cannot find the answers you are looking for within this section, please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our advisors who are on standby to discuss your visual requirements and respond to your queries.
The vast majority of our patients say that the operation is comfortable. We will give you numbing eye drops prior to your ICL surgery, which will mean there won't be any pain, although you may feel some pressure. You may also experience some mild discomfort during the healing process, which can usually be treated with eye drops.
We are proud to report that across 2018 and 2022, 99.78% of our patients were satisfied with the results of their ICL surgery. Over 1,000,000 EVO Visian ICLs have been implanted worldwide over the last 25 years and 99.4% of EVO Visian ICL patients globally would have the procedure again.
The operation itself lasts for around 20-30 minutes, although you may be in the treatment room for a little longer. However, it's best to plan to be at the clinic for up to four hours, as you will need to take into account preparation time and discussions with a patient advisor.
Although your surgically implanted contact lenses are designed to last a lifetime, other surgeries (eg cataract treatment) would require them to be explanted. Reduction in cell count may also require explant.
You may experience slightly blurred vision for a couple of days after having ICL eye surgery, which will gradually improve over time. It may take a couple of months for you to achieve the final result, as your eyes will continue to heal following the procedure.
We can perform bilateral procedures (both eyes treated on the same day, one after the other) but this will need to be discussed with your treating surgeon. If you prefer, you can also have your eyes treated separately, a week apart, diary permitting.
ICL surgery tends to be most suitable for people in their 20s or early 30s, at which point the majority would not require reading glasses. This procedure will correct your prescription at that time, but you may still need reading glasses as you get older, so this operation will not eliminate that requirement altogether.
That will depend on the progress of your ICL surgery recovery. Some people may be ready to drive again within a couple of days, while for others it may take a week or two to reach that point. The best course of action is to ask your optometrist during your aftercare appointments. They will be able to advise you on when it's safe to get back behind the wheel.
EVO ICL is not typically noticeable after it is implanted. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and does not move around once in place.