An implantable contact lens (commonly called an ICL, or “implantable collamer lens”) is a special, very thin lens placed inside the eye between the iris (the coloured part) and your natural crystalline lens (the lens behind the iris).
Unlike ordinary contact lenses, which sit on the eye’s surface, and unlike LASIK/PRK (which reshape the cornea), the ICL is additive, meaning nothing is removed from your eye. Once implanted, you won’t see or feel it. It corrects your vision by bending (refracting) light more precisely onto the retina.
Because it’s additive and (in many cases) removable or exchangeable, ICL offers flexibility and reversibility that laser procedures cannot.
Please be aware that your consultant will recommend the most suitable lens option to suit your eyes and lifestyle needs.
| Lens Type | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (spherical) ICL | Corrects myopia or hyperopia (no astigmatism) | Simpler design; lower cost | Doesn’t correct astigmatism (unless combined with other correction) |
| Toric ICL | Has cylinder power to correct astigmatism | Treats myopia + astigmatism in one implant | More complex alignment; risk of rotation |
| “EVO” / modern ICL variants | E.g. hole in central optical zone for fluid flow (no need peripheral iridotomy) | Facilitates aqueous flow, reduces risk of pupillary block | Newer designs may have less long-term data (though many now have long experience) |
To be considered suitable, you will generally need to meet the following criteria:
Your surgeon will speak with you about the benefits and risks involved before your procedure.
| Benefits (vary by procedure): | Risks/side effects (not exhaustive): |
|---|---|
| Clearer vision, possibly reducing or eliminating dependence on glasses or conventional contacts | Requires intraocular (inside the eye) surgery (higher inherent risk) |
| Maintains corneal integrity (no tissue removed) | Potential for cataract formation over time |
| Reversible or exchangeable (if refraction changes or lens becomes problematic) | Possible lens rotation (especially in toric design) |
| Good option for high prescriptions or those unsuited for LASIK | Rare risks: infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, pigment dispersion, endothelial cell loss |
| Minimal long-term maintenance (no daily insertion/removal) | For some patients, full 20/20 vision may not be achieved, or additional enhancements may still be needed |
| Often minimal discomfort during procedure |
Fill out our form below and one of our enquiry team will be delighted to help you on the first stage of your journey to clearer vision.
A full set of advanced diagnostic tests (corneal maps, OCT scans, IOL power calculations, dry eye assessment) arecarried out. Your eyes may be dilated during your diagnostic appointment, so we advise that you do not drive to or from this visit.
Review results, discuss lens options, risks/benefits, and select your plan.
Under local anaesthetic, a tiny, biocompatible lens is gently implanted behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, providing instant visual clarity without altering the cornea.
Following ICL surgery, you will receive tailored aftercare including prescribed eye drops, scheduled follow-up visits, and access to our 24-hour helpline. Most patients notice clearer vision within a day, with full visual stability developing over the following weeks.
Centre for Sight offers transparent, fixed pricing for Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery, with optional finance plans to make treatment more accessible.
Inclusions:
An ICL (implantable contact lens) is a thin lens placed inside your eye, between the iris and your natural lens. Unlike LASIK/PRK, which remove corneal tissue to reshape your eye, ICL is additive and reversible, the lens can be removed or exchanged later if needed.
Many patients achieve 20/20 or close to it and no longer require glasses for distance. However, some may still need weak reading glasses (especially with presbyopia) or minor enhancements in rare cases.
No, anaestheticeye drops are used, and the procedure is generally comfortable. You may feel mild pressure or light sensitivity. Postoperative discomfort is typically minimal.
You may notice clearer vision within hours to days. Full visual stabilisation may take a few weeks. You’llhave several follow-ups early on (day 1, week 1, month 1, etc.).
Yes, one of the key advantages of ICL is reversibility. If your refraction changes or complications develop, the lens can be explanted or exchanged.
Risks include infection, increased intraocular pressure, cataract formation, lens misalignment, glare/halos, endothelial cell loss, and in rare cases vision loss. Your surgeon will explain all risks in your consent process.
You may be a candidate if you are above ~21 years old, have a stable prescription, healthy eyes, sufficient anatomical measurements (e.g. chamber depth), and realistic expectations. You may not be suitable if you have a shallow anterior chamber, low endothelial cells, active eye disease, or unstable refraction.
Costs vary by region and clinic. As a UK example, the non-toricICL is around £3,714 per eye and toricICL around £4,074 per eye, including follow-up care. Finance options are often available.
If cataracts develop, the ICL can be removed at the time of cataract surgery and replaced with a suitable intraocular lens (IOL). Your surgeon will plan accordingly.
