Implantable contact lenses (ICL) are soft, flexible implants which are similar to contact lenses. They are implanted within the eye between the natural lens and the iris. It’s a bit like having traditional contact lenses that you never have to take out, clean or think about.

You cannot see or feel ICL after implantation, and they do not need to be cleaned. ICL are preferred to refractive lens exchange (cataract surgery) in younger patients because the natural lens is still flexible enough to allow you to read without glasses after correction of your distance vision.

This treatment is commonly used to treat high glasses prescriptions and astigmatism. It is also considered to be a safer choice than laser eye surgery for anyone with pre-existing cornea or eye surface problems.

Even though younger patients can be particularly suitable for ICL, you need to be over 18 years old to have the treatment and you also need to have a stable glasses prescription.

To give you a guide of the prescriptions that can be treated successfully, we would recommend up to -17.00D for short sightedness, +10.00D for long sightedness and up to + or -45.0D of astigmatism.

If you have other eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma or recurrent inflammation, then ICL may not be a suitable option. You will also need an eye scan at your first consultation to check that you have enough room in the front of your eye to fit the ICL safely.

A full medical history will be taken to ensure the consultant is aware of any medical conditions that may affect your ability to undergo surgery. The consultant will also discuss possible alternatives and will advise on your best option after assessing your eye health.

There is a small risk with all forms of eye surgery, and these will discussed with you in detail at your consultation. However, your chances of having problems are significantly reduced when you put yourself in expert hands and an approved clinical environment.

The only way to know which vision correction treatment is the right option for you is by booking an appointment with one of our specialist consultant eye surgeons. Here are the next steps to take towards better vision:

1. Book an appointment with one of our consultants.

2. After you’ve met with the consultant and are happy to proceed after your “cooling off period”, book a date for surgery.

3. After your surgery, you can usually return home on the same day.

4. You can shower from day one, but most surgeons recommend no swimming for a week and no contact sports for a month after the treatment.

5. Come back for an annual review with your consultant.

For more information, read our blogs:

• Unsuitable for laser eye surgery? Implantable contact lenses may be the answer
• Vision correction surgery when laser is not the right option - RLE & PIOLs