Exceptional vision
without removing
your natural lens
A premium, long-term vision correction option for people with short-sightedness and astigmatism, particularly when laser eye surgery may not be suitable.
Book a consultationA modern alternative to laser eye surgery
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) are advanced, biocompatible lenses placed inside the eye to correct vision, while preserving your natural lens.
Clear, high-quality vision
Excellent visual outcomes are possible, even for many higher prescriptions.
Your natural lens stays
The lens is placed inside the eye without removing your natural crystalline lens.
Suitable for more people
May be an option for patients who are unsuitable for corneal laser vision correction.
Removable if needed
Unlike corneal laser treatment, an ICL can be removed or exchanged through further surgery.
A lens designed to
work with your eye
The Implantable Collamer Lens is a thin, flexible lens made from a specialised biocompatible material. It is positioned behind the iris and in front of your natural lens to correct your vision.
Unlike laser eye surgery, ICL does not require reshaping the cornea. Your natural lens remains in place, preserving its existing focusing function.
ICL can offer excellent visual outcomes for carefully selected patients, including those with higher prescriptions or corneal characteristics that make laser treatment less suitable.
More freedom in your everyday life
ICL may significantly reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, helping you enjoy clearer vision for the activities you love.
Active lifestyle
Greater visual freedom for sport, travel and everyday activities.
Clear vision
Sharp, high-quality vision with the potential for excellent refractive accuracy.
Natural lens preserved
The procedure works with your eye's existing natural lens and focusing system.
Long-term solution
Designed for long-term implantation, with continued eye-health monitoring.
Could ICL be right for you?
Implantable Collamer Lens surgery may be worth considering if you:
- Are short-sighted, with or without astigmatism
- Are usually 21 years of age or older
- Have a stable glasses prescription
- Are not an ideal candidate for laser eye surgery
- Have suitable eye anatomy and overall ocular health
Suitability also depends on detailed measurements, including the space within the front of your eye and the health of your cornea and lens. Not everyone is suitable for ICL.
A straightforward, well-established procedure
ICL implantation is usually performed as a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic, with a carefully planned pathway from assessment through recovery.
Assessment
Detailed examination, specialist eye measurements and discussion of your visual goals.
Treatment
The lens is carefully inserted through a small corneal incision and positioned behind the iris.
Recovery
Vision often improves within the first few days, although recovery varies between individuals.
Follow-up
Scheduled postoperative reviews and ongoing monitoring help protect your long-term eye health.
Your questions
answered
What is an Implantable Collamer Lens?
An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a specialised artificial lens placed inside the eye to correct refractive errors. It sits behind the iris and in front of your natural crystalline lens, which remains in place.
Who is suitable for ICL surgery?
ICL is commonly considered for adults with stable short-sightedness, sometimes combined with astigmatism, particularly when laser eye surgery is unsuitable. Selected lens models may address other prescriptions. Suitability depends on your prescription, eye measurements and ocular health.
How long do the results last?
The lens is designed for long-term implantation and does not routinely require replacement. However, your eyes can change naturally over time, and future treatment or lens removal may become necessary, particularly if cataracts develop.
What are the risks or side effects?
As with any intraocular operation, ICL surgery carries risks. These include raised eye pressure, inflammation, infection, cataract formation, loss of corneal endothelial cells, glare or halos, and a possible need for further surgery. Mr Hussien will discuss the benefits, limitations and individual risks before treatment.
How is ICL different from laser eye surgery?
Laser eye surgery corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. ICL surgery instead places an additional lens inside the eye, preserving the natural corneal shape. The lens can be removed, although doing so requires another intraocular procedure and does not reverse every possible effect of surgery.
Is ICL surgery painful?
The operation is usually performed using local anaesthetic eye drops. Most patients experience little pain during surgery, although some pressure or discomfort is possible. Mild irritation can occur during early recovery.
Will I still need reading glasses?
ICL can reduce dependence on glasses for the prescription being treated, but it does not prevent age-related changes to the natural lens. Reading glasses may still be needed as presbyopia develops with age.
Take the first step towards
a life with clearer vision
Book a personalised consultation with Mr Ahmed Hussien to explore whether Implantable Collamer Lens surgery could be right for you.
Book a consultation