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Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
An ICL is a soft, biocompatible lens placed inside the eye to correct high prescriptions — without removing the natural lens. A good option when LASIK isn't.
What's involved
What to expect — step by step.
Day of
Outpatient procedure
Topical and oral anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision at the edge of the cornea and inserts the folded lens, which unfolds behind the iris. Takes about 15–20 minutes per eye.
Newer
EVO ICL with central port
The latest ICL design has a tiny central port that allows fluid to flow through the lens — eliminating the need for the laser iridotomy older ICLs required.
Recovery
Quick visual recovery
Most patients see well the next day. Drops for a few weeks; follow-up exams confirm the eye pressure and lens position are stable.
Reversible
Removable if needed
Unlike LASIK, the ICL can be removed or exchanged — useful if your prescription changes significantly or if cataract surgery becomes needed years later.
Come in if
After ICL implantation, sudden eye pain, halos, or significant vision change — these can signal pressure rise or lens malposition and need same-day evaluation.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
Why choose ICL over LASIK?+
ICL is often a better choice for high myopia, thin corneas, dry eyes, or active outdoor jobs where corneal flaps are risky. Your surgeon will recommend the best fit based on your eye anatomy and lifestyle.
Can I feel the lens?+
No. The ICL is positioned where you can't feel it, and patients don't notice it after recovery. The collamer material is highly biocompatible.
Is it permanent?+
It's designed for long-term use, but it can be removed or exchanged if needed. Cataract surgery later in life typically involves removing the ICL at the same time.
Will I still need glasses for reading?+
ICL corrects distance vision — it doesn't correct presbyopia (age-related reading difficulty). You may still need reading glasses, especially after age 40-45.
What are the risks?+
Pressure rise, cataract formation (especially with older lens designs), or rare lens displacement. EVO ICL with the central port has substantially reduced the pressure-rise risk vs. older designs.