Implantable contact lenses have revolutionised vision correction, but myths and misconceptions still persist. More than 2 million ICLs have found their way to patients worldwide, yet many people still hold back because of baseless worries.
These permanent contact lenses have helped people see better since 1993, with doctors implanting over 1 million of them globally. The quick and effective procedure takes just 15 minutes. The results speak for themselves – 99.4% of ICL vision correction surgery patients say they would choose the same procedure again.
You might want to learn about implantable contact lens risks or their longevity. Many patients ask about ICL safety before they think about this long-term vision solution. The upside? ICLs deliver exceptional visual quality because they preserve your eye’s natural corneal shape. This makes them an excellent choice compared to traditional correction methods.
Let’s bust the seven most common myths about implantable contact lenses that eye surgeons wish would disappear.
Myth 1: Implantable Contact Lenses Are Just Like Regular Contact Lenses
People often mix up implantable contact lenses with regular contacts they put in and take out each day. This basic mix-up shapes how they look at this cutting-edge way to fix vision problems.
What the myth says
A stubborn myth claims that implantable contact lenses are just regular contact lenses stuck permanently in your eyes. People think these lenses sit on top of the eye just like regular contacts. They worry about upkeep and risks that come with normal contacts. Some think ICLs might move around, cause discomfort, or need replacing – the same worries they have about everyday contacts.
People imagine their daily disposables left in overnight or for days at a time when they hear about permanent contact lenses. This can be dangerous with regular lenses and works nothing like ICLs.
The truth about permanent contact lenses
Regular contacts sit on your eye’s surface, but ICLs are surgically positioned inside your eye, between the iris (the coloured part) and your natural lens. This makes them completely different from regular contacts.
ICLs use Collamer, a biocompatible material that blends collagen and polymer. Your eye accepts this special material without irritation or rejection. The lens lets important gases and nutrients flow through, which keeps your eyes healthy.
Here’s what makes ICLs different from regular contacts:
- Placement: ICLs go inside your eye, not on top
- Maintenance: You don’t need to clean, disinfect, or take them out
- Comfort: You can’t feel ICLs at all
- Longevity: ICLs can stay in place forever
- Vision quality: Most people see better than with glasses or regular contacts
A football player shared his story: “I had quite a few problems with contact lenses. I think that’s any contact lens wearer will tell you you wear them past a few hours and you start to feel irritated – dry eye, rubbing your eyes… There is that thought, especially going up for a header, and thinking if someone catches my eye or they poke me in the eye my lens could come out”.
Why this myth persists
The name “implantable contact lens” makes people think of daily contacts right away. Most people know about regular contacts but don’t know much about surgical options to fix vision.
People also think anything in the eye must work like traditional contacts. Years of contact lens care routines and possible problems stick in their minds. The phrase “lens in the eye” brings up images of the contacts they’ve used for years.
The same player talks about his switch to ICLs: “The procedure was even better than expected – it was pain-free and super quick for me. My recovery from the procedure was unbelievable. I was back playing sport and training, playing football within two to three weeks”.
Are implantable contact lenses safe?
ICLs have proven their safety over time. Doctors have done about 500,000 ICL procedures worldwide, using around 1 million lenses. Studies show 95% of patients feel happy or very happy with their results.
Like any surgery, ICLs come with some risks. You might get an infection, inflammation, higher eye pressure, or light sensitivity. These problems usually clear up on their own. Research shows only 12% of patients develop cataracts in the first ten years after ICL surgery. New studies show this number has dropped.
Your safety improves with an experienced surgeon. Some clinics’ surgeons have done more than 25,000 successful procedures. ICLs also protect corneal nerves because they don’t reshape your eye’s surface. This gives them an edge over other vision correction methods.
You can reverse ICL surgery, unlike laser procedures that permanently change your cornea. Doctors can take out or replace the implant if your prescription changes a lot or you get cataracts later. This option to reverse the procedure gives peace of mind to many people thinking about permanent vision correction.
The athlete mentioned earlier said: “I looked at lots of different options to correct my vision but the Evo ICL was the one that stood out the most to me. The benefits outweighed the risks particularly when I found out that the lens that’s implanted can be removed by my consultant”.
Myth 2: ICL Surgery Is Risky and Complicated
Many people shy away from learning about implantable contact lenses because they fear eye surgery. Their concerns stem from wrong ideas about risks and how complex the procedure is. Most people know ICL surgery puts a lens inside the eye, but misunderstandings about the process create needless worry.
What the myth says
The common myth shows ICL surgery as a risky, complex procedure full of dangers. People think the surgery needs lots of cutting, takes a long time, and causes severe pain. Some worry about going blind, getting infections, or damaging their eyes forever. Stories suggest that problems happen often and recovery takes a long time with lots of pain.
People often think ICL surgery needs hospital stays and full anaesthesia. They believe weeks must pass before normal activities can resume. These myths paint ICL as an experimental procedure rather than a 20-year old technique, suggesting uncertain results might leave you worse off.
The truth about ICL procedure safety
ICL surgery boasts an impressive safety record with over 1 million lenses implanted worldwide. Research shows nearly 95% of people who get this procedure are satisfied or very satisfied with their results. The surgery moves quickly – it usually takes just 15-30 minutes for each eye.
One patient shared their story: “The procedure was even better than expected – it was pain-free and super quick for me. I remember texting my mom I’m going in. I think I text her 15 minutes later I said ‘oh I’m finished now’ and she was like ‘are you sure it’s been done?’ and I was like ‘yeah it’s simple'”.
The risk of serious lasting problems stays extremely low – about 1:1000 or less per eye. Both eyes getting affected happens rarely. Eye doctors choose vision correction surgery five times more often than regular people do.
Another patient noted: “My recovery from the procedure was unbelievable. I was back playing sport and training, playing football within two to three weeks”.
Why this myth persists
Several factors keep this myth alive. People naturally feel anxious about eye procedures because vision matters so much. They tend to imagine the worst possible outcomes.
Old information still floats around online. Earlier ICL versions had more complications, and these old statistics pop up in searches without proper context. People also mix up ICL with riskier older procedures or think rare complications happen regularly.
The word “implantable” sounds scary to many people. They picture complex surgeries, which feeds wrong ideas about how complicated the procedure is and how long recovery takes.
Implantable contact lenses risks
ICL surgery proves safe, but you should know the real risks:
- Infection: Like any surgery, a small infection risk exists, but sterile conditions minimise this threat.
- Intraocular pressure: Eye pressure might rise briefly after surgery, but medication usually fixes this.
- Cataract development: About 12% of patients developed cataracts within ten years after surgery, but newer lens designs have lowered this number significantly.
- Visual disturbances: Some patients see halos or notice glare, especially at night.
Modern ICLs work much better than older versions. They rarely cause cataracts like pre-2007 lenses did. ICL surgery keeps corneal nerves intact since it doesn’t reshape the eye’s surface. This makes it great for people with dry eyes or thin corneas.
The best part? ICL surgery can be reversed. Doctors can remove the lens if your prescription changes or you develop cataracts later. This option gives you a safety net that other vision correction procedures can’t match.
The tiny risks of ICL surgery are nowhere near as important as the benefits of seeing clearly without glasses or contact lenses for most patients thinking about vision correction.
Myth 3: ICLs Are Only for People with Very High Prescriptions
People often cross implantable contact lenses off their list because they think these lenses work only for extreme prescriptions. This wrong idea stops many potential candidates from getting a solution that could help them see better.
What the myth says
The widespread belief suggests ICLs work only for people who need thick glasses with double-digit numbers. Most people see ICLs as a backup plan when LASIK fails rather than a viable first choice. This view paints ICLs as a specialised fix just for severe vision problems, which stops people with moderate vision issues from learning about this option.
The truth about ICL prescription range
ICLs can fix a surprisingly wide range of vision problems. EVO ICLs correct nearsightedness from as low as -0.5D to as high as -20D. The range for astigmatism goes from 0.5D to 6.0D. These lenses also help with farsightedness from +0.5D to +10.0D.
Eye surgeons used ICLs mainly for extreme cases at first. Now clinical evidence shows they work great for moderate prescriptions too. A patient with a modest prescription shared: “I’m short-sighted and I think the worst my prescription got to was around minus 3”. This patient’s vision became “even better than 20/20” after ICL surgery. The American Refractive Surgery Council states that ICLs can fix or reduce nearsightedness from -3D to -20D and astigmatism from 1.0D to 4.0D.
Why this myth persists
This misconception stays alive for several reasons. ICLs started as alternatives for patients who couldn’t get laser procedures because of extreme prescriptions or thin corneas. That original purpose created a lasting impression.
Cost plays a big role too. ICL surgery costs more than LASIK, so doctors often suggest it only when absolutely needed—usually for higher prescriptions. People know less about ICLs than other vision fixes, which lets old information stick around.
Who is a good candidate for ICL?
ICL candidates include more than just people with extreme prescriptions. The best age falls between 21 and 45 years, though some doctors accept patients up to 60. Your prescription should stay stable (changing less than 0.5D) for about a year.
ICLs work great for people who:
- Have thin corneas that make LASIK unsafe
- Deal with chronic dry eyes
- Show minor corneal irregularities
- Want a reversible vision correction option
- Play contact sports or lead active lives
Your eyes need to be healthy—without conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or severe retinal problems. If you fit the prescription ranges, you could be perfect for ICL surgery, whether your prescription seems mild or severe.
A football player who had trouble with regular contacts said: “I thought if my eyesight does change with age, I had the option to do things with that and being in control of those kind of things particularly when it comes to your eye really appealed to me”.
Myth 4: ICLs Cause Dry Eyes Like LASIK
Dry eye complications rank high on patients’ concerns list who want vision correction surgery. Many worry that implantable contact lenses might cause the same uncomfortable side effects as laser procedures. This connection between laser procedures and dry eye symptoms has been documented extensively.
What the myth says
People believe implantable contact lenses cause dry eye syndrome just like LASIK and other laser procedures. Many future patients think all eye surgeries affect tear production the same way. This leads to chronic dryness, irritation, and dependence on artificial tears. The misconception makes ICLs look like another vision correction method that damages the eye’s natural moisture balance.
Some patients think ICL surgery makes existing dry eye conditions worse. This makes it a bad choice for anyone who already has symptoms. The myth suggests dry eye after ICL becomes severe, lasts long, and needs ongoing treatment with medications.
The truth about ICL and dry eye
ICLs rarely cause major dry eye problems compared to laser procedures. LASIK affects corneal nerves during flap formation and stromal ablation. ICL surgery works differently with corneal structures and shows fewer cases of postoperative dry eye.
Studies show ICL implantation doesn’t increase postoperative dry eye. Research comparing measurements before and after surgery found no major changes. The non-invasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT) and corneal fluorescein staining score stayed stable during follow-up visits.
Some studies point to small, temporary changes. One paper noted patients’ Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores went up one month after surgery. These scores partly recovered by the three-month mark. The non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT) also decreased temporarily in some patients.
ICL provides a great option for patients worried about dry eye after vision correction. Better vision awaits – don’t let myths stop you. Our expert eye surgeons at Precision Vision London can give you the facts about ICL surgery today.
Why this myth persists
This misconception continues because many know dry eye as a common LASIK complication. Patients who heard about or experienced post-LASIK dry eye think all vision correction surgeries carry similar risks.
Studies reporting mild, temporary dry eye symptoms in ICL patients add to this story. These symptoms differ from LASIK-induced dry eye in severity and duration. One report shows dry eye symptoms appeared in 13% of patients on day one after surgery. This peaked at 29% after three months. Another study found only 5.8% of V4 ICL implantation patients had dry eye after surgery. Most cases were mild to moderate without severe symptoms.
The confusion stays because both procedures fall under “vision correction surgery.” This leads to assumptions about side effects despite their different approaches.
How ICL preserves corneal nerves
ICL surgery’s advantage lies in preserving corneal nerve function. LASIK affects the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus during flap creation and tissue removal. ICL surgery barely touches these vital structures.
ICL surgery causes minimal corneal disruption. This leads to less inflammation compared to other refractive surgeries. The reduced response happens because ICL surgery involves fewer invasive steps.
LASIK causes a sharp drop in sub-basal nerve plexus densities. These decrease by about 90% compared to pre-surgery levels. Even after one year post-LASIK, nerve densities stay below half their original levels. ICL surgery protects these nerves through:
- Small corneal incisions that minimise nerve damage
- No corneal tissue removal or reshaping
- Lens placement behind the iris instead of changing the corneal surface
ICLs use Collamer material that’s stable and biocompatible with some purified collagen. The lens doesn’t affect corneal nerve fibres, so it rarely causes significant dry eye.
Myth 5: You Can Feel the Lens in Your Eye
Many patients worry about how implanted lenses might feel in their eyes. This concern makes sense. After dealing with irritating regular contact lenses, future ICL patients naturally worry that permanent discomfort might follow.
What the myth says
A stubborn myth tells us you’ll always feel implantable contact lenses in your eyes after surgery. People believe these lenses create constant foreign body sensation or cause discomfort when eyes move. Some worry the lenses might change position during sports or when they rub their eyes. The myth paints a picture that makes anyone uneasy – a constant awareness of something sitting in your eye.
The truth about ICL comfort
Patients can’t feel the ICL in their eye once healing completes. These lenses work without causing any sensation. The lens becomes invisible after implantation—you won’t see or feel anything in your eye.
A professional footballer’s experience proves this point: “The procedure was even better than expected – it was pain-free and super quick for me”. His quick recovery speaks volumes: “I was back playing sport and training, playing football within two to three weeks”.
Regular contacts sit on your eye’s surface, but permanent contact lenses float inside your eye behind the iris. This placement makes them undetectable. Your eyes won’t register the ICL’s presence after healing.
Why this myth persists
The myth lives on because people connect anything called a “contact lens” with regular contacts’ feeling. Most people know how conventional lenses feel and assume implanted versions create similar sensations. Our eyes’ sensitivity makes it hard to believe something could exist inside without detection. This natural scepticism keeps the myth alive.
What are implantable contact lenses made of?
ICLs use Collamer, a special biocompatible material that combines collagen and polymer. This advanced material offers several benefits:
- Uses purified collagen that matches your eye’s natural chemistry
- Stays soft and flexible for easy implantation
- Has hydrophilic properties (mixes with water)
- Lets essential gases and nutrients pass through
- Gives UV protection
Your body accepts this biocompatible material as its own, which means almost no risk of rejection or infection.
Myth 6: ICLs Are Not Reversible
People often misunderstand how permanent implantable contact lenses really are. Patients consider their options and wonder about the long-term commitment these lenses require.
What the myth says
Many people believe ICLs stay in your eye forever with no way to take them out. The myth suggests you’re stuck with these lenses for life, whatever changes happen to your vision or if complications arise. This false belief paints ICLs as a one-way street that changes your eye’s structure forever, leaving you no options as your vision needs evolve.
The truth about ICL reversibility
In stark comparison to this, implantable contact lenses are completely removable. ICLs add to your eye rather than take anything away, and your consultant can remove or replace the lens when needed. This makes ICLs different from laser eye surgery, which permanently changes your corneal tissue.
A patient shared: “The benefits outweighed the risks particularly when I found out that the lens that’s implanted can be removed by my consultant”.
Why this myth persists
We associate surgical procedures with permanent changes, which keeps this misconception alive. LASIK’s popularity and irreversible nature make people assume all vision correction surgeries work the same way. On top of that, ICLs can last indefinitely without issues. This makes people think they must be permanent by design instead of choice.
Can ICLs be removed or replaced?
Your surgeon can remove or replace ICLs through another procedure. This flexibility helps patients whose prescriptions change substantially over time or who develop cataracts later. Your vision might not return exactly to its pre-surgery state after ICL removal. Eyes naturally change over time and might need different correction.
A patient’s experience highlights the peace of mind ICLs provide: “I thought if my eyesight does change with age, I had the option to do things with that and being in control of those kind of things particularly when it comes to your eye really appealed to me”.
Myth 7: ICLs Don’t Last Long and Need Frequent Replacement
People who research permanent vision correction options often ask how long implantable contact lenses last. Many hesitate to try this solution because they worry about durability and replacement needs.
What the myth says
The widespread myth claims that implantable contact lenses don’t last long and need surgical replacement regularly. People think these lenses get worse quickly or become outdated when prescriptions change. Some worry that newer technology will make their current ICLs obsolete, forcing them to upgrade through more surgeries. This wrong idea makes ICLs look like a quick fix that needs constant upkeep and repeated procedures.
The truth about ICL longevity
ICLs serve as a permanent solution. Today’s ICLs work indefinitely unless something specific goes wrong. The lenses don’t break down or get worse over time. The Collamer material keeps its properties inside the eye and provides clear vision without any decline in quality.
Why this myth persists
We mostly hear this myth because people connect these lenses with regular contacts. Regular contact lenses need changes daily, weekly, or monthly. This creates an idea that anything called a “lens” won’t last long.
Older ICL versions had more complications that sometimes needed replacement. Stories about these early problems still float around without any mention of modern improvements.
How long do implantable contact lenses last?
Your ICLs can stay in your eyes forever without replacement – that’s what they’re made for. The Visian ICL shows great results over the last 15 years.
Sometimes you might need the lens removed or replaced because of:
- Cataracts developing later in life
- Big changes in your vision prescription
- Very rare complications
ICLs offer a lifelong solution, even though doctors can remove them if needed. These lenses last longer than other vision correction methods. You get permanent results plus flexibility if your eye health needs change down the road.
Comparison Table
| Myth | Common Misconception | Reality | Supporting Evidence | Why It Persists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ICLs Are Just Like Regular Contact Lenses | ICLs rest on the eye's surface like regular contacts and need similar care | Surgeons position them inside the eye between iris and natural lens; made of biocompatible Collamer material | Over 2 million ICLs distributed worldwide with 99.4% patient satisfaction | People relate to familiar contact lens terms and lack exposure to surgical vision correction |
| 2. ICL Surgery Is Risky and Complicated | The procedure is high-risk and needs extensive cutting with long recovery | Safe procedure takes just 15-30 minutes with minimal risks | 95% of patients report satisfaction; severe complications occur in only 1:1000 eyes | People naturally feel anxious about eye surgery and outdated info continues to circulate |
| 3. ICLs Are Only for High Prescriptions | These work only for extreme prescriptions and thick glasses | Treats prescriptions from -0.5D to -20D (nearsightedness), +0.5D to +10D (farsightedness), 0.5D to 6.0D (astigmatism) | American Refractive Surgery Council confirms this wide prescription range | Historical marketing positioned ICLs as LASIK alternatives for extreme cases |
| 4. ICLs Cause Dry Eyes Like LASIK | These cause chronic dryness like laser procedures | Dry eye problems rarely occur because corneal nerves stay intact | Research shows no major changes in tear production before and after surgery | People connect it with LASIK's prominent dry eye issues |
| 5. You Can Feel the Lens in Your Eye | The lens creates ongoing discomfort | Patients can't feel the lens after healing completes | Athletes return to sports within 2-3 weeks as the lens floats behind the iris | People compare it to regular contact lens sensations |
| 6. ICLs Are Not Reversible | The lens becomes a permanent fixture | Doctors can remove or replace the lens when needed | Medical records show successful removals and replacements | Most people think surgical procedures are permanent |
| 7. ICLs Don't Last Long and Need Frequent Replacement | Patients need regular surgical replacements | These provide a permanent solution and can last indefinitely | Studies show excellent results even after 15+ years | People compare it to regular contact lens replacement schedules |
Conclusion
These seven persistent myths about implantable contact lenses paint a clear picture of facts. ICLs are different from regular contacts. They provide a safe, effective solution that works with your eye’s natural structure. The procedure takes just 15-30 minutes, and patients can return to their normal activities within days – nowhere near the recovery time many people assume.
ICL technology has evolved substantially. It now treats prescriptions from mild (-0.5D) to severe (-20D) cases of nearsightedness. The technology also helps with farsightedness and astigmatism. These lenses keep corneal nerves intact, making them a great choice for patients worried about dry eye symptoms that often come with laser procedures.
The biocompatible Collamer material makes the lens unnoticeable once healing is complete. Its placement behind the iris keeps it secure during sports and daily activities. ICLs last indefinitely but can be removed if your vision needs change over time.
Patient satisfaction rates hit 99.4%, and most patients say they would choose the procedure again. Myths shouldn’t stop you from achieving better vision. Our expert eye surgeons at Precision Vision London can give you the facts about ICL surgery today.
These facts about implantable contact lenses will help you make smart decisions about your vision correction options. ICLs could be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for, especially if you’ve had issues with thick glasses, contact lens irritation, or want to break free from daily vision aids.
FAQs
Q1. How long do implantable contact lenses typically last? Implantable contact lenses are designed to be a permanent solution and can last indefinitely. They do not break down or deteriorate over time, providing consistent vision correction without the need for regular replacement.
Q2. Are implantable contact lenses reversible? Yes, implantable contact lenses are completely reversible. They can be removed or replaced by an eye surgeon if needed, offering flexibility if your vision needs change significantly or if you develop cataracts later in life.
Q3. Do implantable contact lenses cause dry eye like LASIK? Unlike LASIK, implantable contact lenses rarely cause significant dry eye problems. ICL surgery preserves corneal nerves, resulting in a lower incidence of postoperative dry eye compared to laser procedures.
Q4. Can you feel the implantable contact lens in your eye? Once healing is complete, patients typically cannot feel the implantable contact lens in their eye. The lens is positioned behind the iris, making it physically undetectable to the wearer during everyday activities and even sports.
Q5. What is the success rate of implantable contact lens surgery? Implantable contact lens surgery has a very high success rate, with studies indicating nearly 95% of patients reporting satisfaction with their results. The procedure has been performed on over 1 million patients worldwide with consistently positive outcomes.
