Feeling overwhelmed about ICL surgery in london? This detailed guide will help you understand this life-changing procedure better. The first ICL surgery took place in 1993, and since then, doctors have implanted over 1 million ICLs worldwide. Thousands of people in the UK now choose this remarkable alternative to glasses, contact lenses, and even laser eye surgery.
ICL eye surgery places a Collamer lens inside your eye between the iris and your natural lens. The procedure is quick and painless under local anaesthesia. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, which makes the results exceptional. ICL works well for a wide range of prescriptions, from low to severe myopia and hyperopia. The procedure suits you especially when you have a high prescription between -3.00 and -20.00 diopters. Your vision will improve steadily during recovery. You’ll notice sharp, clear vision with excellent contrast and depth perception. Many patients return to work the next day.
This piece will guide you through each step at Precision Vision London from your first consultation to post-operative care. You’ll get all the information needed to make an informed decision about improving your vision with ICL.
Your First Step: Booking a Consultation in London
Your trip to crystal-clear vision starts when you book your consultation at Precision Vision London. This vital first step lets our expert team get a full picture of your vision needs and determine if ICL surgery is right for you.
What to expect during your first visit
Our highly trained patient coordinators will welcome you as your first point of contact. The detailed consultation takes up to two hours. During this time, we get a complete assessment of your eyes and vision needs.
Your appointment has several important elements:
- Complete eye examination and prescription check by an optometrist
- Detailed medical history review to identify any conditions that might affect surgery
- Discussion about your lifestyle, visual requirements, and expectations
- A chance to ask questions about the ICL procedure
Our clinical team creates a comfortable, informative environment where you can openly discuss your vision goals. You’ll receive personalised information about ICL surgery and learn what it means for your specific situation.
How we assess your suitability for ICL
We run a series of specialised tests and measurements to ensure ICL surgery will be safe and effective for your unique eyes. Our assessment looks at:
Our specialists take several vital measurements:
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness
- Anterior chamber depth assessment (minimum 3.0mm required)
- Endothelial cell count to assess corneal health
- White-to-white measurements for proper ICL sizing
The team may use pupil-dilating drops to get a clear view of your internal eye structures. These detailed tests help us determine if you’re an ideal candidate for ICL surgery. We believe being selective is vital to ensure each patient receives the most suitable treatment for their visual and lifestyle needs. Our lead surgeon will personally tell you during your consultation if you’re not a suitable candidate.
Why choose Precision Vision London
Precision Vision London stands out as an independent, surgeon-led practise in Harley Street, the ‘clinical heart’ of London. Our patient care approach makes us unique. Our unmatched surgical team ranks as the best in the UK. They bring world-renowned expertise in non-laser treatments like ICL surgery. This exceptional team delivers superior vision treatments with a steadfast dedication to excellence in eye care. Our commitment to personalised care means we tailor your treatment to your individual needs. The surgeon stays with you throughout your trip—from consultation through treatment and aftercare. This ensures continuity and the highest standard of care.
Our service stands out with our detailed aftercare programme:
- A full 12-month aftercare package
- One-month supply of all required drops
- Regular check-ups to monitor your progress
Want to ditch glasses and contacts for clear, lasting vision? Our expert team at Precision Vision London guides you through every stage of ICL surgery. We tailor everything from your first consultation to full recovery to fit London living and lifestyle. Book your ICL consultation today and start your trip to crystal-clear vision.
Preparing for ICL Surgery: What You Need to Know
After your consultation confirms you as an ideal candidate for ICL surgery, you’ll need to prepare well to get the best results. Our team at Precision Vision London will make sure you have all the information and support you need for this life-changing procedure.
ICL Surgery Preparation Essentials
Your eyes need proper preparation before ICL surgery. You must stop wearing contact lenses before the procedure so your cornea can return to its natural shape. Here’s how long you should wait based on your lens type:
- Soft contact lenses: 2-7 days before surgery
- Soft-toric lenses: 5-7 days before surgery
- Hard contact lenses: at least three weeks before surgery
Clean eyes are just as important. Remove eyelash extensions at least two weeks before your procedure. Your face should be completely free of makeup, moisturisers, and other products on surgery day. You should use eyelid wipes for three nights before surgery to keep your lash line clean. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. The eye drops used during surgery will affect your vision temporarily. Set up a comfortable recovery space beforehand and keep everything you need within reach.
Pre-surgery Instructions and Medication
Our team will give you specific instructions about managing your medications before the ICL procedure. Tell us about all medications you take. Your GP might need to approve stopping blood-thinning medications like anticoagulants five days before surgery. You may also need to adjust certain immunosuppressant medications or corticosteroids. You’ll get prescriptions for three medicated eye drops about a week before surgery: Vigamox/Moxifloxacin, Lotemax Gel, and Acuvail. Start using non-preservative artificial tears four times daily at least three days before your procedure. Begin Vigamox/Moxifloxacin four times daily three days before surgery.
Don’t eat solid food or smoke after midnight before your surgery. You can have clear fluids like black coffee, tea, apple juice, or water up to four hours beforehand. Stay away from alcohol and cannabis for 24 hours before your procedure.
Customising Your ICL Lens
Once we confirm you’re an ideal candidate, we start customising your implantable collamer lens based on precise measurements of your eyes. This detailed process usually takes 2-3 weeks while your lens is crafted to fit perfectly.
The EVO ICL power calculation uses a modified vertex formula that will give a precise match for your visual needs. You may receive different lens types based on your specific requirements:
- Non-toric ICLs – For patients without astigmatism
- Toric ICLs – Specifically designed to correct astigmatism alongside myopia
Our expert team at Precision Vision London employs advanced diagnostic tools throughout this customisation process to ensure exceptional accuracy. The lens size depends on anterior chamber depth and white-to-white measurements. Ultrasound biomicroscopy helps achieve optimal placement in the ciliary sulcus. This full preparation process helps deliver the best possible visual outcomes with minimal recovery time.
The ICL Surgery Day: A Calm and Quick Experience
The big day has arrived! You’re about to experience the remarkable ICL surgery at Precision Vision London. Most patients find the actual procedure nowhere near as daunting as they first imagined.
London ICL procedure steps explained
Our Harley Street clinic’s team will welcome and prepare you for your procedure. The preparation includes:
- Verifying your details and conducting a quick eye check
- Applying dilating eye drops to prepare your eyes for surgery
- Ensuring you’re in comfortable clothing (we recommend loose-fitting attire)
- Cleaning the eye and surrounding area
Our skilled surgeon performs the ICL insertion through these precise steps:
- Creating a tiny keyhole incision (2-3mm) at your cornea’s edge
- Applying a special gel-like fluid to protect your eye
- Carefully folding and inserting the customised ICL through this small opening
- Positioning the lens precisely behind your iris and in front of your natural lens
- Allowing the lens to gently unfold into its proper position
- Conducting a final check to ensure perfect placement
Our expert surgeons use specialised instruments and techniques developed specifically for ICL procedures throughout this process.
Anaesthesia and comfort during the procedure
Your comfort remains our priority at Precision Vision London. We perform the procedure under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort. The preparation includes:
- Numbing eye drops to ensure complete eye anaesthesia
- A mild sedative option if you’re feeling anxious, though many patients don’t need it
- A small speculum that gently holds your eyelids open, so you won’t need to worry about blinking
ICL surgery doesn’t require general anaesthesia, which means you’ll stay awake yet comfortable throughout the procedure.
How long the surgery takes and what happens after
The actual ICL surgery takes just 15-20 minutes per eye. You should plan to spend 2-3 hours at our clinic for preparation and initial recovery. This quick process means minimal disruption to your day.
You’ll rest in our recovery area for about 30-60 minutes after your procedure. During this time:
- Our specialists check your eye pressure and lens position
- You receive antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Our team provides detailed post-operative care instructions
- We ensure you’re comfortable before discharge
Note that you’ll need someone to drive you home since the drops used during surgery will temporarily affect your vision. The whole ordeal surprises most patients with its speed and comfort. Many report improved vision even on the same day, though temporary haziness or cloudiness in the first few hours after surgery is completely normal.
From Blurry to Clear: The Vision Restoration Process
The vision restoration experience after ICL surgery transforms patients from depending on glasses to enjoying clear vision freedom. Our experts at Precision Vision London have documented a recovery timeline based on years of treating patients.
What to expect from your results
Most patients see the most important visual improvements right after ICL surgery. You’ll likely notice better vision within hours of the procedure. Your original vision might be slightly blurry or hazy for 24-48 hours while your eyes adjust to their new lenses. Most patients report much clearer vision after day two. Research shows that 98.5% of patients achieve vision that matches or exceeds their glasses prescription within 6 months after surgery.
Managing early side effects
Right after surgery, you might notice some temporary side effects – these are normal. Patients typically experience mild discomfort, sensitivity to light, and slight blurriness. You might see halos or glare around lights at night, but these effects usually improve in a few weeks.
These steps help manage the effects:
- Follow the prescribed eye drop schedule to prevent infection and reduce inflammation
- Protect your eyes with UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
- Keep your hands away from your eyes and follow post-operative instructions
- Use artificial tears as recommended to reduce any dryness
Your vision improvement timeline
Vision usually stabilises during the first week as your eyes adapt to the implanted lens. Many patients can drive after just 24 hours. Your vision might fluctuate during this adaptation period – this is normal. Most patients see major improvements in visual clarity within one month. Vision typically stabilises completely within 1-3 months. The largest longitudinal study shows that 75% of patients gain one or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity within two years.
Life After ICL: Recovery, Results and Long-Term Outlook
Life after ICL surgery brings dramatic improvements to your vision and quality of life. A clear understanding of the recovery process helps you set realistic expectations for your ICL experience.
ICL surgery recovery timeline and milestones
Most patients can resume normal activities just 24 hours after ICL surgery. Your vision stabilises gradually throughout the first week. Many patients achieve driving-standard vision by day one. You can expect complete visual stability within 1-3 months.
Your recovery process has several important checkpoints:
- Day 1: First follow-up examination
- Week 1: Second check-up to monitor healing progress
- Month 1, 3 and 6: Progressive assessments of vision stability
Rest plays a significant role in your recovery process. Light activities can resume quickly. Swimming should wait for at least four weeks. You should postpone strenuous exercise for about two weeks.
How long the results last
ICL results provide remarkable longevity. Clinical studies show exceptional stability with minimal vision changes over extended periods. A 10-year follow-up study shows patients managed to keep stable vision with only minimal prescription changes from -0.20 to -0.54. The ICL lens doesn’t wear out and needs no maintenance after healing. Natural changes like presbyopia (difficulty reading small print) may occur around age 45-50. You might need reading glasses then.
Annual check-ups and maintaining eye health
Annual eye examinations become essential after your recovery period. These yearly appointments have:
- Dilated retinal examinations
- Intraocular pressure monitoring
- Verification of proper lens positioning
- Overall eye health assessment
These brief visits help without becoming financially burdensome. Regular monitoring helps maintain excellent vision. It allows early detection of potential problems. Your ICL investment continues providing optimal results for years to come.
Conclusion
ICL surgery stands as a breakthrough in vision correction technology. You can finally break free from glasses and contacts with minimal downtime. This piece walks you through the complete trip from your first visit at our Harley Street clinic to long-term aftercare. The procedure gives exceptional results. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better just days after surgery. You can return to most daily activities within 24 hours. Your vision typically becomes fully stable in 1-3 months.
Precision Vision London’s approach will give a treatment that fits your visual needs and lifestyle perfectly. Our surgeon-led care means one expert stays with you from your original assessment through your whole trip. On top of that, our complete 12-month aftercare package lets you relax as your vision gets better steadily. Want to say goodbye to glasses and contacts forever? Our expert team at Precision Vision London guides you through each step of ICL surgery. We tailor everything from consultation to recovery around London’s unique lifestyle. Book your ICL consultation today to start your trip toward crystal-clear vision.
Eye surgery might seem scary at first glance. Yet ICL surgery is quick, painless and life-changing. The largest longitudinal study shows minimal prescription changes over ten years. This stability makes ICL an investment in your future. The mix of quick results, short recovery time, and lasting clarity makes ICL surgery at Precision Vision London perfect to reshape your vision and boost your quality of life.
Key Takeaways
This comprehensive guide reveals the complete ICL surgery journey in London, from initial consultation through long-term results, helping you make an informed decision about this life-changing vision correction procedure.
- ICL surgery takes just 15-20 minutes per eye with local anaesthesia, allowing most patients to return to normal activities within 24 hours
- Over 98% of patients achieve the same or better vision than with glasses, with many experiencing 20/20 vision or better immediately after surgery
- The procedure is suitable for prescriptions from -3.00 to -20.00 diopters, making it ideal for high prescriptions unsuitable for laser surgery
- Results are remarkably stable long-term, with clinical studies showing minimal prescription changes over 10 years of follow-up
- Comprehensive preparation includes stopping contact lens wear 2-7 days beforehand and using prescribed eye drops three days before surgery
- At Precision Vision London, surgeon-led care ensures continuity from consultation through 12-month aftercare, with annual check-ups maintaining optimal results
The ICL procedure offers freedom from glasses and contacts with exceptional safety and effectiveness, transforming your vision with minimal disruption to your daily life.
FAQs
Q1. How soon can I resume normal activities after ICL surgery? Most patients can return to their daily routines within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. However, complete visual stability typically occurs within 1 to 3 months.
Q2. What precautions should I take immediately following ICL surgery? Avoid rubbing or bumping your eyes for the first five days. Refrain from swimming, using hot tubs, or participating in water sports for at least five days post-surgery. It’s also advisable to limit screen time to prevent eye strain during the initial recovery period.
Q3. When is it safe to travel by air after undergoing ICL surgery? It’s recommended to wait at least 3 to 5 days before taking short-haul flights. For long-haul or international travel, it’s best to wait 1 to 2 weeks to ensure proper healing.
Q4. How long does it take to achieve optimal vision after ICL surgery? Many patients experience significant visual improvement within hours of the procedure. By the end of the second day, most report substantial clarity. Clinical studies show that 98.5% of patients achieve vision equal to or better than their pre-surgery corrected vision within 6 months.
Q5. What kind of long-term results can I expect from ICL surgery? ICL results offer remarkable longevity. A 10-year follow-up study demonstrated that patients maintained stable vision with only minimal prescription changes ranging from -0.20 to -0.54. The ICL lens itself doesn’t wear out and remains maintenance-free after the initial healing period.
