Did you know that ICL surgery helps most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better without glasses? The remarkable vision correction option has evolved significantly. It offers a permanent yet reversible solution with crisp, sharp vision and minimal downtime. ICL surgery stands out from other procedures because it works best if you have moderate to severe myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. Many patients also report superior night vision and clarity in low-light conditions. The EVO implantable collamer lens proves to be an excellent choice when you drive at night or work in dim environments.
You might be an ideal candidate for this procedure if you’re between 21 and 45 years old with a stable vision prescription for at least one year. The right preparation plays a key role in getting optimal results. Precision Vision London’s expert surgeons use advanced technology to provide personalised care throughout your ICL experience.
This piece walks you through everything about preparing for implantable collamer lens surgery from your first consultation to post-operative care. We’ll explain why some patients prefer ICL over LASIK and what to expect about costs. UK prices typically range from £3,000 to £4,500 per eye.
Getting to Know ICL: A Safe and Effective Vision Solution
The EVO Visian ICL stands out as the most important advancement in vision correction technology. This remarkable implantable collamer lens fits naturally within your eye’s structure and corrects vision problems without removing corneal tissue.
How the EVO Visian ICL implantable collamer lens works
A surgeon places this soft, flexible lens inside your eye through a small incision. The lens consists of Collamer a revolutionary biocompatible material that combines collagen and polymer—and works naturally with your eye’s biochemistry. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes. Your surgeon makes a tiny 3-3.2mm keyhole incision at your cornea’s edge. The ICL folds carefully and goes through this opening between your iris (the coloured part of your eye) and your natural crystalline lens. The modern EVO Visian ICL features a unique central port design a tiny hole lets natural fluid drain without extra laser procedures. Light bends through the lens and focuses directly onto your retina. The collamer material also protects your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Why patients choose ICL over LASIK or lens replacement
ICL brings several unique benefits that make it a top choice for many patients. The lens can correct severe nearsightedness up to -20.0 diopters, helping patients with prescriptions that laser procedures can’t handle safely. About 95% of patients report they’re happy with their results. Unlike laser procedures that permanently change your corneal structure, ICL adds a lens that surgeons can remove or replace later if needed. This flexibility helps younger patients feel more confident about their choice. Patients see better vision within 24 hours after ICL surgery and return to their daily routine in 1-2 days. Precision Vision London uses advanced surgical techniques to place the lens perfectly and achieve the best visual results quickly.
Benefits of implantable lenses for thin corneas and dry eyes
ICL works great for patients with thin corneas. The procedure keeps your cornea’s natural structure intact instead of removing tissue. This eliminates the risk of corneal ectasia a serious complication that sometimes happens with laser surgeries. Your cornea stays stable with ICL, ensuring long-term eye health. Dry eyes often cause problems after corneal refractive surgeries. ICL barely affects your eye’s corneal nerves and tear production. This makes it perfect if you:
- Have dry eye problems
- Feel discomfort with contact lenses
- Can’t get laser procedures
- Want fewer side effects
The lens design helps you see better at night. Patients report less trouble with glare, halos, and light sensitivity compared to other vision corrections. Better contrast sensitivity makes nighttime driving safer and more comfortable. Precision Vision London’s expert surgeons use state-of-the-art technology to place ICL precisely. We look at your eye anatomy, prescription needs, and lifestyle to give you the best results with this advanced procedure.
Eligibility and Personalised Consultation at Precision Vision London
Getting a clear picture of whether ICL surgery suits you is a vital first step in your vision correction trip at Precision Vision London. Our expert surgeons evaluate each patient individually to ensure the best results.
Who qualifies for ICL surgery?
Several specific criteria determine if you’re right for EVO Visian ICL surgery. We focus on patients between 21 and 45 years old. This age range works best because your eyes have fully developed but still maintain natural lens flexibility. Precision Vision London treats an impressive range of prescriptions—between -24 DS (short sight) and +11 DS (long sight), with astigmatism up to -6 DC. Your prescription should stay stable for at least 12 months, which suggests your vision has settled. Your eye health plays a big role. You need healthy eyes without major diseases like glaucoma and good overall health. The implantable collamer lens works great for people with thin corneas or dry eyes who might not qualify for laser procedures.
In spite of that, some conditions might affect your eligibility:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Taking immunosuppressant medications
- Certain autoimmune diseases
- Previous serious eye trauma or retinal detachment
What happens during your first consultation?
Your first visit includes a full assessment that usually takes 1-2 hours. Our specialists will, Use advanced diagnostic technology for detailed eye measurementsCheck your anterior chamber depth significant for proper lens placementUse special drops to dilate your pupils to see your retina and find your exact prescriptionLook at your medical history and discuss your medications This careful approach helps our surgeons create the ideal treatment plan for your unique visual needs. Book your ICL consultation today and start your journey to clear, lens-free vision.
How we tailor the ICL lens to your eyes
After confirming you’re a good candidate, we start customising your lens. Your implantable collamer lens gets manufactured based on your eye’s exact measurements. The process usually takes 2-3 weeks while your lens gets crafted to fit perfectly. We offer different types of lenses based on your needs. People with astigmatism need a toric ICL, while those without get a non-toric version. Precision Vision London ensures each lens matches your eye’s unique anatomy perfectly to maximise comfort and visual results. Our expert team uses the latest diagnostic tools throughout this process to guarantee the highest accuracy for your implantable collamer lens surgery.
Your Pre-Surgery Checklist: What to Do and Avoid
Getting ready is vital to successful implantable collamer lens surgery. Our team at Precision Vision London provides clear guidelines that ensure the best results and a smooth experience during your vision correction.
Stop contact lenses and adjust medications
You must stop wearing your contact lenses before your implantable collamer lens procedure. This lets your cornea return to its natural shape and helps us take accurate measurements. The time you need to wait depends 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
Tell our specialists about all medications you take. Your GP should approve stopping blood-thinning medications like anticoagulants five days before surgery. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels in check. You might need to adjust certain immunosuppressant medications or corticosteroids.
Avoid makeup, alcohol, and certain foods
Come to your ICL procedure with a clean face. Skip all eye makeup at least 24 hours before treatment. Your face should be free of moisturisers, perfumes, aftershaves, and lipstick. Remove any eyelash extensions before surgery. Stay away from alcohol 24 hours before your procedure. Alcohol can weaken your immune system. Some clinics ask you not to eat or drink for eight hours before surgery. These steps help minimise risks during your EVO Visian ICL implantation.
Arrange transport and post-op support
Eye drops used during your implantable collamer lens surgery will affect your vision temporarily. You won’t be able to drive home afterward. Ask a trusted friend or family member to come with you and drive you home. Their support matters because you’ll need rest right after the procedure. Expect blurry vision on surgery day. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. Set up your recovery space ahead of time. Keep everything you need within reach and create a cosy spot to rest.
Good preparation leads to a smooth ICL surgery experience. Our team at Precision Vision London walks you through every step from pre-surgery checks to recovery tips. This helps you feel ready and confident. Take a shower and wash your hair before coming in. You’ll need to keep water out of your eyes for several days after the procedure. Wear loose, comfortable clothes on surgery day. These preparations set you up for a successful implantable collarer lens surgery with great visual results.
Inside the Operating Room: A Calm, Quick Procedure
The operating theatre at Precision Vision London offers a calm, controlled environment that prioritises your comfort and surgical outcomes.
How long the surgery takes
ICL surgery is remarkably quick. The surgical process takes between 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients can have both eyes treated in one visit. The complete procedure lasts less than 30 minutes. This quick timeframe happens because ICL surgery needs only a tiny 2-3mm keyhole incision at your cornea’s edge. The team at Precision Vision London will guide you through your schedule and provide everything you need to recover. The simplified process means you’ll spend minimal time in the operating theatre while achieving lasting vision correction.
What you’ll feel (or not feel)
The ICL procedure is virtually painless. Your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout. Our consultant anaesthetist can provide light sedation to help you relax. You’ll stay awake yet comfortable during the procedure. You might feel gentle pressure around your eye or notice fluid on its surface, but you won’t feel pain. You won’t see any formed surgical instruments. Some patients might notice brightly coloured lights at different stages.
Our expert team and advanced technology
Our surgeons at Precision Vision London are world-renowned experts in ICL procedures. They explain each step of the surgery to keep you at ease throughout the process. Our specialists use a special delivery device that positions the EVO Visian ICL behind your iris, where it unfolds into place. The procedure follows a precise sequence. Your surgeon creates a small corneal incision. The flexible ICL lens folds and slides through this opening within seconds. They make final adjustments to ensure proper positioning. The experience surprises most patients with its speed and simplicity. Yes, it is the combination of advanced surgical techniques and our experienced team that will give excellent outcomes. Over 95% of patients achieve unaided vision of 6/6 after EVO Visian ICL implantation.
Aftercare and Long-Term Vision Results
Your trip after implantable collamer lens surgery is simple. Most patients see remarkable vision improvements within 24 hours.
What recovery looks like day by day
Right after surgery, you might feel mild discomfort and see blurry vision. Your eye could feel slightly gritty or watery at first. Vision improves quickly—many patients go back to work the next day. You’ll likely read and do most daily activities clearly within the first week. Night vision takes a bit longer to stabilise.
Common side effects and how we manage them
Light sensitivity, mild discomfort, and nighttime glare around lights are temporary side effects. These go away as your eyes heal. Our team at Precision Vision London gives you prescription eye drops to reduce discomfort and prevent inflammation. ICL causes fewer dry eye problems than other vision correction methods.
Why follow-up care matters
Your aftercare trip has check-ups on day 1, week 1, month 1, and 3-6 months after surgery. Our specialists check your intraocular pressure, lens positioning, and corneal health during these visits. Regular check-ups help ensure success and catch any problems early.
How long the ICL lens lasts
The implantable collamer lens stays effective throughout your life. The lens’s biocompatible Collamer material remains stable and works well for decades. Your ICL can be removed or replaced if your vision needs change, this flexibility sets it apart from other procedures.
Conclusion
ICL surgery stands as a breakthrough in vision correction technology, especially when you have moderate to severe refractive errors. This piece explores how ICL provides many more advantages like exceptional visual quality, UV protection, and minimal downtime. On top of that, it preserves your corneal tissue, making it perfect for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes.
Everything in successful outcomes depends on proper preparation. Your surgery will proceed smoothly by doing this: stop wearing contact lenses, avoid makeup and alcohol, and arrange transport. The procedure takes just 15-30 minutes, and most patients’ vision improves substantially within 24 hours. ICL surgery’s benefits go way beyond the reach and influence of the original recovery. Your implantable collamer lens will last a lifetime while giving you excellent visual clarity day and night. Regular follow-up appointments help maintain these results and quickly address any concerns.
Precision Vision London stays at the vanguard of ICL technology and provides personalised care from consultation through recovery. Our expert surgeons use advanced diagnostic tools to create a treatment plan that fits your unique visual needs. Book your ICL consultation today to start a journey toward clear, lens-free vision. Choosing ICL surgery is an investment in your visual freedom and quality of life. Our specialists’ expert care and proper preparation will help you wake up each morning with crisp, clear vision, without glasses or contact lenses. This life-changing procedure is definitely a permanent yet reversible solution that delivers exceptional results for people seeking visual independence.
FAQs
Q1. How should I prepare for ICL surgery? On the day of surgery, take a shower and wash your hair, as you’ll need to keep water out of your eyes for several days afterwards. Avoid wearing makeup, fragrances, or false eyelashes, as these can cause irritation. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medication adjustments and fasting requirements.
Q2. What is the typical recovery time after ICL surgery? Most patients experience significantly improved vision within 24 hours of the procedure. While you may have blurry vision for 1-2 days post-surgery, many people return to work the next day. Full recovery and stabilisation of night vision can take a few weeks.
Q3. Who is an ideal candidate for ICL surgery? Ideal candidates are typically between 21 and 45 years old with stable vision for at least a year. ICL can correct a wide range of prescriptions, including severe myopia up to -20.0 diopters. It’s particularly suitable for those with thin corneas or dry eyes who may not be candidates for laser procedures.
Q4. Is ICL surgery painful? The procedure is virtually painless. Your surgeon will apply numbing eye drops before the surgery, and many patients receive light sedation to help them relax. You may feel gentle pressure or sense fluid on your eye’s surface, but you shouldn’t experience pain during the 10-15 minute procedure.
Q5. How long does the implantable collamer lens last? The ICL is designed to last a lifetime. Made from biocompatible Collamer material, the lens remains stable and effective for decades. However, if your vision requirements change in the future, the ICL can be removed or replaced, offering flexibility that other vision correction procedures cannot match.
