ICL surgery has helped over 1,000,000 people worldwide since its debut almost 30 years ago. This groundbreaking vision correction method has changed many lives by freeing patients from glasses and contact lenses. Clinical studies reveal impressive results – more than 90% of ICL patients now see at 20/20 or better. Patient satisfaction rates exceed 95%.
EVO ICL stands out as a remarkable vision correction option. The procedure works for a wide range of prescriptions – from -0.50DS to -18.00DS of myopia and from +0.50DS to +10.00DS of hyperopia. It can also correct astigmatism up to +6.00DC. The results speak for themselves – 99.4% of EVO Visian ICL patients would choose this procedure again. UK patients can expect to pay between £3,000 and £4,500 per eye. The cost reflects a worthwhile investment in better vision.
This piece explores why ICL surgery has remained UK eye specialists’ trusted choice since 1993. You’ll learn about its progress, advantages, and the reasons patients continue choosing this life-changing procedure at specialist clinics.
The Rise of ICL Surgery in the UK
The story of Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) started in 1993 with its first implant. In the last three decades, this groundbreaking procedure has become a trusted vision correction option in the UK through continuous improvements and refinements.
A brief history of ICL surgery since 1993
Professor Fyodorov’s innovative collar-stud style posterior chamber intraocular lens from 1986 laid the foundation for the Visian implantable collamer lens. The original goal was to help patients with severe refractive errors, and UK eye specialists quickly started using this technology. The year 1994 brought major breakthroughs – the hyperopic ICL launched in March and new haptics made the lens more stable. The toric ICL came out in 2001, letting doctors treat astigmatism too. This progress has led to over 2 million ICL lenses being implanted worldwide.
Why laser alternatives weren’t enough
Laser eye surgery became popular, but it didn’t work for everyone. ICL proved to be the better choice when patients had:
- Thin or irregular corneas
- Vision problems too severe for lasers (usually worse than -8.00DS)
- Serious dry eye conditions
- Risks with corneal reshaping
ICL keeps the eye’s natural structure intact, unlike laser procedures that change the cornea permanently. This is a vital advantage for many patients. The results were better for severe myopia cases too. ICL offers correction for short-sightedness up to -18.00D, long-sightedness up to +10.00D, and astigmatism up to +/- 4.50D.
How EVO ICL changed the game
The launch of EVO and EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses in 2011 and 2015 transformed eye surgery. These lenses featured a central port (KS-Aquaport) that removed the need for peripheral iridotomy. This tiny central hole lets eye fluid flow naturally and makes the procedure safer by lowering the risk of pressure build-up, cataracts, and other complications.
The EVO ICL earned both CE Mark approval in Europe and FDA approval in the US after thorough clinical trials. This innovation has optimised the procedure and improved patient comfort. The exceptional visual outcomes have made ICL a leading choice for vision correction in the UK.
What Makes ICL Surgery a Trusted Option
ICL surgery has become a trusted vision correction choice for thousands of UK patients over the years. The benefits go beyond just immediate results and extend to future advantages.
Superior visual clarity and contrast
ICL surgery stands out from traditional vision correction methods by providing exceptional visual quality. Patients report clearer, sharper vision with excellent contrast and depth perception. Their visual experience improves in challenging conditions like night driving and dim environments. Studies show that approximately 99% of patients are satisfied with their results. This high satisfaction comes from the ICL’s ability to deliver high-definition vision that makes details and colours more vivid.
No corneal reshaping required
The biggest advantage of ICL surgery comes from its tissue-preserving approach. The procedure adds a lens to improve vision instead of changing the cornea’s structure permanently. Your eye’s structural integrity stays intact with this preservation technique. This means patients with thin corneas or irregular corneal shapes can achieve excellent vision correction even if laser procedures don’t work for them. The biocompatible collamer material works naturally with your eye’s structures.
Built-in UV protection and dry eye prevention
ICL lenses shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. This protection helps lower the risk of sun-related eye conditions. The procedure doesn’t affect the corneal surface or nerves, which eliminates the risk of laser-induced dry eye. This benefit helps especially when you have dry eyes or worry about developing this condition after vision correction.
Reversibility and long-term flexibility
The most reassuring part about ICL surgery is how it adapts to future needs. You can remove or replace the lens if needed, which lets you adjust your vision correction as your eyes change. ICL lasts a lifetime, but gives you peace of mind with its flexibility. Your surgeon can safely remove the ICL if you need cataract surgery later. This makes ICL unique as the only vision correction option with this level of long-term adaptability.
Inside the Patient Journey at Precision Vision London
Your trip at Precision Vision London starts with a full picture of your vision needs. Our specialists will review your ICL suitability with complete eye examinations during your first consultation. These tests include corneal topography, anterior chamber depth measurement, and endothelial cell count. Most candidates are between 21-45 years with stable prescriptions.
First consultation and eligibility checks
The first appointment at Precision Vision London includes a detailed medical history review and precise ocular measurements. Our team uses advanced diagnostic technology to review your eye’s unique characteristics. This will give a clear picture of whether ICL suits your specific needs.
Personalised treatment planning
After confirming your candidacy, we create a custom treatment plan that matches your visual requirements. This plan reflects your lifestyle needs and visual priorities.
The ICL surgery experience: what to expect
The procedure at Precision Vision London typically takes 20-30 minutes. Our surgeon numbs your eyes with anaesthetic drops and makes a tiny incision (2-3mm). The folded lens goes through this opening and sits behind your iris. Most patients see better vision within 24-48 hours.
Aftercare and support from our expert team
You’ll receive antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops after surgery to help with healing. We schedule your first follow-up within one week and plan additional visits to track your progress. Our complete aftercare programme helps achieve the best results.
Safety, Results, and Long-Term Value
Research shows ICL surgery is both safe and works well. Clinical studies reveal about 98% of patients can see 20/40 or better, and many see even clearer than that. The largest longitudinal study backs up how stable this procedure is, with major complications happening in less than 1% of cases.
Is ICL surgery good or bad? What the data says
ICL procedures today are remarkably safe. The EVO ICL’s central port design has cut down old risks by a lot, and cataracts now develop in less than 1% of cases. Studies over time show stable results with minimal endothelial cell loss—about 3.66% over five years. This lines up with how eyes age naturally.
UK-based success rates and safety profile
ICL procedures across the UK show remarkable results. Precision Vision London maintains high success rates, and complications happen in less than 0.1% of cases. Yes, it is true that 99.78% of patients feel happy with their ICL results. These numbers help explain why doctors have implanted over one million EVO Visian ICLs worldwide.
Cost vs. lifetime value: glasses, contacts, or ICL?
ICL surgery costs between £3,600-£5,800 per eye upfront, but saves money over time. People who wear contact lenses usually spend £4,780-£10,030 in just 10 years. Choosing ICL saves about £13,200 over a lifetime. Beyond money, ICL frees you from ongoing costs and daily hassles.
Why our patients recommend ICL to others
Our patients tell us how ICL has changed their lives. They can see textures and details they missed before. Their night vision improves without the dry eye problems that affect 71 million contact lens users worldwide. Best of all, they love not having to deal with daily maintenance or visual limits anymore.
Conclusion
ICL surgery has grown into a trusted vision correction method since its launch in 1993, and there’s a good reason for that. This remarkable procedure helps patients with thin corneas, high prescriptions, or dry eye concerns – needs that other treatments can’t address.
The technology’s progress tells an impressive story. What started as a basic implantable lens has evolved into today’s advanced EVO ICL with its revolutionary central port design. These improvements have made the procedure safer while giving patients exceptional vision. The numbers tell the story: over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, and satisfaction rates soar above 95%.
ICL stands out from permanent corneal reshaping procedures. It preserves your eye’s natural structure while correcting prescriptions ranging from mild to severe myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. On top of that, it comes with built-in UV protection – an eye health benefit many patients value.
Money plays a big role in this decision. ICL needs an upfront investment of £3,000-£4,500 per eye. The value becomes clear when you compare it to buying glasses and contacts over decades. Patients typically save £13,200 over their lifetime, plus all those hours spent cleaning and maintaining contact lenses. One of the best parts about ICL is its flexibility for your future. You can reverse the procedure if needed as your vision changes. Your surgeon can safely remove the ICL if you need cataract surgery later – a unique advantage of this option.
Precision Vision London starts your experience with a detailed assessment using advanced diagnostic technology. Our specialists design treatment plans just for you, backed by expert surgical care and thorough aftercare support. This personalised approach drives our clinic’s outstanding success rates and happy patients. Vision correction is a big decision. Notwithstanding that, ICL surgery keeps proving itself as safe, effective, and valuable long-term. If you want freedom from glasses and contacts with great vision quality, ICL surgery has been changing lives across the UK since 1993.
Key Takeaways
ICL surgery has proven itself as a revolutionary vision correction option over three decades, offering unique advantages that traditional methods cannot match.
- ICL surgery achieves exceptional results with over 90% of patients reaching 20/20 vision and 99% satisfaction rates since 1993
- Unlike laser surgery, ICL preserves corneal structure whilst treating severe prescriptions up to -18.00D myopia and +10.00D hyperopia
- The procedure offers built-in UV protection and prevents dry eye issues, making it ideal for unsuitable laser candidates
- ICL provides lifetime value at £3,000-£4,500 per eye, saving approximately £13,200 compared to lifelong glasses and contacts
- The reversible nature allows future flexibility, with lenses removable for cataract surgery or prescription changes
This innovative procedure represents the only vision correction method that combines exceptional visual quality with long-term adaptability, making it the trusted choice for patients seeking permanent freedom from glasses and contacts.
FAQs
Q1. How long has ICL surgery been available in the UK? ICL surgery has been a trusted option for vision correction in the UK since 1993. Over the past three decades, the procedure has undergone significant refinement and technological advancements.
Q2. What is the typical cost of ICL surgery in the UK? The cost of ICL surgery in the UK typically ranges from £3,000 to £4,500 per eye. While this represents an initial investment, many patients find it offers long-term value compared to the lifetime costs of glasses and contact lenses.
Q3. How long do ICL lenses last? ICL lenses are designed to last a lifetime. However, one of the key benefits of ICL surgery is that the lenses can be removed or replaced if necessary, offering flexibility for future vision needs.
Q4. What makes ICL surgery different from laser eye surgery? Unlike laser eye surgery, ICL does not reshape the cornea. Instead, it involves inserting a lens behind the iris, preserving the eye’s natural structure. This makes it suitable for patients with thin corneas or higher prescriptions who may not be candidates for laser procedures.
Q5. What is the success rate of ICL surgery? ICL surgery has shown impressive success rates. Clinical studies indicate that over 90% of ICL patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with satisfaction rates exceeding 95%. The procedure also boasts a low complication rate, with serious issues occurring in less than 1% of cases.
