ICL eye surgery could be your ideal vision correction solution if LASIK isn’t an option due to thin corneas. Your thin corneas can weaken the eye structure and cause vision problems along with focus issues. The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery presents a great alternative that’s custom-made for patients like you.
The revolutionary ICL procedure differs from laser-based treatments. A surgeon places a Collamer lens through a tiny incision, right behind the iris and before your eye’s natural crystalline lens. Most patients experience sharp, high-definition vision just a day after the procedure. This treatment works best for patients aged 21 to 60 who can’t get LASIK because of thin corneas or chronic dry eyes. Patients often report better night vision and enhanced clarity in dim lighting after surgery.
Your EVO ICL procedure takes just 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The cost details of ICL eye surgery appear later in this piece, but patients call it a smart investment for lasting vision correction. ICL surgery might be the perfect solution for your thin corneas.
Why Thin Corneas Need a Different Approach
Learning about thin corneas is vital if you’re looking into vision correction options. The standard approach doesn’t work for everyone, and knowing your choices could make a real difference to your eye health.
What is a thin cornea?
The cornea is the clear tissue that forms your eye’s outer layer. It protects your eye from dirt and germs, philtres UV light, and helps focus vision. A normal cornea is about 540 microns thick (about half a millimetre). Eye specialists call it thin when corneal thickness drops below 500 microns.
This measurement matters because it affects your eye’s structure and vision quality. Thin corneas can make it harder to measure eye pressure accurately, which doctors need to detect glaucoma. These patients might show lower pressure readings than actual values, which could hide real risks. People can have thin corneas because of their genes or medical conditions like keratoconus. This condition makes the cornea gradually thin out and bulge like a cone.
Why LASIK may not be safe for thin corneas
LASIK surgery involves creating a corneal flap that the surgeon folds back. They use a laser to reshape the tissue underneath and put the flap back to heal. This approach can be risky for people with thin corneas.
The biggest problem is that LASIK removes corneal tissue. Patients with thin corneas might lose too much tissue during surgery, which weakens their eye structure. This can lead to corneal ectasia – a serious issue where the cornea becomes unstable and bulges outward.
Corneal ectasia can cause:
- Progressive myopia and astigmatism
- Eyesight that keeps getting worse
- Vision loss that might be permanent
- Corneal haze and scarring
Corneal ectasia is rare and affects only 0.02% to 0.6% of patients. This is a big deal as it means that people with thin corneas face much higher risks. Most eye surgeons won’t perform LASIK on patients with thin corneas.
Other options before ICL
People with thin corneas have several choices for vision correction.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is often the first choice. PRK doesn’t create a corneal flap. The surgeon removes the cornea’s thin outer layer (epithelium) and reshapes the corneal tissue. This removes flap complications but causes more pain after surgery. Recovery takes longer, and vision becomes stable over several weeks or months.
- LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy) works well for very thin corneas. This procedure keeps the epithelial layer instead of removing it.
- Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) offers a newer solution for mild to moderate thin corneas. The surgeon makes a tiny cut to remove a small oval of corneal tissue that corrects vision. Notwithstanding that, you still need enough corneal thickness for this procedure.
- Implantable Collamer lenses (ICL) are often the best solution for patients with thin corneas. ICL surgery doesn’t remove corneal tissue, so corneal thickness doesn’t matter. The surgeon places a biocompatible lens between your iris and natural lens to correct vision without changing your corneal structure.
A full assessment by an experienced eye surgeon will determine the best approach for your eyes.
What is ICL Eye Surgery and How It Works
ICL eye surgery is a game-changing solution for patients who need vision correction beyond standard laser procedures. Let’s look at how this innovative solution works and why more people choose it, especially when you have thin corneas.
What is ICL eye surgery?
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery helps correct vision by placing a soft, flexible lens inside your eye. Unlike laser procedures that reshape the cornea, ICL works differently – your surgeon inserts a biocompatible lens between your natural lens and the iris (the coloured part of your eye). This phakic intraocular lens (phakic meaning your natural lens stays in place) fixes common vision issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
The lens is made of Collamer—a breakthrough material that combines plastic and collagen. It matches your body’s chemistry perfectly. We created this advanced material mostly from collagen and water, which makes it comfortable and impossible to feel once it’s in place. The Collamer material also protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
How the ICL lens is placed
The ICL procedure is simple and takes just 15-30 minutes per eye. Your surgeon starts by using numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable. After your eye is numb, they make a tiny keyhole cut (only 2-3mm) at your cornea’s edge.
They fold the ICL carefully and insert it through this small opening with a special tool. The surgeon then positions the lens exactly behind your iris and in front of your natural lens, where it unfolds naturally. The modern EVO Visian ICL has a tiny hole in its centre that lets fluid flow naturally without needing extra laser procedures.
Can’t get LASIK because of thin corneas? Find out how ICL surgery can give you clear vision—book your expert consultation at Precision Vision London today.
ICL vs LASIK: Key differences
Both procedures help fix vision problems but work in different ways:
| Feature | ICL | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal tissue removal | No | Yes |
| Suitable for thin corneas | Yes | Depends |
| UV protection | Yes | No |
| Reversibility | Yes | No |
| Recovery time | 1-2 days | 2 weeks for flap healing |
| Contributes to dry eyes | Minimal | Yes |
ICL can treat higher levels of nearsightedness (up to -18D) than LASIK. You’ll also get better night vision with fewer issues like halos or light sensitivity.
Why ICL is ideal for thin eye structures
ICL surgery works great for patients with thin corneas because it doesn’t remove any corneal tissue like LASIK does. Your cornea stays intact, making ICL safer for people who don’t have enough corneal thickness for laser procedures.
Your cornea’s structural stability remains unchanged with ICL, which eliminates the risk of corneal ectasia—a serious issue that sometimes happens with laser surgeries on thin corneas. ICL works with your eye’s natural structure instead of changing it.
ICL eye surgery costs vary based on what you need. At Precision Vision London, you’ll pay a £300 consultation fee, then £3,650 per eye for basic lens treatments (distance correction without astigmatism). Specialist lenses that fix astigmatism cost between £4,050 and £4,500 per eye depending on your condition.
While ICL costs more than some laser procedures, patients often get better visual results, particularly those with thin corneas or strong prescriptions. Most patients see better right after surgery, and their vision fully stabilises within a week.
Top Benefits of ICL for Thin Corneas
Patients with thin corneas can find many advantages by choosing ICL eye surgery over traditional correction methods. The benefits of preserving eye structure and getting better visual quality make ICL an excellent choice for people who can’t get laser procedures.
Also Read: 9 Reasons Why Implantable Contact Lenses Beat Traditional Eyewear
No corneal tissue removal
ICL surgery stands out because it keeps your cornea’s natural structure intact. Your surgeon won’t remove any corneal tissue, unlike LASIK or PRK procedures. This makes it perfect for people with thin corneas. The cornea stays strong and healthy, which eliminates the risk of corneal ectasia—a serious complication that sometimes happens with laser surgeries. Your cornea won’t get thinner, so it remains stable for years to come.
Reversible and adjustable
ICL surgery gives you a unique advantage – it’s reversible. Your surgeon can remove or replace the implanted lenses if your prescription changes substantially over time. You’ll have peace of mind knowing these changes aren’t permanent. This flexibility makes ICL especially attractive to younger patients who might see vision changes throughout their life.
UV protection and biocompatibility
ICL lenses use Collamer material that comes with built-in UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. This extra protection helps maintain your eye health by reducing exposure to damaging sun radiation. The lenses work well with your body because they’re made from collagen—a natural protein in your system. This reduces the chance of any bad reactions.
Better night vision and less dryness
Patients often see better at night after ICL surgery compared to laser procedures. The lens design helps you see contrast and depth clearly, which means fewer problems with glare and halos that other surgeries might cause. The surgery doesn’t affect tear production or corneal nerves, so you’re less likely to get dry eyes. This helps people who already deal with dry eye problems.
Quick recovery and minimal discomfort
You’ll recover quickly from ICL surgery. Most people notice better vision within hours. The procedure takes just 20-30 minutes for each eye under local anaesthesia. You can get back to your normal routine within 24-48 hours. Some temporary side effects like blurry vision or light sensitivity might occur, but they usually go away fast.
Who is a Good Candidate for ICL Surgery?
Let’s look at what makes someone a great candidate for ICL surgery. Several eligibility factors help determine if this advanced procedure suits you best.
Age and prescription requirements
Patients who get ICL surgery approval are usually between 21 and 45 years of age. Some clinics accept patients up to 60 years old, though most people who choose this procedure are under 50. Your prescription needs to stay stable for at least a year before we can think about the procedure.
This surgery helps with many vision problems including:
- Nearsightedness (myopia) from -3.0D to as high as -18.0D
- Farsightedness (hyperopia) up to +10.0D
- Astigmatism between 1.0D and 4.5D
Eye health and stability
Your eye’s anatomy plays a crucial role in successful ICL implantation. Your ophthalmologist measures your anterior chamber depth (the space between your cornea and natural lens) to make sure there’s enough room for the ICL lens. This measurement should reach at least 2.8mm for myopic eyes and 3.0mm for hyperopic eyes.
Good overall eye health becomes essential too. You should not have conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, or recurrent inflammation. Your surgeon checks your corneal endothelial cell count to confirm you have enough healthy cells.
When ICL is better than LASIK or PRK
ICL surgery works best when:
- Your corneas don’t have enough thickness for laser procedures
- You have dry eye syndrome
- Your prescription sits beyond what LASIK can treat[183]
- You want a reversible vision correction option
Not eligible for LASIK due to thin corneas? Find out how ICL surgery can help you achieve clear vision—book your expert consultation at Precision Vision London today.
Who should avoid ICL surgery
ICL might not work for everyone. You might need to look at other options if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding[173]
- Have chronic diseases that cause hormone fluctuations
- Take medications linked to vision changes
- Have corneal conditions like keratoconus (unless stable and treated)
- Have chronic dry eye or existing cataracts
Precision Vision London charges a £300 consultation fee at the start. Simple lens treatments without astigmatism cost £3,650 per eye, while specialist lenses range from £4,050 to £4,500 based on your needs. You’ll need to pay a £1,250 deposit per eye when booking your treatment. We provide a detailed aftercare programme right after surgery and recommend yearly check-ups moving forward.
ICL Eye Surgery Cost and What to Expect
The cost of vision correction is a vital consideration to learn about ICL surgery as an option for thin corneas. Here’s what you should know about the costs and benefits.
Average cost of ICL surgery
ICL surgery typically ranges from £3,000 to £4,500 per eye in the UK. High-reliability sources show the average cost sits at approximately £3,177 per eye, but prices vary substantially.
Your final cost depends on these factors:
- Geographic location
- Surgeon’s expertise
- Type of lens required
- Clinic’s reputation
- Additional technologies used
What’s included in the price
Reputable clinics offer detailed packages that protect you from surprise charges. These packages typically include:
The original consultation ( £150-£300), the surgical procedure itself, specialised ICL lenses, and post-operative aftercare. Clinics like Precision Vision London make it clear they provide “single price packages, so you know exactly what you’re paying without any hidden extras”. You’ll need annual check-ups after the recovery period.
Is it worth the investment?
The average contact lens wearer saves about £13,200 over their lifetime by choosing ICL. This includes ongoing expenses for lenses, solutions, and regular check-ups. Patient satisfaction rates are impressive. The global satisfaction rate shows 99.4% of EVO ICL patients would choose the procedure again. A specialist puts it well: “Implantable Contact Lenses are an investment in your future”.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on ICL Surgery for Thin Corneas
This piece explains why ICL surgery is an outstanding solution for people with thin corneas. ICL preserves your corneal integrity and delivers excellent visual results, unlike traditional laser procedures. Many patients who heard they weren’t candidates for vision correction now have a safe, viable option.
The advantages go well beyond helping people with thin corneas. ICL gives you remarkable benefits like UV protection, better night vision, and fewer dry eye symptoms. The best part? You can reverse it if your vision changes down the road. These benefits explain why more than 99% of patients are happy with their results.
ICL surgery costs more upfront than some laser procedures. Simple treatments start at £3,650 per eye and go up to £4,500 for specialist keratoconus lenses. Many patients find this cost worth it because they save money on contacts or glasses in the long run. You’ll need a detailed £300 consultation first to check if you’re a good candidate and determine your lens needs.
Your recovery happens fast. Most patients see better within hours and get back to their normal routine in just 1-2 days. After your original aftercare programme ends, yearly check-ups help ensure lasting success.
ICL surgery isn’t just another option for people who couldn’t get LASIK due to thin corneas – it’s a superior solution that lasts. Your trip to clear, natural vision starts with an expert consultation to talk about what you need.
FAQs
Q1. What makes ICL surgery suitable for people with thin corneas? ICL surgery doesn’t remove any corneal tissue, making it ideal for those with thin corneas. Unlike LASIK, ICL preserves the cornea’s natural structure, eliminating the risk of complications like corneal ectasia.
Q2. How long does it take to recover from ICL surgery? Recovery from ICL surgery is typically quick. Most patients experience improved vision within hours of the procedure and can return to normal activities within 24-48 hours. Full vision stabilisation usually occurs within a week.
Q3. Is ICL surgery reversible? Yes, ICL surgery is reversible. If your prescription changes significantly in the future, the implanted lenses can be removed or replaced. This flexibility is particularly appealing for younger patients who might experience vision changes over time.
Q4. What is the age range for ICL surgery candidates? ICL surgery is typically approved for patients between 21 and 45 years of age, though some clinics extend this range up to 60 years. Most recipients are under 50, and your prescription should remain stable for at least one year before considering the procedure.
Q5. How much does ICL surgery cost in the UK? ICL surgery costs in the UK typically range from £3,000 to £4,500 per eye. The exact price depends on factors such as geographic location, surgeon’s expertise, type of lens required, and clinic reputation. Many clinics offer financing options to help manage the cost.
