Worried about ICL eye surgery safety? A quick 20 to 30-minute procedure could free you from glasses or contact lenses permanently. ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) works by placing a special lens inside your eye that corrects vision problems like near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
ICL eye surgery stands out especially when you have its impressive safety record and effectiveness. Research shows it’s generally safe, and patients typically achieve 20/20 vision or better. The procedure’s success speaks through numbers – over 95% of patients are happy with their results. The side effects are nowhere near common, and your vision could improve right after the procedure. The procedure has another advantage over laser eye surgery – it’s less likely to cause dry eyes.
This piece will answer your key questions about ICL eye surgery safety, common concerns, ways to reduce risks, and costs. You’ll learn about expert insights that will guide your decision if this procedure suits your needs.
Is ICL Eye Surgery Safe?
ICL eye surgery boasts one of the best safety records in vision correction. Studies show these procedures have an outstanding safety profile and success rate—approximately 95% of patients report satisfaction with their outcomes.
What makes ICL a low-risk procedure
Clinical studies prove ICL surgery delivers excellent results in safety, effectiveness, predictability, and stability. A complete meta-analysis shows a safety index of 1.15. Only 0.2% of eyes lost two or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), while 95.5% of patients kept or gained CDVA lines. A two-year study revealed zero eyes lost two or more lines of vision.
The eye’s natural structures work well with ICL lenses’ collamer material, which reduces rejection risk. Unlike laser procedures that remove corneal tissue forever, doctors can remove or replace ICL lenses when needed. You might still have questions about ICL surgery safety. Our trusted London eye specialists are here to give you peace of mind before you decide.
How modern techniques reduce complications
The EVO/EVO+ models approved by the FDA in 2022 have made ICL technology much safer. These newer lenses feature a central hole design that removes the need for iridotomy (creating holes in the iris).
This central hole lets aqueous humour flow naturally, which cuts down these risks:
- Cataracts (now rare with modern lenses)
- High intraocular pressure (happens in just 0.04% of cases)
- Corneal endothelial cell loss (only 2.3% at 6 months after surgery)
Long-term research backs up these safety improvements. An 11-year look-back study found just 2 out of 3,105 eyes developed glaucoma after ICL surgery. Another 10-year study showed no major increase in intraocular pressure or pupillary block.
Like any surgery, some risks exist, but they’re small. These include infection, lens positioning issues, and temporary vision problems like glare or halos. You can lower these already minimal risks by choosing an experienced surgeon and following proper care instructions before and after surgery.
What Are the Most Common Concerns About ICL?
ICL has an excellent safety record, but you might have some specific concerns. Let’s look at the common worries that can help you decide if this procedure is right for you.
Will I feel pain during or after surgery?
The surgery causes minimal discomfort because anaesthetic eye drops numb your eyes completely. You might feel slight pressure or movement during the procedure, but actual pain rarely occurs. You may experience mild discomfort or a scratchy feeling that usually goes away within a few days. Regular over-the-counter pain relievers work well to manage any post-operative discomfort.
Can the lens move or cause vision issues?
The lens rarely moves out of place, though it can happen after a head injury. A displaced ICL can cause sudden blurry vision, double vision, or make you see shadows. Research shows that patients typically get good visual results without major complications if ICL repositioning happens within a week of dislocation.
What if I develop cataracts later?
Getting cataracts after ICL surgery doesn’t happen often—approximately 1.96% over 5 years of follow-up. Your risk goes up if you’re over 40, have high myopia, shallow anterior chamber depth, or are male. Standard cataract surgery works well in these cases. The surgeon removes both the ICL and cloudy natural lens before putting in a new intraocular lens.
Is there a risk of glaucoma or pressure buildup?
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) makes up about 10.8% of complications after ICL. Steroid response causes 64% of these cases, along with retained viscoelastic material and pupillary block. Regular check-ups after surgery help catch pressure issues early so your doctor can treat them quickly.
Our trusted London eye specialists are ready to answer any questions you have about ICL surgery safety. Talk to them directly to get peace of mind before you decide.
How Can You Reduce the Risks of ICL Surgery?
Your ICL eye surgery outcome will be better when you take preventive steps before and after the procedure. Complications rarely happen, but these strategies will give you the best results for your vision correction experience.
Choosing an experienced surgeon
The most crucial decision you’ll make is picking a qualified surgeon. Look for ophthalmologists with specialised fellowship training in cornea and refractive surgery who have completed hundreds of ICL procedures. Surgeons with extensive experience show lower rates of cataract formation after surgery. They also achieve better lens sizing through detailed measurements. You should read patient testimonials and ask about their ICL procedure success rates.
Following pre- and post-op instructions
You need to temporarily stop wearing contact lenses before surgery. The timing varies: 2-7 days for soft lenses, 5-7 days for soft-toric lenses, and at least three weeks for hard lenses. Your GP should approve stopping blood-thinning medications five days before surgery.
Your surgeon’s guidelines after surgery must be followed carefully. This includes:
- Using prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Wearing an eye shield while sleeping for 1-2 weeks
- Avoiding eye rubbing or makeup application for two weeks
- Staying away from swimming and exercise for the first two weeks
- Using UV-protection sunglasses outdoors, especially during the first week
Attending all follow-up appointments
Your surgeon will need to see you at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Annual check-ups become necessary after that. These visits help your surgeon review healing progress, check intraocular pressure, and confirm lens positioning. Our trusted London eye specialists are ready to answer any questions about ICL surgery safety. Talk to them directly to feel confident about your decision.
Monitoring for early signs of complications
Call your surgeon right away if you notice:
- Eye pain, swelling, or redness
- Vision changes or deterioration
- Discharge or stickiness around the eye
- Flashing lights or floating spots (possible retinal detachment signs)
- Headaches, nausea, or vomiting (might indicate high eye pressure)
Quick detection and treatment of complications can save your vision from permanent damage.
How Much Does ICL Eye Surgery Cost and Is It Worth It?
The financial side of ICL eye surgery deserves as much attention as its safety aspects. UK clinics charge different amounts by a lot, so you need to research well before deciding.
Average cost of ICL in the UK
ICL surgery in the UK costs between £3,000 to £4,500 per eye. The price changes based on where you live, your surgeon’s experience, and the technology they use. Studies show the average cost is about £3,177 per eye.
What’s included in the price at Precision Vision London
Precision Vision London’s pricing structure depends on your vision needs:
- Consultation Fee: £300 (non-refundable)
- Simple Lens: £3,650 per eye (distance correction without astigmatism)
- Myopic Specialist Lens: £4,050 per eye (for short-sightedness with astigmatism)
- Hyperopic Specialist Lens: £4,300 per eye (for long-sightedness with astigmatism)
- Specialist Keratoconus ICL Lens: £4,500 per eye
You’ll need to pay a £1,250 deposit per eye to book your treatment. The package has detailed aftercare, and yearly check-ups are recommended after discharge.
Comparing long-term value vs glasses or contacts
ICL is a one-time investment unlike other vision correction methods. Yes, it is true that people who wear contact lenses could save about £13,200 over their lifetime by choosing ICL surgery. This number includes the money spent on lenses, solutions, cases, and regular check-ups.
Conclusion
Our deep dive into ICL eye surgery reveals impressive safety stats and great results. Modern ICL technology has cut down complication rates by a lot. Over 95% of patients get the results they want. You’re right to think about pain, lens movement, and possible complications. The clinical data shows these risks stay low with good care.
Your safety depends on several things you can control. Picking a surgeon with tonnes of experience is your most vital decision. Following pre- and post-surgery instructions by the letter cuts down risks. Regular checkups help catch any problems early before they turn serious.
Money matters when you make your choice. At Precision Vision London, you’ll pay £3,650 per eye for basic lenses. Specialist keratoconus ICL lenses cost £4,500 per eye. You’ll find other options between these prices based on what your eyes need. The upfront cost might seem high, but this is a big deal as it means that the long-term value beats spending on glasses or contacts. Many patients save thousands over their lifetime.
Take time to weigh these factors against your needs and situation. A qualified eye doctor can give you tailored advice based on your specific case. Good research and expert guidance will help you decide if this vision-changing surgery is right for you. It might just free you from glasses and contacts for years to come.
FAQs
Q1. How long is the recovery period after ICL eye surgery? Most patients can resume normal activities the day after surgery. However, complete recovery and vision stabilisation typically occur within the first week. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions, including the use of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to aid healing.
Q2. What makes ICL eye surgery a safe procedure? ICL surgery has a high safety profile, with over 95% of patients reporting satisfaction with their results. Modern techniques, such as the central hole design in newer lenses, have significantly reduced complications. The procedure is also reversible, and the biocompatible lens material minimises rejection risks.
Q3. Are there any age restrictions for ICL surgery? Generally, ICL surgery is recommended for individuals between 21 and 45 years old. It may not be suitable for those younger than 21 or older than 45, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. A consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist can determine if you’re an appropriate candidate.
Q4. What precautions should I take after ICL surgery? Post-surgery care includes using prescribed eye drops, wearing an eye shield while sleeping for 1-2 weeks, avoiding eye rubbing and makeup application for two weeks, and refraining from swimming and exercise for the initial two weeks. It’s also important to wear UV-protection sunglasses outdoors, especially during the first week.
Q5. How much does ICL eye surgery cost in the UK? The cost of ICL surgery in the UK typically ranges from £3,000 to £4,500 per eye. At Precision Vision London, prices start from £3,650 per eye for simple lenses, increasing to £4,500 per eye for specialist keratoconus ICL lenses. While it’s a significant initial investment, many patients find it offers long-term value compared to ongoing costs of glasses or contact lenses.
