"I was told I couldn't have laser surgery because of my high prescription. ICL lenses gave me perfect vision without any compromise."
Sophia Martinez
ICL Surgery
ICL Surgery
Perfect Vision. No Laser Required.
Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) are placed inside your eye to correct vision — without removing any corneal tissue. It's reversible, precise, and ideal for high prescriptions.
Do Any of These Sound Familiar?
You've been told you're not suitable for laser eye surgery
You want a reversible vision correction option
Your prescription is very high (-6.00 or above)
You have thin corneas that rule out LASIK
Your Journey
Your Journey to Natural-Feeling Vision
Free Consultation
Your consultant assesses your suitability and explains how ICLs work for your specific prescription.
Detailed Measurements
Precise imaging determines the correct ICL size and power for each eye.
Surgery Day
A small, painless incision allows the folded lens to be placed behind your iris. Takes about 20 minutes per eye.
Immediate Results
Most patients notice dramatically improved vision the same day.
Ongoing Care
Regular check-ups ensure the lens remains perfectly positioned. The ICL can be removed or exchanged if ever needed.
How ICL Surgery Works
An Implantable Contact Lens is a thin, biocompatible lens placed between your iris and natural lens. It works with your eye's natural optics to deliver crisp, high-definition vision.
Unlike laser surgery, no corneal tissue is removed — making ICLs fully reversible. They're also invisible from the outside and require no daily maintenance, unlike traditional contact lenses.
Preparing for Your Treatment
Contact Lens Removal Requirements
Soft contact lenses: Remove at least 3 days before your consultation and pre-operative assessment
Toric soft lenses: Remove at least 7 days before your appointment
Hard / gas-permeable lenses: Remove at least 3 weeks before your consultation for accurate corneal measurements
On the day: Bring your glasses, a list of any medications, and arrange transport home as your pupils will be dilated
Am I Suitable?
ICL surgery is particularly well-suited for patients with higher prescriptions who may not be candidates for laser treatment:
High myopia (typically -6.00 or above) or moderate hyperopia
Thin corneas that may not be suitable for laser correction
Aged 21-45 with a stable prescription
Wanting a reversible procedure that preserves the natural cornea
Your consultant will confirm your suitability at your free consultation based on a thorough assessment of your eyes.
Understanding the Risks
ICL surgery has been performed worldwide for over 25 years with an excellent safety profile. The procedure is fully reversible — the lens can be removed if needed. Risks to be aware of include:
- Temporary increased eye pressure — monitored carefully in the hours and days after surgery
- Glare or halos at night — typically mild and often settle within weeks
- Extremely rare: cataract formation — the ICL can be removed and replaced with a standard lens implant
- Detailed biometric measurements ensure the correct lens size for your eye, minimising complications
Common Questions About ICL Surgery
What exactly is an ICL?
An Implantable Collamer Lens is a thin, biocompatible lens placed behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. It works with your eye's natural optics to correct vision without altering the cornea.
Is the procedure reversible?
Yes — this is a key advantage of ICL surgery. The lens can be removed or exchanged if your needs change, making it one of the most flexible vision correction options available.
Can I feel the lens once it's implanted?
No. The ICL is placed behind the iris where you cannot see or feel it. Patients are not aware of its presence after the initial healing period.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes per eye. It's performed under local anaesthetic, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.
How long do ICLs last?
ICLs are designed to be permanent and do not degrade over time. They can remain in place indefinitely, though they can be removed if ever needed.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
| Activity | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving | 2–3 days | |
| Screen work | 1–2 days | |
| Light exercise | 1 week | |
| Swimming | 4 weeks | |
| Eye makeup | 1 week | |
| Contact sports | 4 weeks | |
| Face washing | 48 hours (carefully) | |
| Air travel | 1 week |
Your Recovery Journey
Day 1
Immediate Clarity
Many ICL patients experience significantly sharper vision almost immediately. Your eyes may feel slightly sensitive to light — wear the sunglasses provided.
Week 1
Rapid Settling
The implanted lens sits naturally behind your iris. Vision quality improves daily. Attend your follow-up check where we'll measure your eye pressure and lens position.
Month 1
Fully Integrated
Your ICL is permanently positioned and invisible to the naked eye. You can resume all activities including swimming and contact sports.
Month 3
Complete Results
Final assessment confirms your stable vision. The ICL is designed to last indefinitely and is fully reversible if your needs ever change.
Investment
ICL Surgery
From £2,795 per eye
0% finance available. A reversible investment in perfect vision.
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CQC Outstanding
Bupa Approved
AXA Recognised
0% Finance
99.4% Satisfaction
Ready for Crystal-Clear Vision?
Book a free consultation and find out if ICL surgery is right for you.
Book a Consultation