Other eye treatments

Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs)

Implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) or phakic intraocular lens insertion, is a surgical procedure for correcting refractive error. Unlike laser refractive surgery, which reshapes the cornea, a synthetic lens is placed inside the eye, whilst leaving the natural lens intact. This is different to cataract surgery, where the natural lens is removed and replaced by a prosthetic implant. This procedure can correct a wide range of refractive errors including severe nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and offers a permanent solution for those seeking long-term vision improvement.

At Eagle Eye Surgeons we use the EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (STAAR Surgical).

02 7228 3900

EVO ICL Candidates are

  • Between 21 and 60 years old, generally under 45 years of age.
  • Nearsighted with mild to severe myopia (-0.5D to -20D).
  • Farsighted with mild to severe hyperopia (+0.5D to +10D).
  • Have astigmatism (0.5D to 6D). In this setting, select patients can be fitted with a toric EVO ICL option.
  • Have a stable prescription (no change of more than 0.5D over a year).
  • Looking for a procedure that doesn’t exacerbate dry eye syndrome.
  • May be a good option for people who are not candidates for laser vision correction (e.g. thin corneas, risk of ectasia).

You can learn more about ICLs in our ‘CUSTOM VISION CORRECTION’ booklet.

Frequently asked questions about Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs)

Your doctor will see you 1-2 hours after the surgery, at day one, one week, one month and three months after surgery.

ADVANTAGES

  • Corrects high myopia and hyperopia that laser refractive surgery cannot treat
  • Quick and minimally invasive
  • Sharp and clear vision
  • Does not induce dry eye

LIMITATIONS

  • Night vision can be impacted with peripheral and/or central haloes as well as starbursts
  • Does not reduce or eliminate the need for future cataract surgery
  • For patients with symptoms of presbyopia, near vision glasses are needed for precise activities

One of the benefits of this procedure is that it is reversible. If your prescription changes or if new technology becomes available in the future, the lens can be easily removed or replaced without any harm to the eye.

While phakic ICL surgery is generally safe and well-tolerated, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications. It is important to be aware of these risks before undergoing the surgery.

Some potential risks and complications include:

  • Infection: Although extremely rare, there is a small risk of developing an infection after phakic ICL surgery. We will prescribe antibiotic eye drops to minimize this risk, and it is crucial to use them as directed.
  • Raised intraocular pressure
  • Over or undercorrection
  • Loss of best corrected vision
  • Second operation (removal of lens, repositioning of lens)
  • Inflammation
  • Glaucoma: In some cases, phakic ICL surgery can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the eye. Regular follow-up appointments can help monitor and manage this risk.
  • Cataract: While phakic ICL surgery preserves the natural lens, there is a small (<1%) chance of developing early cataract as a result of the surgery.
  • Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss: Phakic ICL surgery may cause a slight loss of corneal endothelial cells, which are responsible for maintaining the clarity of the cornea. In most cases, this loss is minimal and does not cause any significant visual impairment.
  • Halos and Glare: Some patients may experience central or peripheral halos or glare around lights, especially at night, after phakic ICL surgery. These visual disturbances usually improve over time as the eyes adjust.

Generally no. For phakic ICL surgery we usually treat each eye 1-2 weeks apart. Alternatively a contact lens can be worn in the non-operated eye, and the second ICL can be deferred for an indefinite period.