What is ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)?
ICL Treatment is a method used to correct eye defects such as high myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. It is the process of placing a specially designed lens in front of the natural lens of the eye. This treatment is ideal for patients who are not suitable for laser surgery or who are looking for a more permanent solution.
Who is Intraocular Lens Applied to?
Intraocular lenses are especially applied to patients with high degree of myopia or hyperopia and are not suitable for laser treatments. It is also preferred for people whose eye structure is not suitable for laser surgery or who are looking for a permanent solution. Individuals aged 18-45, whose prescription has remained stable for one year are the most suitable candidates.
People whose corneal thickness is not suitable for laser treatment, but who can be corrected with intraocular lenses can also apply for this treatment. Intraocular lenses can be applied to people who do not have any chronic eye health conditions and have normal intraocular pressure. This treatment is recommended for people who do not want to use glasses or contact lenses and whose eye health is suitable for this treatment.
What is the Lifespan of Intraocular Lens?
Intraocular lenses are generally long-lasting and can be used for a lifetime under the right conditions. The design and material of these lenses are suitable for long-term wear. However, since the eye structure and health status of each individual is different, the life of the lens may vary from person to person.
After the implantation of the lenses in the eye, the condition of the lens and eye health are kept under control with regular eye examinations. Over time, changes in the eye structure or possible complications may require replacement of the lens. However, in most cases, intraocular lenses can remain in the eye for the rest of the patient's life.
Intraocular lens surgery is a procedure that usually takes about 15-20 minutes per eye and is performed by applying anaesthetic eye drops to the patient's eye. Firstly, your doctor takes measurements of your eye and determines the appropriate lens for you. On the day of surgery, your eye will be anaesthetised with drops and your eye will be disinfected. The surgeon makes a very small incision in the upper layer of the eye and inserts a specially designed intraocular lens through this incision.
The lens is placed in front of the natural lens of the eye and fixed in a central position. The incision is designed to heal on its own after lens insertion and usually does not require stitches. After the surgery, the patient may experience mild discomfort or blurriness in the eye, but this is temporary and should resolve within a few days. Patients can usually return home a few hours after surgery. After intraocular lens surgery, your doctor may recommend that you use eye drops for a certain period of time. These drops help reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process. Patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after surgery, but it is recommended to avoid heavy physical activities and environments that will strain their eyes.
It is generally necessary to be at least 18 years old for this treatment. This age limit is set to ensure that the eye and the visual defect are stable. Ophthalmologists assess whether the prescription is stable in individuals under this age and usually decide that if the prescription has not changed for one year, the patient is suitable for surgery.
Eye health and general health status are also taken into consideration. Especially, if intraocular lens surgery is to be performed at an advanced age, factors such as cataract development are also taken into consideration. As with laser treatment, the upper age limit for ICL is 45.
Risks and Possible Side Effects
Phakic lens (ICL) surgery is carried out without touching the eye's natural lens and is a reliable option for high prescriptions. The risks are unlikely; detailed measurements and regular check-ups reduce them further, and most conditions that could arise are treatable.
- Infection: very rare; it is prevented with the drops prescribed after surgery and simple hygiene measures.
- A rise in eye pressure: mostly temporary and in the first days, controlled with drops; the lens size is planned in advance from your measurements.
- Cataract: uncommon and may develop over the years; if it does, the phakic lens is removed and the cataract treated with standard cataract surgery.
- Loss of corneal endothelial cells: a slow process; it is monitored with an endothelial cell count at yearly check-ups, and the lens can be removed if needed.
- Halos and glare at night: may occur in the first weeks and usually fade over time.
How Much Is ICL Price?
ICL intraocular lens prices vary depending on the underlying cause. The treatment plan that our specialist ophthalmologist will create depending on the lens after a detailed examination may vary from person to person.
Read our article with the list of intraocular lens surgery 2026 prices.
Which ICL Lens Is Selected?
The lens type follows your prescription. Your surgeon confirms it after a detailed examination:
- A minus (-) prescription is corrected with the myopia ICL.
- A plus (+) prescription is corrected with the hypermetropia ICL.
- Astigmatism requires the toric ICL, whether your prescription is minus or plus.
We implant the EVO Visian ICL made by STAAR Surgical.
What Else to Know
ICL is reversible: no corneal tissue is removed and the lens can be taken out or replaced later if your eyes change. It is generally offered up to around the age of 45, after which a lens exchange is usually the better route. Vision is typically sharp and recovery is fast.