# ICL - Implantable Collamer Lens

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/icl-implantable-collamer-lens

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-14

> **Summary:** The ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a specially designed lens placed in front of the eye's natural lens, which is left in place. It corrects high myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism in people aged 18-45 whose eyes are not suitable for laser, and it is reversible because no corneal tissue is removed.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation duration:** about 15-20 minutes per eye
- **Anaesthesia:** topical eye drops, usually no stitches
- **Discharge:** home a few hours after surgery; first check-up the next day
- **Recovery:** back to desk work and daily life within a few days
- **Age range:** 18 to 45, prescription stable for at least a year
- **Price:** from £1,950 per eye

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## What It Is
A lens placed in front of the natural lens and fixed centrally, through a very small self-sealing incision. It suits patients unsuitable for laser (for example due to corneal thickness) or seeking a permanent solution. Kudret Eye implants the EVO Visian ICL by STAAR Surgical. Vision is typically sharp and recovery fast.

## Who It Suits
- High myopia or hyperopia, with or without astigmatism, not suitable for laser.
- Aged 18-45 with a prescription stable for one year (at least 18 so the eye and prescription are stable).
- No chronic eye conditions and normal intraocular pressure.
- As with laser, the upper age limit is 45; after 45 a lens exchange is usually the better route as near vision declines. At older ages cataract development is also considered.

**Lens selection by prescription:**
- Minus prescription: myopia ICL.
- Plus prescription: hypermetropia ICL.
- Astigmatism (minus or plus): toric ICL.

## Lifespan and Reversibility
ICLs are long-lasting and can usually stay for life, but changes in the eye or complications may require replacement. The lens can be taken out or replaced later; regular eye examinations monitor it.

## Prices
Prices depend on the underlying cause and the lens, set after examination. All packages include accommodation (7 nights), three meals a day, round-trip airport transfers, doctor consultation and eye examination, all advanced eye tests, ICL surgery, post-surgery check-ups, eye drops and medication, and payment on site.

| Procedure | Price (Per Eye) | Method | Note |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| EVO Visian ICL (most chosen) | £1,950 | Myopia, STAAR Surgical | |
| EVO Visian ICL | £2,150 | Hypermetropia, STAAR Surgical | |
| EVO Visian Toric ICL | from £2,600 | Astigmatism (minus or plus), STAAR Surgical | With hypermetropia: 3,000 £ |

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
- **Infection:** very rare; prevented with prescribed drops and hygiene.
- **Rise in eye pressure:** mostly temporary in the first days, controlled with drops; lens size is planned from measurements.
- **Cataract:** uncommon, may develop over years; the ICL is removed and standard cataract surgery done.
- **Loss of corneal endothelial cells:** slow; monitored with yearly endothelial cell counts; the lens can be removed if needed.
- **Halos and glare at night:** first weeks, usually fade.

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## The Treatment Journey

### Before Treatment
- Eye measurements determine the appropriate lens.

### During Treatment
- Eye anaesthetised with drops and disinfected; small incision, lens inserted in front of the natural lens and centred.

### After Treatment
- Mild stinging, discomfort or blurring in the first hours, usually resolving within a few days.
- Eye drops for a period to reduce infection risk and speed healing.
- Avoid heavy physical activity and eye strain; for strenuous exercise, pools and the sea wait for the period the surgeon gives.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Is ICL surgery painful?**
A: No. It is done under anaesthetic drops; mild stinging or blurring afterwards usually settles within a few days.

**Q: Can an ICL be removed?**
A: Yes. No corneal tissue is removed, so the lens can be taken out or replaced if the eyes change.

**Q: Is there an age limit?**
A: Generally 18 to 45 with a prescription unchanged for at least a year; after 45 a lens exchange is often better.

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## References
- Phakic Intraocular Lenses, EyeWiki
- What are phakic lenses?, FDA
- Laser eye surgery and lens surgery, NHS