Lens Replacement (ICL)
Implantable Collamer Lens for patients who are not suitable for LASIK.
ICL — Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery in Turkey
The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), manufactured by STAAR Surgical, is a premium phakic intraocular lens designed for patients who are not ideal candidates for laser eye surgery. The EVO Visian ICL is implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, correcting myopia up to -18 dioptres and astigmatism up to -6 dioptres without altering or removing any corneal tissue. Turkey's leading hospitals—Memorial, Acıbadem, and American Hospital—are certified ICL centres of excellence.
How ICL Surgery Works
The procedure is performed under topical anaesthesia through a micro-incision of approximately 2.8 mm. The soft, foldable Collamer lens is injected into the posterior chamber of the eye, where it gently unfolds and positions itself between the iris and the natural lens. The biocompatible Collamer material contains collagen, providing UV protection and exceptional optical clarity. Surgery takes approximately 20-30 minutes for both eyes.
Ideal Candidates
ICL is particularly suited for patients aged 21-45 with high myopia or thin corneas that preclude LASIK or SMILE. It is also an excellent option for patients with dry eye, as the procedure does not disrupt corneal nerves. Adequate anterior chamber depth (greater than 2.8 mm) and appropriate endothelial cell count are prerequisites confirmed during pre-operative assessment.
Reversibility and Long-Term Safety
A major advantage of ICL is its reversibility. Unlike laser procedures that permanently reshape the cornea, the ICL can be removed or exchanged if visual needs change in the future. Over two million ICLs have been implanted worldwide with an excellent long-term safety profile. The latest EVO model features a central port (KS-AquaPORT) that eliminates the need for peripheral iridotomies.
Exceptional Visual Quality
ICL patients frequently report sharper, higher-definition vision compared to glasses or contact lenses, thanks to the lens's position close to the eye's optical centre and the superior optical quality of Collamer material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ICL surgery reversible?
Yes, this is one of the key advantages of ICL. The lens can be safely removed or exchanged at any point in the future if your vision changes or if you require cataract surgery later in life. The procedure to remove an ICL takes just a few minutes.
Can I feel the ICL in my eye?
No. The ICL is positioned behind the iris and is completely invisible and imperceptible. You will not feel the lens, and it cannot be seen by others. It requires no maintenance and does not need to be removed or cleaned like contact lenses.
How does ICL compare to LASIK for high prescriptions?
For prescriptions above -8 dioptres, ICL generally provides superior visual quality compared to LASIK because it avoids removing large amounts of corneal tissue. ICL also preserves the cornea's natural shape, resulting in fewer higher-order aberrations and better contrast sensitivity.
Treatment Overview
Duration
20-30 minutes
Recovery Time
1-3 days
Price Range
£2,000 - £3,500 both eyes
Benefits
- Corrects high myopia up to -18 dioptres — beyond the range of laser surgery
- Fully reversible — the lens can be removed or exchanged at any time
- No corneal tissue is removed or altered, preserving natural corneal structure
- Biocompatible Collamer material with built-in UV protection
- Significantly less dry eye compared to LASIK as corneal nerves are undisturbed
- Over 2 million lenses implanted worldwide with proven long-term safety
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