ICL: Implantable Collamer Lens for Vision Correction
An ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a thin, flexible lens placed inside the eye, in front of your natural lens and behind the iris. It corrects your prescription without removing corneal tissue.
ICL may be considered for higher prescriptions, or when laser vision correction is not suitable, for example because the cornea is too thin. If the cornea is irregular, suitability depends on the cause of the irregularity, whether the condition is stable, and the eye's measurements. The ICL corrects the prescription; it does not treat the corneal condition itself.
The lens can be removed or exchanged if needed, but this does not make the surgery risk-free or fully reversible.
Who it's for
- Adults, usually aged 21 or over, whose prescription has been stable. The suitable age and prescription range depend on the type of lens and on your medical assessment.
- Short-sightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism, within the range the chosen lens is designed to correct.
- People for whom LASIK or PRK is not suitable, for example because of corneal thickness or dry eye. An irregular cornea is assessed individually, as explained above.
- Eyes with enough space inside the front of the eye (anterior chamber depth) and a healthy cornea and endothelial cell count, confirmed by measurements.
- It is not suitable with some conditions, such as cataract, uncontrolled glaucoma or recurrent eye inflammation.
How it works
- Assessment: detailed measurements of the eye, including the front chamber, corneal cells and the eye's internal dimensions, to choose the correct lens power and size. The lens is usually ordered for your eye.
- Surgery: the eye is numbed, and the lens is folded and inserted through a small opening, then positioned behind the iris. Whether the two eyes are treated on the same day or on separate days is decided by your surgeon.
- Checks: eye pressure is checked after surgery, and follow-up visits confirm the lens position and the health of the eye.
Recovery
- Vision often improves within the first day or few days, although some blur and light sensitivity are common at first.
- Use your eye drops, such as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, as instructed by your surgeon.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming and heavy exercise for the period your doctor advises.
- Possible risks include raised eye pressure, inflammation, infection, early cataract formation and glare or halos. Some of these may need further treatment, including lens repositioning, exchange or removal. Removing the lens is a further operation and does not undo every effect of the first one.
- Regular long-term check-ups are recommended so that the eye pressure, the natural lens and the corneal cells can be monitored.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ICL permanent?
It is designed to stay in the eye long term and can be removed or exchanged if needed. However, removal is a further operation with its own risks, so the ICL should not be thought of as fully reversible. Ongoing check-ups are part of the treatment.
Can I feel the lens inside my eye?
No. The lens sits inside the eye, behind the iris, so you should not feel it in daily life.
Why is ICL suggested instead of LASIK for some people?
Laser removes a small amount of corneal tissue. If the cornea is thin or the prescription is high, an ICL may be a more suitable option. If the cornea is irregular, the decision depends on the cause and stability of the irregularity and on the eye's measurements, and the ICL does not treat the corneal condition itself. Your doctor will explain which option fits your measurements.
Will I still need reading glasses later?
An ICL does not stop natural ageing of the eye's own lens, so reading glasses are usually needed from the mid-40s onwards.
Your care team
- Surgery: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah
- Assessment and follow-up: Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah, with our specialist medical team
Book an appointment
To book an ICL assessment, message us on WhatsApp at +965 2220 4200 or call 22204200. Our team will find a suitable time and explain what the visit involves. The consultation fee is explained when you book. The costs of any tests or procedures are explained to you before they are carried out.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and results differ from person to person and will be discussed with you by your doctor.