ICL
- UK-trained specialist with international fellowship experience
- Prize-winning internationally recognised consultant ophthalmologist
- Elite World College Refractive Surgery Fellow
- Boutique consultant-led service, not corporate volume
- Full spectrum vision correction procedures available
- Referred by fellow surgeons for complex laser surgery cases
What is ICL Surgery?
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery involves placing a soft, biocompatible lens inside your eye through a tiny incision. The lens sits in the posterior chamber—the fluid-filled space between your iris (the coloured part of your eye) and your natural crystalline lens. Unlike traditional contact lenses worn on the eye’s surface, ICLs are completely invisible and require no maintenance once implanted.
The procedure is particularly effective for correcting moderate to severe myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism. Because ICL adds corrective power rather than removing corneal tissue, it’s ideal for patients whose prescriptions are too high for laser surgery or who have insufficient corneal thickness.
Key Advantages of ICL
- Preserves natural corneal structure (nothing removed)
- Corrects very high prescriptions (up to -18.00 dioptres)
- Reversible procedure (lens can be removed if needed)
- Exceptional night vision and visual quality
- UV protection built into the lens
- Suitable for thin corneas
- No maintenance required once implanted
- Does not cause dry eye
Am I Suitable for ICL Surgery?
You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Are aged 21-45 years old
- Have moderate to severe myopia (-3.00 to -18.00 dioptres)
- Have astigmatism (toric ICL available up to 6.00 dioptres)
- Have thin corneas unsuitable for laser surgery
- Have been told your prescription is too high for LASIK
- Have stable vision for at least 12 months
- Have adequate anterior chamber depth
- Desire reversible vision correction
- Experience contact lens intolerance
You may NOT be suitable if you:
- Are over 45 (lens replacement surgery typically more appropriate)
- Have certain eye conditions (glaucoma, chronic inflammation)
- Have shallow anterior chamber depth
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have unstable vision or autoimmune conditions
A comprehensive consultation including anterior chamber depth measurements will determine your suitability.
Treatable Prescriptions
Myopia (Short-sightedness):
- Standard range: -3.00 to -18.00 dioptres
- ICL is particularly beneficial for prescriptions above -8.00 where laser surgery outcomes may be less predictable
Astigmatism:
- Toric ICL available for up to 6.00 dioptres of astigmatism
- Can correct both myopia and astigmatism simultaneously
Hyperopia (Long-sightedness):
- ICL is primarily designed for myopia
- Hyperopic patients typically better suited to laser surgery or lens replacement
The ICL Procedure - What to Expect
Before Surgery:
- Comprehensive eye examination and measurements
- Anterior chamber depth and angle assessment
- Lens sizing calculations using advanced imaging
- Minor laser procedure (peripheral iridotomy) may be performed 1-2 weeks before ICL surgery to ensure proper fluid flow
- Discussion of expectations and post-operative care
During Surgery:
- Anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye completely
- Mild sedation available if desired
- Tiny incision created (approximately 3mm, self-sealing)
- ICL lens folded and inserted through the incision
- Lens carefully positioned behind the iris
- Lens unfolds and is positioned with precision
- No stitches required (incision self-seals)
- Procedure time: approximately 20-30 minutes per eye
- Eyes typically treated separately, one week apart
After Surgery:
- Protective eye shield for first night
- Vision improves within hours to days
- Mild discomfort or grittiness (temporary)
- Eye drops prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation
- Follow-up appointment the next day
- Second eye treated approximately one week later
- Most patients return to work within 2-3 days per eye
Vision continues to stabilise over 1-2 weeks
Benefits of ICL Surgery
Exceptional Visual Quality: ICL provides outstanding optical performance, particularly in low-light conditions. Many patients report better night vision compared to glasses or contact lenses.
Preserves Natural Anatomy: Your cornea remains untouched, maintaining its natural shape and strength. This is particularly important for younger patients whose eyes may change over time.
Reversibility: Unlike laser surgery which permanently reshapes the cornea, ICL can be removed or exchanged if your vision changes or if you develop cataracts in the future.
High Prescription Correction: ICL can correct prescriptions up to -18.00 dioptres—far beyond the range of laser eye surgery.
UV Protection: The Collamer material includes UV-blocking properties, providing additional protection for your eyes.
Biocompatible Material: The lens is made from Collamer, a proprietary collagen-based material that’s naturally compatible with the eye and doesn’t cause rejection.
No Dry Eye: Because ICL doesn’t affect the corneal surface or nerves, it doesn’t cause or worsen dry eye symptoms.
Invisible and Maintenance-Free: Once implanted, the lens is completely invisible to others and requires no cleaning or maintenance.
Pricing
ICL Surgery: from £3,000 per eye
Investment includes:
- Comprehensive pre-operative consultation and measurements
- Peripheral iridotomy laser procedure (if required)
- Surgical procedure
- Post-operative medications
- All follow-up appointments for the first year
- 24/7 emergency contact
Payment plans available through third-party providers to make treatment more accessible.
Recovery & Aftercare
First 24 Hours:
- Vision improvement noticeable within hours
- Mild discomfort or foreign body sensation
- Light sensitivity (wear sunglasses outdoors)
- Use prescribed eye drops as directed
- Wear protective shield whilst sleeping
- Avoid rubbing eyes
First Week:
- Vision continues to improve and stabilise
- Some patients experience halos around lights (typically temporary)
- Continue prescribed eye drops
- Avoid swimming, contact sports, and eye makeup
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Second eye typically treated after one week
First Month:
- Most activities can be resumed
- Vision stabilises fully
- Continue with lubricating drops as needed
- Monitor for any unusual symptoms
Long-term Care:
- Regular eye examinations remain important
- ICL position checked at annual visits
- No special maintenance required
- Lens remains functional indefinitely
- Can be removed if future needs change
Risks & Considerations
Whilst ICL surgery has an excellent safety profile, it’s important to understand potential risks:
Common Minor Effects:
- Halos or glare around lights at night (usually temporary, typically resolves within 3-6 months)
- Mild inflammation (managed with eye drops)
- Temporary increase in eye pressure (monitored closely)
Rare Complications:
- Cataract formation: 1-2% (ICL can be removed and cataract treated)
- Infection (endophthalmitis): less than 0.1%
- Significant pressure increase requiring medication: 1-2%
- ICL rotation requiring repositioning: less than 1%
- Incorrect sizing requiring lens exchange: rare with modern measurements
Important Considerations:
- Two-stage procedure (eyes done separately)
- Requires adequate anterior chamber depth
- More expensive than laser surgery
- Regular monitoring of lens position required
- Potential interaction with future cataract surgery
We’ll thoroughly discuss all risks specific to your case during consultation and ensure you have realistic expectations about outcomes.
Who is ICL Particularly Suited For?
High Myopia Patients: If your prescription is above -8.00 dioptres, ICL often provides better visual outcomes than laser surgery whilst preserving corneal integrity.
Thin Cornea Patients: Those told they’re not suitable for LASIK due to insufficient corneal thickness are often excellent ICL candidates.
Young Patients: Individuals in their 20s and 30s who want to preserve their natural cornea for potential future procedures.
Contact Lens Intolerance: Patients who can no longer tolerate contact lenses due to dryness, allergies, or discomfort.
Those Seeking Reversibility: Patients who appreciate the option of lens removal if vision needs change in the future.
Night Drivers: ICL’s superior optical quality makes it ideal for those who frequently drive at night or in low-light conditions.
Why Choose The Vision Surgeon for ICL?
Specialist Expertise: Mr Mukherjee’s extensive fellowship training in anterior segment surgery ensures precise ICL implantation and optimal positioning.
Latest Generation Technology: We utilise the latest generation implantable contact lens technology to ensure optimal safety, precision, and visual outcomes.
Comprehensive Assessment: Detailed pre-operative measurements including anterior chamber depth analysis ensure proper lens selection and sizing.
Personalised Approach: Individual treatment planning based on your unique eye anatomy and visual requirements.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-up care to ensure optimal lens position and long-term eye health.
Meet Mr. Mukherjee
MBChB(hons) FRCOphth CertLRS
Mr. Mukherjee is one of the UK’s most qualified eye surgeons, offering exceptional care in Colchester. His unique credentials include:
- Prize winning Consultant Ophthalmologist & Clinical Lead – Colchester Eye Centre, ESNEFT
- Specialist in Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and Glaucoma
- Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)
- Elected Fellow World College Refractive Surgery (FWCRS)
- Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) – Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Triple Post-CCT Fellowships:
- Cornea & External Disease –Cambridge University Hospital & University Hospital of Wales
- Glaucoma & Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – King’s College Hospital, London
- Laser eye Surgery & Keratoconus –Emmetropia Eye Institute, Greece
Ready to Transform Your Vision?
Ready to transform your vision? Take the first step towards improving your sight with a comprehensive consultation with Mr. Mukherjee. Discover which procedure is right for you and start your journey to visual independence.