For many people, living with blurred vision can be frustrating. Whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, the daily routine of correcting your sight can feel limiting, especially if you’re active or tired of the constant maintenance. If this sounds familiar, ICL eye surgery might be worth exploring.
This advanced vision correction procedure is helping people across Australia achieve long-term clarity using a small, implantable contact lens. In this article, we’ll walk you through what ICL eye surgery is, how the procedure works, and who may be best suited to consider it.
What Does ICL Stand For?
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. It’s a soft, biocompatible lens that is implanted inside the eye during the surgery, just behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. The collamer lens is clear, flexible, and designed to work harmoniously with your eye. It also includes built-in UV protection.
Rather than permanently altering the shape of your cornea, the implantable collamer lens (ICL) acts like an internal contact lens. Once inserted, it can help refocus light properly on your retina, improving your sight almost immediately.
Who Is A Suitable Candidate?
If you’ve been told that you’re not eligible for laser eye surgery, ICL refractive surgery might still be an option. It is often recommended for individuals aged 21 to 45 who have a stable prescription and are seeking a permanent solution to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
It can correct prescriptions that many consider to be too high in either short-sightedness or long-sightedness, and is particularly suitable for people with thin corneas and dry eyes.
Many Melbourne-based patients and individuals across Australia have found it beneficial, particularly when seeking a reversible solution with excellent visual outcomes.
Your Initial Consultation
The process begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, your appropriately qualified health practitioner will carry out a thorough assessment.
This includes measuring your eye pressure, examining the shape and thickness of your cornea, and checking your high prescription to ensure it has been stable for at least a year.
You’ll also discuss your lifestyle, goals, and any relevant medical history. This helps your eye surgeon determine whether the ICL procedure is the right choice for you.
What Happens Before The ICL Surgery?
In preparation for the ICL surgery, you may be prescribed medicated eye drops to help avoid infection and lower inflammation. These drops are typically started a few days before the procedure. In some cases, you may also require a laser iridotomy.
Planning ahead is important. You’ll be asked to arrange transport to and from the clinic, as you won’t be able to drive immediately after the procedure. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely, including any use of eye drops or other preparation steps.
What To Expect On Surgery Day
The ICL procedure is typically performed as a day surgery. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the care team, who will walk you through the steps.
To begin, your eyes will be numbed using anaesthetic eye drops, just as with laser vision correction. You may also be offered a light sedative to help you feel calm and comfortable. The surgery itself is gentle and takes a few minutes per eye.
A keyhole incision is made in your eye to insert the collamer lens. Because it is a flexible lens, ICL can be folded and inserted through a small opening, then gently unfolded into position. This incision is self-sealing, which means no stitches are required.
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area before being discharged.
Recovery And Results
Most people experience a quick recovery with minimal discomfort. Your recovery time may vary slightly depending on individual healing and how closely you follow post-surgery instructions.
In the first few days, your vision will gradually become clearer. You’ll continue using medicated eye drops to support healing and prevent infection. You should avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and engaging in heavy exercise for the first week.
Follow-up visits will be scheduled with your ophthalmology team to monitor eye pressure, ensure the ICL implants are in the correct position, and check your overall progress. These appointments are a crucial part of the healing process.
Most people can return to normal activities within a few days and expect excellent vision immediately or very soon after surgery.
Risks Involved With ICL Procedure
As with any surgical or invasive procedure, ICL does carry risks, although they are generally low. These may include:
- Temporary blurred vision
- Elevated eye pressure
- Glare or halos around lights
- Infection or inflammation
- Risk of needing further surgery in rare cases
It’s important to understand that every procedure carries a level of risk. An appropriately qualified eye surgeon will discuss these with you, ensuring you feel fully informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel the lens in my eye?
No, you won’t feel the implantable contact lens once it’s in place. The collamer lens is designed to be undetectable, both physically and visually.
Will I ever need another procedure?
The collamer lens is intended to be permanent, but it can be removed if necessary. If you develop cataracts later in life, your doctor may recommend a different surgical procedure to replace the natural lens.
Can I do sports after ICL?
Yes, one of the big advantages is the freedom to enjoy contact sports and outdoor activities without worrying about glasses or contacts shifting or falling out.
Do I still need eye checks?
Yes. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure your eyes remain healthy and that your vision remains stable over time.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a solution to refractive errors that fits your lifestyle and vision needs, ICL eye surgery could be the path towards greater visual freedom.
As with any surgical or invasive procedure, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. A thorough initial consultation with an appropriately qualified eye surgeon will help you explore whether the ICL procedure is suitable for you.
The journey to clearer sight starts with asking questions, exploring options, and partnering with an experienced team. Whether you’ve worn glasses or contact lenses for years or are simply curious about alternatives, the future could be brighter than you imagined.
Ready to take the next step towards a clearer vision in Melbourne? Reach out to Dr Anton Van Heerden at 03 9000 0389 to book your consultation and learn whether ICL eye surgery is the right option for you. There’s no pressure, just personalised guidance tailored to your needs.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Nunez K. What You Need to Know About ICL Vision Surgery [Internet]. Healthline. 2020 [cited 2025 Jun 18]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/icl-surgery
Cleveland Clinic. Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023 [cited 2025 Jun 18]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25050-implantable-collamer-lens-icl-surgery
Zhang H, Gong R, Zhang X, Deng Y. Analysis of Perioperative Problems Related to Intraocular Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Implantation. International Ophthalmology [Internet]. 2022 Jun 22;42(11):3625–41. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10792-022-02355-w
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