Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) surgery from the UK’s most trusted surgeons

During Implantable Contact Lens surgery, also known as Visian ICL phakic lens implant, an artificial lens made from a very thin bio-compatible material is inserted in front of the natural lens. It works by providing additional focusing power to the eye’s optical system.

Most people with poor eyesight have eyes that are either too long or too short compared to the point of focus created by the cornea and lens. Eyes which are relatively long cause images to focus in front of the retina, making you short-sighted. Eyeballs that are relatively short mean that images focus behind the retina, making you long-sighted.

For people with good vision, the natural lens of the eye can change shape to help them see objects at different distances. However, if you have severe short or long sight, the flexibility of the lens is not enough to correct your vision. Fortunately, artificial lenses like the ICL can provide the eye with additional focusing power, enabling you to see without glasses.

OCL Vision offer laser eye surgery to correct most prescriptions. However, as LASIK involves reshaping the cornea using a laser, it is not suitable for people who have very thin corneas.

Equally, if you have a very high prescription, laser eye surgery may be unsuitable because too much of the cornea would have to be treated to achieve good vision. High prescriptions mean very thick lenses and heavy glasses, and sometimes contact lenses may not be an option. ICL surgery is a realistic solution for people with very high prescriptions. ICL surgery may also be suitable for people who have dry eyes.

Our experienced eye surgeons will examine your eyes thoroughly and will recommend the best procedure for you.

Most patients experience only minimal discomfort and are able to go back to work within a few days of the procedure.

Following surgery, you will probably see better than you ever did with your glasses and can enjoy the activities that were always restricted because of your high prescription.

When choosing a doctor to perform your surgery, you should consider the following questions:

• Are they an NHS consultant?
• Are they highly trained in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery?
• Do they perform at least 50 vision correction procedures each month?
• Do they have a good reputation?

All of our surgeons meet these criteria and are recognised as experts in their field.