A laser-free way to reduce dependence on glasses and contacts in Sydney

ICL surgery may suit patients who want vision correction but are not suitable for laser eye surgery because of thin corneas or a stronger prescription

A laser-free way to reduce dependence on glasses and contacts in Sydney

ICL surgery may suit patients who want vision correction but are not suitable for laser eye surgery because of thin corneas or a stronger prescription

With ICL surgery, suitable patients may experience less reliance on glasses and contacts

Discover how ICL surgery works, who it may suit, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment

What is ICL surgery?

An implantable contact lens (ICL) is a synthetic lens which is placed in between the iris and the natural lens of the eye. It is an option for people with refractive errors who are not suitable for laser vision correction surgery.

We take time to understand your vision needs and will recommend the best procedure to suit your eyes, your work and your lifestyle.

ICL surgery is suitable for people who:

  • Have a prescription that falls outside the usual treatment range for LASIK, PRK or SMILE.
  • Have corneas that are too thin or otherwise unsuitable for laser vision correction.
  • Patients aged between 21 and 45 seeking clear vision with no history of ocular complications.

A detailed eye assessment is still essential. ICL suitability depends on more than prescription alone. Your surgeon will also assess the depth of the anterior chamber, the health of the cornea and natural lens, endothelial cell count, eye pressure, and the overall health of the eye.

Who is not suitable for an ICL?

  • People whose prescription and corneal thickness make them suitable for LASIK, PRK or SMILE may be better matched to a corneal laser procedure.
  • People over about 45 may be more suited to lens exchange particularly if age-related changes in the natural lens are becoming more important.
  • People with a shallow anterior chamber may not have enough space inside the eye for safe ICL placement.
  • People with certain corneal conditions, previous eye injury, significant glaucoma, inflammation inside the eye, or other ocular disease may not be suitable.
  • People with an unstable prescription may need to wait until their vision has been stable before ICL is considered.

  • The eye surgeon creates a 3.5mm incision at the edge of the cornea to gently implant and carefully position the soft folded ICL behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
  • An implantable contact lens only takes 15 minutes per eye, followed by a few hours to monitor your eye pressure.

ICL implantation does not change the thickness or curvature of the cornea like laser surgery does. The implant has a number of benefits:

  • Suitable for people ineligible for laser vision correction – Patients can partake in a variety of activities one month after ICL surgery. This allows patients to pursue contact sports, certain recreational activities and chosen careers such as the military.
  • Quick procedure & speedy recovery – Patients who undergo ICL implantation have a quick and relatively pain-free recovery where most people experience minimal discomfort. The self-sealing incision made allows most people to resume daily activities in just a few days with clearer vision.
  • No dry eye – ICL implantation has minimal impact on dry eye. This is achieved by a small incision that minimises the impact on corneal nerves.
  • UV protection – Newer generations of ICL’s now contain a UV filter that stops harmful exposure from UV rays from entering the eye thereby preventing the development of UV related eye conditions.
  • Reversible – Although being intended to be a permanent solution for vision correction, ICL’s can be removed and replaced if your prescription changes.
  • Reduced glare and halos – Glare and halos after ICL implantation are minimal compared with some forms of laser surgery.

The disadvantages are that it is an intraocular procedure, so it is more invasive than corneal laser surgery and carries different risks. It is also not suitable for everyone, and some patients may still need glasses for certain tasks depending on the prescription, lens type, and final result.

With more than 200,000 ICL’s implanted around the world since 1997, the ICL has an excellent safety profile compared to other procedures. The following complications are rare but can occur:

  • Increased eye pressure – The nature of the surgery involves the ICL being placed closely behind the iris which impacts the eye’s natural drainage system between the front and back chambers. The position of the ICL can change the shape of the iris and release pigment. Both of these changes affect the drainage system causing unwanted pressure spikes. To ensure this does not occur, we obtain a baseline eye pressure reading and assess your drainage angle.
  • Corneal endothelial cell loss – Research shows ICL’s can cause endothelial cell loss. The endothelium is the back layer of the cornea where its primary function is maintaining clarity of the cornea by draining fluid. Prior to ICL surgery, we check to assess the health of the corneal endothelium with a test known as specular microscopy.
  • Cataracts – An ICL can cause a cataract to form inside the natural lens because of the close proximity of the ICL over the natural lens. Over time surgery may need to be performed to remove the cataract.

Prior to surgery

  • Surgery is performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic, one eye at a time.
  • A mild sedative will be given to help with any nerves and minimise discomfort.
  • Wear comfortable, warm clothes as the theatre is set at a specific temperature and humidity to ensure ideal operating temperatures for the equipment.
  • It is important you do not drive after the procedure, so please organise someone to accompany you on the day to drive you home.

During the procedure

  • Once numb, your eye surgeon will create a 3.5mm incision at the edge of the cornea.
  • The surgeon will then carefully position the soft folded ICL behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
  • ICL implantation only takes 15 minutes per eye, however you will be kept back for a few hours to monitor your eye pressure.
  • You will then be moved to the recovery area and offered something to eat and drink. After resting, you will be able to go home.

After surgery

  • You will need to use eye drops as prescribed by your eye surgeon.
  • A follow-up eye post-operative examination will be scheduled the next morning to monitor the vision, pressure and health of your eyes.

Recovery after ICL surgery is usually relatively quick, although healing varies from person to person. Many patients notice an improvement in vision soon after the procedure, but vision may continue to settle over the following days and weeks. Your eyes may feel mildly irritated, light-sensitive or watery at first. You will usually need prescribed eye drops and follow-up appointments so your surgeon can check healing, eye pressure and the position of the lens. Most people can return to many normal activities within a few days, but you should avoid rubbing your eyes and follow your surgeon’s advice about exercise, swimming and driving.

ICL vs LASIK
LASIK reshapes the cornea using a laser, while ICL places a corrective lens inside the eye without removing corneal tissue. LASIK may suit people with a stable prescription and suitable corneal thickness. We may consider ICL when the prescription is outside the usual LASIK range or the cornea is too thin for laser treatment.

ICL vs SMILE
SMILE also corrects refractive error by reshaping the cornea, but it does so through a small incision without creating a LASIK-style flap. ICL differs because the cornea is not reshaped. This can make ICL an option for some patients who are not suitable for SMILE because of their prescription or corneal measurements.

ICL vs lens replacement surgery
ICL keeps your natural lens in place and adds a corrective lens in front of it. Lens replacement surgery removes the natural lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. At Envision Eye Centre, ICL is generally considered for younger adults, while people over about 45 may be better suited to lens replacement when age-related changes in the natural lens become more relevant.

Could laser eye surgery free you from glasses?

Book your free assessment to find out if laser eye surgery may be right for your eyes and your lifestyle

Your path to life with less reliance on glasses

Laser eye surgery can feel like a big step. We make the process clear, simple, and easy to follow

Step 1: START THE CONVERSATION

The first step is to find out whether laser vision correction may be suitable for your eyes. You can contact the clinic by phone or through the website to book your free assessment.

Step 2: WE’LL MEET

At your assessment, the team will examine your eyes, discuss your vision needs, and explain the treatment options that may be suitable for you. Your surgeon will be involved throughout your journey, providing expert guidance and support at every stage. You will have plenty of time to ask questions, gain a clear understanding of your options, and feel confident about the next steps.

Step 3: MOVE FORWARD WITH CLARITY

After treatment, everyday life may feel more convenient, with less need to think about glasses or contact lenses. The aim is to help suitable patients enjoy clearer vision for daily activities, depending on their individual circumstances.

Could laser eye surgery be right for you?

Take our 2-minute self-test to see whether laser vision correction may suit your eyes and your day-to-day life

Hi, I’m Dr John Males

I’m the founder and principal surgeon at Envision Eye Centre, specialising in laser vision correction, cataract, and corneal surgery. With over 20 years’ experience, I’ve been involved in introducing advanced procedures such as SMILE® and laser-assisted cataract surgery in Australia. I’ve held leadership roles at St Vincent’s Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, and I continue to contribute to teaching and research through the University of Sydney. My focus is always on delivering safe, precise, and personalised care, using the latest technology to help patients achieve the best possible visual outcomes.

Dr John Males

M.B B. Sc. (Med)(Hons) MMed (Clin Epi) FRANZCO