Introduction
For very high myopia (-10 or more) or high hyperopia (+10 or more), thick prescription glasses or contact lenses often become a lifetime nuisance. In addition, for them, traditional laser vision correction surgeries like LASIK, PRK, or SMILE are not always suitable due to thin corneas, high refractive error, or dry eyes.
In such cases, Phakic Lens Implant Surgery (ICL – Implantable Collamer Lens) is a revolutionary and permanent solution for patients with highly powerful and contact lens or spectacle-dependent patients. It is particularly a very apt procedure for those patients with:-
- Severe myopia between -10 to -20.
- Severe hyperopia between +10 to +20.
- High power astigmatism.
- Thin cornea or LASIK-insufficient.
What is Phakic Lens (ICL) Surgery?
Phakic Lens Implant Surgery, or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) Surgery, is an advanced, minimally invasive refractive eye surgery that is performed for the correction of highly myopic (nearsighted) or hyperopic (farsighted) eyes without any need for removal of the natural eye lens.
During ICL surgery, a soft, thin, and biocompatible lens (Collamer lens) is placed within the eye, namely between the natural lens and iris. The lens is a contact lens within your eye that never needs to come out, restoring clear, high-definition, sharp vision.
Different from LASIK or PRK, ICL surgery does not require corneal reshaping, so it is:-
- Perfect for high-power prescriptions (+10 or -10).
- Avoiding thinning or irregularly shaped corneas.
- A reversible procedure (the lens can be removed later if needed).
Who are the ideal candidates for ICL Surgery?
Phakic Lens Implant Surgery (ICL) is best for patients who have:-
High Myopia (Nearsightedness) of -10 or higher
- If you have a very high negative power (e.g., -10, -12, -15, or even -20), LASIK or PRK may not be suitable due to thin cornea or high refractive error.
- ICL Surgery can correct up to -20 Diopters without having to remove any corneal tissue.
High Hyperopia (Farsightedness) of +10 or Higher
- Patients with a positive power (+10 to +20) who are not suitable for LASIK or other refractive surgeries can be treated with ICL Surgery.
- The implantable lens provides natural and clear vision without altering the cornea.
Thin Corneas (Not Suitable for LASIK)
- LASIK and PRK procedures require a minimum corneal thickness to shape the cornea.
- In case you have thin corneas, LASIK becomes risky.
- ICL Surgery does not entail any corneal reshaping, hence it is safe for thin corneas.
Dry Eye Syndrome
- People with dry eyes on a chronic level may experience enhanced dryness after LASIK.
- ICL surgery does not affect tear production and the corneal nerves, so post-operative is more relaxed.
People Seeking Reversible Vision Fixing
- Perhaps the best advantage of ICL Surgery is that it’s completely reversible.
- If afterward you should want to remove or replace the lens, this might be done without damaging your eye.
Benefits of Phakic Lens (ICL) Surgery over LASIK
Following are the reasons why ICL surgery is now becoming the most sought-after procedure for individuals who have +10 or -10 power or higher:-
Corrects Highly High Power without Corneal Reshaping
- ICL Surgery can correct vision from:
- -3 to -20 Diopters (myopia).
- +3 to +20 Diopters (hyperopia).
- LASIK is limited to correcting up to -8 or -10 power; therefore, ICL is ideal for high power patients.
Reversible and Adjustable
- Compared to LASIK, where corneal tissue is excised permanently, ICL surgery is completely reversible.
- The lens can be taken out, replaced, or upgraded if needed without inflicting any harm.
Ideal for Thin Cornea
ICL does not alter the cornea, so it is ideal for:-
- Thin corneas.
- Irregular corneas.
- Dry eyes.
Fast Recovery and No Pain
- The surgery is minimally invasive with an extremely small incision.
- The majority of patients experience clear vision within 24 hours, without.
Protection against UV
- The ICL lens has an embedded UV protective filter, which protects your retina from harmful UV rays.
Recovery after ICL Surgery
Recovery after Phakic Lens Surgery (ICL) is extremely quick and comfortable.
After the Surgery
- Vision will start to improve within a few hours.
- A little discomfort or foreign body sensation is usual.
- Eye drops will be given for quick healing.
Day 1 to Day 7
- Do not touch or rub your eyes.
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure, heavy exercise, or swimming.
- Follow the prescribed eye drops as instructed.
- Mirror-clear vision in 5-7 days.
After One Month
- Fully recovered within 4 weeks.
- Night vision and sharp vision without glasses.
- No or very few side effects.
Cost of Phakic Lens (ICL) Surgery in India
The cost of ICL Surgery (Implantable Collamer Lens) depends on different factors as follows:-
| Factor | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Phakic Lens (ICL) | Rs 80,000 – Rs 150000 per eye |
| Surgeon Fee | Rs 30,000 – Rs 50000 |
| Hospital Charges | Rs 20,000 – Rs 40000 |
| Total Cost (Per Eye) | Rs 130000 – Rs 240000 |
| Total Cost (Both Eyes) | Rs 250000 – Rs 450000 |
Is ICL Surgery worth it?
YES. Considering the following facts ICL Surgery is most beneficial cure for eye:-
- Permanente clear vision.
- No dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
- No destruction of the cornea.
- Excellent safety and reversibility.
The cost of ICL Surgery is worth it and offers life-long clear eyesight without complication.
Conclusion
For individuals with very high power, especially +10 or -10 Diopters or higher, Phakic Lens (ICL) Surgery is definitely the best and superior option for achieving long-term and unhampered vision. With minimal downtime, reversible lens implant, and no corneal damage, ICL Surgery is now globally recommended for those who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK. If you’ve been wearing awkward glasses or sore contact lenses, now is the perfect time to consider ICL Surgery and live life without glasses.
