For many people, glasses and contact lenses are simply part of everyday life. But if you are looking for greater freedom from glasses or contact lenses, there are several vision correction options to consider. One of these is our ICL lens implantation procedure, often referred to as implantable contact lenses, an advanced procedure designed to improve vision while working alongside the eye’s natural structures and making no irreversible changes to a person’s eye.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast, we offer EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens), a modern form of ICL designed to correct a very wide range of refractive errors including short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Unlike laser eye surgery, which reshapes the cornea, ICL involves placing a thin, flexible and highly biocompatible lens inside the eye. The natural lens of the eye remains in place, while the implanted lens helps light focus correctly on the retina. This lens can correct your vision for the long term (remaining in the eye for as long as it’s needed) providing excellent quality and clarity of vision. It can however be removed by a surgeon as your eye’s needs change as you age. This provides not only future flexibility for your vision but also the peace of mind that your eye is still your eye, with no changes to its structure. This means that in future life when you develop the need for reading glasses or in later life when you need cataract surgery, the ICL lens can simply be removed, and all available options at the time will be a consideration for your vision.
For suitable patients, ICL may offer sharp, clear vision, a quick recovery and the flexibility of a lens that can be removed or replaced if required.
What Is ICL Lens Implantation?
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens®. It is a type of vision correction surgery in which a specially designed lens is placed between the iris (coloured part of the eye) and the eye’s natural lens. Patients typically do not feel any pain during this procedure and often find it a very relaxing experience. It takes 15-20 minutes per eye and recovery can be relatively quick, with many patient seeing better than they did with glasses or contact lenses only a short time after the procedure. Down time is minimal with return to normal activities in just a day or two.
Note: Patient outcomes and success vary with individual’s circumstances.
The lens is made from Collamer®, a biocompatible material containing collagen and polymer. The material is designed to work naturally with the tissues of the eye and incorporates an ultraviolet light filter.
The natural lens remains in place and the cornea is not reshaped or removed. This makes ICL a tissue-preserving approach to refractive vision correction.
EVO ICL™ has now been used extensively worldwide, with more than four million lenses distributed worldwide. In a survey referenced by the manufacturer, 99.4% of people surveyed said they would have the procedure again.
What Can ICL Correct?
ICL can be used to correct a wide range of refractive errors, depending on the individual patient’s prescription and eye measurements.
These include:
- Short-sightedness, also known as myopia up to -20 dioptres
- Long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia up to +16 dioptres
- Astigmatism up to 6 dioptres
One of the advantages of ICL is its ability to correct a broad range of prescriptions. The appropriate lens power is calculated specifically for each patient’s eyes following detailed measurements and assessment.
EVO ICL is designed for the correction or reduction of myopia in patients aged 21 to 60, and hyperopia in patients aged 21 to 45, within specified prescription ranges. Your prescription also needs to have been stable for at least one year before surgery.
Your suitability can only be determined following a comprehensive eye examination and consultation.
The Benefits of ICL
Choosing vision correction is a personal decision, and different procedures offer different advantages. ICL has several features that make it an option for suitable patients.
Clear, High-Definition Vision
The lens is positioned inside the eye and works with its natural optical system to correct how light is focused. Many patients experience sharp, detailed vision following ICL treatment.
EVO ICL can also provide excellent vision during low light condition such as at night. Specifically, its potential to provide clear vision that progresses from daytime into night-time activities.
No Permanent Reshaping of the Cornea
With laser eye surgery, laser energy is used to permanently reshape the cornea. With ICL, the cornea remains untouched. This helps with the stability of the vision over time, as well as visual quality. It also allows future flexibility as you reach later life and your vision needs change.
Instead, the implanted lens works with the eye’s existing structures. For patients who value preserving the natural corneal structure, this can be an important consideration when discussing their vision correction options.
A Removable Lens
Another distinctive feature of ICL is that the lens can be removed or replaced if required, allowing for future flexibility and the peace of mind that it’s not a permanent change to your eye
This does not mean removal will be necessary, and any decision to remove or replace an ICL would be made by an ophthalmic surgeon based on the individual circumstances.
Freedom From Glasses and Contact Lenses
For suitable patients, ICL can significantly reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
This can make everyday activities more convenient, from exercising and travelling to simply waking up and seeing clearly without reaching for your glasses.
Quick Recovery
ICL is a minimally invasive procedure, with the lens inserted through a small opening in the eye under local topical anaesthetic. The procedure is carried out as a day-case treatment and typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within 24 hours, although recovery and visual stabilisation vary between individuals.
What Happens During ICL Surgery?
The ICL procedure involves a series of carefully controlled steps.
First, your Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon creates a small opening at the edge of the cornea. The folded ICL is then inserted through this opening and positioned inside the eye, between the iris and natural lens.
Once the lens is in place, your Consultant checks and adjusts its position to ensure it is correctly positioned.
The lens sits inside the eye and cannot be seen or felt once it is in place. It does not require any ongoing maintenance, unlike traditional contact lenses. No taking in and out, no cleaning, no need for solutions and the daily faff of contact lenses, just excellent vision from the moment you open your eyes every day.
ICL lenses used to treat farsightedness are not “EVO” lenses (they are called Visian ICL) and require two additional tiny openings in the coloured part of the eye prior to the implantation of the ICL, to allow appropriate fluid flow in the eye following implantation.
As with any surgical procedure, your Consultant will explain the procedure, potential risks and expected outcomes during your consultation.
Am I Suitable for ICL?
ICL may be suitable for adults over the age of 21 with a stable prescription and healthy eyes. It can even be particularly useful for patients with higher prescriptions, thinner corneas or existing dry eye risk factors and its suitability is based on detailed measurements of the eye rather than prescription alone.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, your ICL journey begins with a complimentary one-hour “Am I Suitable?” assessment with our experienced optometry team.
During this appointment, we assess your eyes and discuss your vision correction goals. The purpose is not simply to determine whether you are suitable for ICL, but to identify which vision correction option is most appropriate for your individual eyes and circumstances.
If ICL is recommended, you will then meet with one of our Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons. They will discuss the procedure in detail, explain the expected outcomes and answer any questions you may have.
Your ICL Journey at Cathedral Eye Clinic
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we believe choosing vision correction should be an informed decision.
Your journey includes:
- Free Suitability Assessment
A comprehensive assessment with our optometry team.
- Consultant Consultation
A detailed discussion with a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon if ICL is recommended.
- Preparing for Treatment
Our team will guide you through your pre-operative instructions and answer any questions before surgery.
- Day of Surgery
Your clinical team will support you throughout your treatment and carry out the ICL procedure as a day-case.
- Post-Operative Care
Your care continues after surgery, with follow-up appointments and ongoing clinical support.
Patient Testimonials
“Absolutely fantastic, from reception staff to Optometrist Kiera and consultant Mr Mandal. Initially got my ICL surgery here done by Mr Mandal, Mr Mandal is top of his league: a very knowledgeable, genuine guy. With a very high and complex prescription I was aware I would also have to have some laser surgery (possibly on both eyes) however I only needed it on one eye. Scans and checks completed, I meet with Mr Mandal again today to discuss my treatment plan, Mr Mandal is a caring and compassionate surgeon, you can see his enthusiasm for his job, he’s open and honest discussing possible risk. The ICL treatment alone has been life changing for me, I am excited for this next step. I would highly recommend cathedral, especially Mr Mandal.”
5*
“Exceptional experience. I am more than delighted with my first eye. I was petrified going in for my surgery appointment. Quaking even. It was really surprisingly easy. I still can’t quite believe how easy it was.”
5*
Is ICL Right for You?
There is no single vision correction procedure that is right for everyone. ICL, LASIK, SMILE, TransPRK and lens replacement each work differently and have different considerations.
The right choice depends on factors including your prescription, eye health, corneal measurements, age and individual visual needs.
That is why we begin with a comprehensive suitability assessment rather than recommending a procedure based on prescription alone.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, our aim is to provide clear, evidence-based information so you can understand your options and make an informed decision about your vision.
Start Your ICL Journey
If you are considering ICL lens implantation, our team at Cathedral Eye Clinic can help you understand whether it may be suitable for you.
Our complimentary “Am I Suitable?” assessment gives you the opportunity to discuss your vision, undergo a detailed assessment and explore your available treatment options with our clinical team.
Book your free consultation at Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast and discover whether ICL could be suitable for your eyes.
Call 028 9032 2020 or contact our team to arrange your appointment.
