The ICL (implantable contact lens) is a clear polymer lens that resembles a contact lens. Unlike a contact lens, the ICL is inserted into the posterior chamber of the eye between the iris and the natural lens. It is called a phakic lens because it is inserted in addition to the body’s own lens. The ICL remains permanently in the eye and is neither visible nor perceptible. Together with the body’s own natural lens, the ICL ensures that the light is focussed correctly in the middle of the retina and corrects ametropia.

The ICL is small and extremely soft; it can be easily folded and gently placed in the eye with an injector within seconds – through a small incision in the cornea. In the latest form of ICL offered by EuroEyes, this has a small opening (Aqua Port) so that the aqueous humor can flow freely between the anterior chamber (in front of the iris) and the posterior chamber (behind the iris) without further intervention. After the ICL treatment, the patient can see sharply again – without glasses or contact lenses.

When a laser treatment is no longer a suitable option, for example, for refractive errors of more than -10 or +4 dioptre, or if the cornea is too thin, implants are a good alternative. ICL is mainly used in young patients up to the age of 45, as the ability of the body’s own lens to accommodate is not impaired. Thus it is even possible for people with extremely high refractive errors to live lifelong without glasses or contact lenses until the onset of presbyopia from approx. 45 years of age.

No, you will neither feel it, nor be able to see the intraocular lens. There are two different types of Phakic Intraocular lenses: anterior chamber lenses and posterior chamber lenses.

The anterior chamber lens is implanted in front of the iris in the anterior chamber. The posterior chamber intraocular lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. It consists of Collamer, which is a biocompatible polymer.

The posterior chamber depth must be at least 2.8 mm.

An anterior chamber depth of minimum 2.7 mm. (Not suitable for farsightedness and no toric correction is possible.)

At EuroEyes, the highest level of attention is paid to total compliance with the most stringent requirements for the quality of treatment and standards of hygiene, so the risk of complications, caused by the laser vision correction, is very low. True complications are extremely rare. Clear and dedicated patient compliance concerning the follow-up appointments is particularly important to promote optimal healing. The prescribed eye drop regimen should be strictly observed, as well as the recommendations given to the patients by the staff of the medical institution for the postoperative period should be followed. Side effects (adverse events) that may occur from time to time in the laser vision correction are usually short-term ones, they do not cause any serious concerns and are completely treatable.