Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

If you are nearsighted and tired of wearing glasses, implantable collamer lens vision correction surgery may be the solution for you—even if you have been told you are not a candidate for other laser vision correction surgery.

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An implantable collamer lens (ICL) is a lens that is implanted in your eye between your iris (colored part of your eye) and your natural lens to help treat moderate to extreme nearsightedness and astigmatism.

If you’ve been told you are not a candidate for other laser vision correction surgeries, such as laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK), your provider may recommend ICL surgery.

University of Iowa Health Care ophthalmologists are highly trained providers who are nationally recognized for their expertise in eye care. We offer the newest, safest, and most effective options for vision correction surgery, including options found nowhere else in the state.

Our approach to implantable collamer lens surgery

An implantable collamer lens is made of an advanced-technology material called collamer, which is soft, flexible, and safe for the eye.

During the ICL surgery, your eyes will be dilated and numbed. Then, a specially trained eye surgeon will make a very small incision at the base of outermost layer of the eye and use it to implant the ICL between your eye’s natural lens and the iris.

The procedure is performed on both eyes on the same day and does not require a hospital stay.

What to expect from implantable collamer lens surgery

Prior to surgery, your eyes are examined and measured by your surgeon to determine the power and size of the implantable collamer lens needed.

On the day of surgery, you will take an oral sedative and receive anesthetic eye drops for the procedure to relax you and numb your eyes.

Your eyes are checked on the day of surgery and the day after surgery. You will need to return for checkups at approximately one week, one month, and three months after surgery.

Who can benefit from implantable collamer lens surgery?

Implantable collamer lens surgery is best for individuals who:

Have moderate to extreme nearsightedness—with or without astigmatism
Have good eye health without presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or cataracts (clouding of the eye’s natural lens)
Are under the age of 50

Our goal is to pair you with the safest vision correction treatment based on your individual needs. If you think ICL could be right for you, please speak with your provider or call us directly to schedule a consultation.