ICL Surgery in NZ: How It’s Changed Over the Last 5 Years

Looking into laser eye surgery but not sold on LASIK? There’s another option you might not know much about: implantable contact lenses (ICL surgery).

Unlike regular contact lenses, these don’t sit on the surface of your eye. They’re placed inside it, in front of your eye’s natural lens. Once they’re in, you don’t have to do anything. No cleaning, and no taking them out at night. They just sit there and give you clear vision, day in and day out.

Over the last five years, we’ve seen a big shift. More people in New Zealand are choosing ICL instead of LASIK, especially those with strong prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eyes. But it’s not just the interest that’s grown. The whole process has changed. The lenses are better. The screening is smarter. And the results? Even more consistent than they were before.

At Re:vision, we’ve had a front-row seat to that change. Our surgeons have performed more ICL surgeries than any other clinic in New Zealand.

Here’s how ICL surgery in NZ has improved over the past five years:

1. More Surgeons Are Now Offering It (But It’s Still Specialist Work)

Five years ago, there were only a few clinics offering ICL surgery in New Zealand. It was a bit of a niche procedure. One mostly used for extreme cases.

That’s changed. More surgeons now offer ICL, and more patients are asking about it. But that doesn’t mean every clinic has the same level of experience. ICL is still highly specialised. It’s not something you want done by someone who only does it a couple of times a year.

At Re:vision, we do one of the highest volumes of ICL surgery in the Pacific region.

2. Better Lens Technology

ICL lenses have come a long way. The latest models, like the EVO Visian ICL, are thinner, clearer, and come in more options. You can now get ICL lenses that correct astigmatism, filter UV and blue light, and sit more naturally in the eye.

These upgrades don’t just sound good on paper. They make a real difference to your vision. Patients are getting sharper results, with fewer visual side effects like halos or glare. And because the lenses are thinner and more flexible, they’re easier to place accurately.

3. Expanded Suitability for More Patients

ICL used to be seen as the backup plan. If LASIK wasn’t safe or possible, then maybe you’d be offered ICL. That’s not the case anymore.

ICL is now offered to a much wider group of people. Even those with mild-to-moderate prescriptions, or just dry eyes. It’s become a go-to option, not a last resort. If you’ve been told LASIK isn’t right for you, ICL might not just be possible, it could actually be the better choice. And in some cases, it gives better long-term results than cornea-based procedures.

4. Faster Recovery, Fewer Side Effects

The surgery itself hasn’t changed much. It’s still quick, and you’re still in and out the same day. But the way it's done has gotten better. With improved imaging, smarter sizing, and better lens designs, we’re seeing faster recoveries and far fewer issues after surgery.

It’s rare now for someone to need much time off work. Most people are back to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. And problems like halos around lights, glare at night, or light sensitivity? These are less common now than they were five years ago.

5. Better Screening and Personalisation

One of the biggest improvements has been in how your eyes are assessed before surgery. There are now more advanced scans available, like anterior segment imaging. These can map out your eye in detail. That means your lens can be sized with pinpoint accuracy, the right model can be chosen, and a plan can be made that fits your eye shape perfectly.

This level of precision reduces risk and leads to sharper outcomes. It also means ICL can be confidently offered to people who wouldn’t have been considered five years ago.

At Re:vision, every ICL plan is custom-built from start to finish. Nothing’s cookie-cutter. We’ve done this enough times to know what works and what doesn’t.

Trusted ICL Surgery NZ

ICL surgery in New Zealand has come a long way. It’s no longer just for extreme cases. It’s now a safe, reliable option for many who want clear vision without relying on glasses and contact lenses.

The lenses are better. The screening is more accurate. And the results? Sharper vision, faster recovery, and fewer side effects than we were seeing five years ago. More people are suitable for ICL than ever before, including those with mild prescriptions, dry eyes, or thin corneas.

That said, it’s not something you want to leave to chance. ICL is a highly specialised procedure. Getting the sizing and placement right is everything. And that only comes with experience.

At Re:vision, we’ve done more ICL surgeries than any other clinic in New Zealand. We also offer a wide range of other laser vision correction procedures, including LASIK, plus advanced cataract surgery for patients with age-related vision changes. Whatever your eyes need, we’ve got you covered.

Book your free assessment at our Auckland laser eye clinic. You’ll get honest advice, expert care, and a plan tailored to your eyes and vision goals. 

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