The Pre-Surgery Journey for ICL

If you’ve only just come across ICL surgery, you might be wondering what it actually involves, and if it’s something that could work for your eyes.

Maybe you’ve heard it’s a good option for people with high myopia, thin corneas, or dry eyes. Or perhaps you’ve looked into laser eye surgery and been told it’s not the right fit. So now you’re asking: what exactly is ICL, how does it work, and what does the process look like?

At Re:vision, we’ve helped many Kiwis find long-term freedom from poor vision using implantable contact lenses. 

In this article, we take you through the full pre-surgery journey. You’ll learn what implantable contact lens surgery actually is, how the suitability assessment works, and what to do once you’re booked in for your procedure.

What is Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?

ICL surgery is short for implantable contact lens surgery. It’s a type of eye surgery where a special lens is placed inside your eye, just behind your iris and in front of your eye’s natural lens. It works kind of like a permanent contact lens. The difference between an implantable contact lens and a standard contact lens is that you don’t have to take it out, clean it, or feel it sitting on your eye.

The lens used in ICL surgery is called an implantable collamer lens. It’s made from a soft, flexible material that works with your eye’s natural structure. Once it’s in, it helps your eye focus light properly. This can help you see clearly without relying on glasses or contact lenses.

Unlike LASIK or PRK, which use a laser to reshape the surface of your eye, ICL doesn’t involve removing any tissue. That makes it a good option if you’ve got thin corneas, dry eyes, or a very strong prescription that’s outside the safe range for laser surgery.

The procedure itself is quick (usually around 5-7 minutes per eye). And recovery is usually smooth and fast, too.

The First Step: Your Suitability Assessment

Before you can book in for ICL surgery, you’ll need to have a full eye assessment. This is where your eye surgeon checks if an implantable contact lens will work for you.

The first appointment takes about 90 minutes and includes a few painless scans. These scans measure things like your corneal thickness, eye pressure, and the size and shape of your pupil. They also assess the space inside your eye where the implantable collamer lens would sit. The goal here is to make sure that the implantable collamer lens can be safely positioned and will work properly once it’s in.

Your surgeon will also check that your prescription has been stable for at least a year. If your vision is still changing, it might be too early for ICL surgery. And if you’ve had any issues with infections or past eye damage, your surgeon will factor those in too.

If everything looks good, you’ll be confirmed as a suitable candidate. And from there, the process starts moving quickly.

What to Know Once You’re Booked In

Once you're officially booked in for your ICL procedure, the timeline starts to fall into place. Usually, there’s a short wait. It's typically just enough time for your implantable collamer lens to be custom made based on the scans from your assessment.

You’ll be invited back for a pre-op appointment. During this appointment, your eye surgeon goes over everything in detail so you know exactly what to expect. They’ll talk you through the steps of your implantable collamer lens surgery, what happens on the day, what to bring, how long you’ll be at the clinic, and what recovery usually looks like.

If anything’s unclear, speak up. There’s no such thing as a silly question!

How to Prepare in the Days Before Surgery

Here’s what to do (and sort out) in the days before your implantable contact lens procedure:

• Stop wearing contact lenses: Depending on the type you wear, you might need to stop wearing them a few days or even a few weeks before your ICL surgery. Your surgeon will give you the exact timing.
• Use any prescribed drops: You may be asked to start antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops before surgery.
• Check your regular meds: Let your surgeon know what you’re taking. Some medications may need to be paused for a day or two before your ICL surgery.
• Prep a clean, comfy space at home: You’ll want somewhere quiet to rest after surgery. Give your room a quick tidy, change your pillowcase, and keep it free of dust or anything blowing directly in your face (like fans or heat pumps).
• Sort your ride home: You won’t be able to drive straight after your surgery. So, make sure someone can pick you up and take you home to rest.

Implantable Contact Lens Surgery Auckland

When you know what to expect, the whole ICL surgery process can feel a lot less stressful.

At Re:vision, we’ve guided many patients through the full ICL procedure, from their very first scans to their final check-ups. At our laser eye surgery clinic, you'll never get a rushed consult or cookie-cutter advice. Our surgeons are among the most experienced in the country, and our clinic is set up to offer the full range of treatment options, not just implantable contact lens surgery.

So, if ICL ends up not being the right fit for your eyes, we’ll find something that is. Some of our other vision correction options include LASIK laser eye surgery, PRK, and cataract surgery. Everyone’s eyes are different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to laser vision correction. The most important thing is finding the right solution for your eyes, your prescription, and your lifestyle. And our team is here to help. 

Thinking of ICL Surgery? Talk to our specialist team: Book your free assessment

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