Implantable Contact Lenses

What is an ICL?

ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens, named for the soft Collamer material it is made from, though it is often referred to as an “implantable contact lens” but more often colloquially an ICL is referred to as an “implantable contact lens”. At Fendalton Eye Clinic Dr David Kent and Dr Zea Munro use the EVO ICL, the current generation of the lens.

 

Who is suitable for an ICL?

ICLs are proven to be effective for people ~21 to 45 years of age with a wide range of refractive errors. An ICL may be the best option for treating those who have been advised that SMILE pro, LASIK or PRK is not an option due to either a high prescription, thin cornea, abnormal corneal shape or significant dry eye. ICLs can treat myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism.

 

How does an ICL work?

An ICL procedure involves implanting a very thin artificial lens in front of the eye’s natural lens – but behind the iris, where it cannot be felt. Once implanted the lens stays in place indefinitely – but should your vision change dramatically the ICL can be replaced or removed.

 

What is involved in ICL surgery?

  • ICL surgery takes place at Christchurch Eye Surgery, a purpose built eye surgery hospital
  • On admission you will meet with an anaesthetist who can provide sedation to help you feel relaxed
  • Anaesthetic eye drops are instilled into your eyes to numb your eyes, and an eyelid speculum is used to hold the eyelids open
  • Dilating eyedrops are used to enlarge the pupil for the insertion of the ICL
  • A very small incision is made through which the folded ICL is inserted, carefully positioned to match your prescription, and placed in the space between the iris and the front of your eye’s natural lens
  • The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes each eye, and you will be at Christchurch Eye Surgery for approximately 2 hours
  • You will need to have someone drive you home following your procedure
  • The surgeon will check your eyes the following day back at Fendalton Eye Clinic

ICL surgery is a well established procedure but, like all surgery, it carries some potential risks. The ophthalmologist will help weigh up the benefits and risks for you to determine if ICL is the right choice for you.

Watch how the EVO ICL corrects your vision from inside the eye (video is 90 seconds)

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ICL surgery?

Advantages:

  • Ability to correct high prescriptions – those that are outside the range of SMILE pro, LASIK or PRK – without removing corneal tissue
  • Reversible – the ICL can be removed
  • Less likely to cause or worsen dry eye than laser surgery, as no corneal tissue is removed and no corneal nerves are cut — though, as with any eye surgery, some temporary dryness can occur
  • Biocompatible with your bodies chemistry

Disadvantages:

  • Involves an operation inside the eye, which carries a small risk of infection – around 1 in 6,000 (Allan et al., J Cataract Refract Surg, 2009)
  • ICL surgery can contribute to the earlier formation of a cataract (cloudy natural lens). With the EVO lens design this is uncommon – earlier ICL models showed higher rates in long-term studies – your surgeon will discuss your individual risk with you

 

What are the risks of ICL surgery?

  • These may include infection, inflammation, cataract development, raised eye pressure, or the need for additional surgery to adjust or remove the lens. Some risks are rare and can often be managed through early detection. Highlighting the importance of regular follow up at intervals recommended by the operating surgeon
  • Halos or rings around lights at night are common in the early weeks, and for most people fade as the eyes and brain adapt — rarely, they persist.
  • Before proceeding, your ophthalmologist will explain all known risks, their likelihood, and the steps taken to reduce them

 

What results can you expect from ICL surgery?

  • Vision often improves shortly after the procedure, with clearer and more stable focus developing as the eye heals
  • Because the ICL is custom made, it is designed to match your prescription precisely
  • Some people may still need glasses in certain situations, depending on their eyes and age
  • Regular follow-up visits help ensure the lens remains well-positioned and the eye stays healthy
  • Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations and long-term care before you decide on treatment

 

Find out if an EVO ICL is right for your eyes

Book a free 30minute screening assessment with a member of our technical team – in person in Christchurch or at one of our satellite clinics in the South Island of New Zealand in Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown or Nelson or a virtual assessment via ZOOM or phone

Book your free suitability assessment
Common Questions

FAQ about ICLs

How do I find out which vision correction procedure is right for me?

You don't need to work it out yourself — your eyes hold the answer. Whether the best option is a laser procedure (SMILE pro, LASIK or PRK), an ICL, or — from the mid-40s onwards, or if a cataract is developing — Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or cataract surgery, the starting point is the same: a free, no-obligation 30-minute screening assessment with our experienced technical team. We take measurements of your eyes, measure your corneal thickness and evaluate the shape of the cornea, discuss your lifestyle and visual goals, and recommend the procedure that will give your eyes the best result. Book in person at Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch or at one of our satellite clinics at locations throughout the South Island in Invercargill, Dunedin, Queenstown or Nelson, start with a Zoom or phone consultation from anywhere in New Zealand. Alternatively you can start with our two minute online suitability quiz. Call 0800 DR EYES (0800 37 39 37) or book online.

Where do Dr Kent and Dr Munro do Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), cataract and Implantable Contact Lens surgery in Christchurch?

Dr Kent and Dr Munro both perform Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), cataract and Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) eye surgery at Christchurch Eye Surgery, a purpose built eye surgery day stay hospital located at 274 Papanui Road in Christchurch.

Do I need a referral from my optometrist or GP to have a suitability assessment for lens or laser eye surgery?

No — no referral is needed. You can book your free assessment directly with us: at Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch, at one of our satellite clinics, or as a virtual assessment by Zoom or phone. If you wear glasses, please bring your most recent pair. Contact lens wearers can wear their lenses to the screening assessment — just bring your lens case, as you'll take them out during the appointment so we can accurately measure the front surface of your eyes. If you have a recent prescription or your optometrist has records, bring them along — helpful, but not required.

Why I should choose Fendalton Eye Clinic for my vision correction surgery?

The expertise and experience of Dr David Kent and Dr Zea Munro combined with the quality of the technology we have at Fendalton Eye Clinic in Christchurch.
  • Our staff care about giving you the best result for you as an individual, finding the most appropriate procedure for you based on your unique focusing error and lifestyle requirements.
  • Dr. Kent and Dr Zea Munro are leaders in vision correction eye surgery collectively they have performed over 36,000 laser eye surgery procedures. Dr Kent has performed more LASIK procedures than any other New Zealand eye surgeon. For optimal results surgeon experience counts.
  • We are the only clinic in the South Island to offer you the safety, accuracy and superior results of the Schwind Amaris 1050RS excimer laser, the most advanced excimer laser with it's smart pulse technology and the unparalleled accuracy of a seven dimensional active eye tracker.
  • Every laser eye treatment and every lens surgery is tailor-made to each individual eye.
  • At Fendalton Eye Clinic we have a state-of-the-art purpose-built laser eye surgery theatre, our facility is the only accredited laser eye surgery facility in the South Island of New Zealand.
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Looking for an alternative to laser eye surgery? EVO ICL is a vision correction procedure that can provide excellent visual outcomes for many patients, including those with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas