Implantable Contact Lens
Permanent implantable (inside the eye) contact lenses to improve your vision naturally.
€4900 - €5620 per eye
What is it?
Overview
Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is a procedure that implants an artificial lens, called an implantable contact lens (ICL) in the anterior (front) chamber of the eye. The ICL is chosen to correct your prescription and this vision correction procedure can remove the need for you to use glasses and/or contact lenses to see well. At Wellington Eye Clinic, we use the EVO+ Visian ICL™ and Visian® ICL™ which are manufactured by STAAR surgical.
The Benefits Are Clear
- Quick procedures taking approximately 30 minutes per eye but normally done separately, 1 week apart. Often performed on 2 consecutive days and seldom on the same day
- Can correct large prescriptions that may be less suitable for laser vision correction
- Excellent choice for those with dry eye that is not responding sufficiently well to treatment
- Increased freedom from glasses and/or contact lenses
- In the event that the ICL does not fully correct the prescription, the vision can be further improved with a laser eye surgery fine-tuning procedure. At the Wellington Eye Clinic, there is no additional cost for this laser surgery enhancement if required within the first 5 years after the ICL procedure
- Reversible (Very unlikely to be required, well below 1% risk)
How does it work?
Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) may remove the need for glasses and/or contact lenses by implanting a lens in the anterior (front) chamber of the eye, behind your pupil. The lenses are invisible and cannot be felt. Our ICL procedures are performed at the adjacent Beacon Hospital. The procedure is performed one eye at a time, generally 1-14 days apart. At the Wellington Eye Clinic, we use the EVO+ Visian ICL™ and Visian® ICL™ which are manufactured by STAAR surgical.
Why do I need it?
How do I know if it is right for me?
What to Expect
The first step is to book a consultation with one of our Optometrists. During this appointment you will undergo a number of tests and scans and your visual needs will be assessed. After reviewing your tests and scans, the Optometrist will discuss possible surgery options and advise on your suitability for the procedure. This appointment will last up to 2.5 hours.
Please note: Your pupils will be dilated so you will be unable to drive for the remainder of the day following the appointment. Contact lenses must be left out 2 days (soft lenses) and 3 weeks (for hard lenses) prior to an evaluation as they distort the natural shape of the cornea.
On the day of surgery, while the procedure only takes 30 minutes per eye, you will be in the Beacon Hospital for approximately 4 hours. This allows time to complete your admission to the Day Unit, preoperative checks such as blood pressure and dilate your pupils before your procedure. The anaesthetist will also discuss sedation with you as the procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia. When your procedure is over, you will relax (with tea and toast!) in the recovery room for approximately 40 minutes. In line with Beacon Hospital's policies, we ask that you have a family member/ friend collect you at the reception area of the Day Unit in Beacon Hospital after your procedure. On discharge from the Beacon Hospital, you are seen directly afterwards at the Wellington Eye Clinic by one of the clinical team to monitor the early surgical recovery.
Once you are discharged from Beacon Hospital, you will come to the clinic for a quick intraocular pressure (IOP) check to ensure the IOP is stable before you go home. We advise all patients to go home and rest on the day of their procedure. Most patients find the procedure comfortable with only mild discomfort for the remainder of the day. Prescriptions for pre and post operative care will be provided at the time of booking your surgery appointment and you should have these prescriptions filled prior to going home. You will use 3 kinds of drops for 1 month after the procedure. These are intended to reduce inflammation and infection as your eye heals.
You will return to the clinic for post-operative visits as per the below schedules:
- Day 1
- 1 week
- 6 weeks
- 6- 12 months
Frequently asked questions
Pricing
Before treatment
Vision Correction Initial Consultation
€150
Treatment
Implantable Contact Lenses
€4900 - €5620 per eye
Price is approximate as the cost of the lens can vary based on the strength required. A full written quote will be given prior to scheduling surgery.
Follow Ups
Typically you should come for a check up at least once every 2 years.
First 12 months
No Charge
12 months - 4 years
€150
12 months - 4 years (Optometrist Only)
€100
After 4 years (Doctor & Optometrist)
€250
Additional scans may be required with additional cost of €60 each. Maximum 2 scans chargeable per visit.
After 4 years (Optometrist Only)
€150
Additional scans may be required with additional cost of €60 each.Maximum 2 scans chargeable per visit.
Want to begin your journey to clearer vision?
Whether you still need more information or you think this is the right procedure for you, request a consultation and we’ll be able to help you from there.