ICL surgery in Singapore: The honest patient guide
For individuals with severe refractive errors (short-sightedness, astigmatism), thin corneas or irregularly shaped corneas, LASIK might not be the best choice for vision correction. In such cases, implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery has emerged as a more suitable alternative. Although ICL has been performed globally for over 20 years, there remain some misconceptions about the procedure.
If you are looking into ICL surgery in Singapore, this guide addresses common questions that people frequently have but often struggle to get clear answers before scheduling a consultation.
Why are there still misconceptions about ICL when it has been around for over 20 years?
A key reason could be the widespread assumption that it functions similarly to LASIK. However, the two procedures differ significantly in approach.
LASIK corrects vision by using a laser to remove corneal tissue to reshape the cornea, whereas ICL surgery involves placing a thin, flexible lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism. Instead of reshaping the cornea, ICL corrects vision by adding a corrective lens while leaving the natural corneal structure intact. This lens is placed between the iris and the eye’s natural lens, where it works in harmony with the eye’s optics to deliver sharp, clear eyesight. Manufactured with Collamer®, a biocompatible polymer containing collagen, the lens is designed to integrate naturally within the eye, reducing the likelihood of discomfort and enabling long-term stability.
Another common misconception is that ICL is only suitable for those with extremely high degrees of myopia. While it is an excellent option for high myopes, many with moderate prescriptions also benefit from the procedure, particularly those with thin or irregularly shaped corneas. In addition, because ICL does not involve reshaping the cornea, it has a low incidence of dry eye post-surgery.
Modern ICL technology has evolved significantly, offering good visual outcomes and a high level of vision satisfaction. Yet because LASIK receives more public attention, many are unaware that ICL may be a suitable alternative. During a comprehensive pre-operative assessment, an experienced eye surgeon in Singapore will evaluate factors such as your prescription, corneal health, and overall ocular stability to determine your eligibility and help achieve optimal, lasting vision correction.
What happens on ICL procedure day?
One of the biggest sources of anxiety for those considering an ICL procedure in Singapore is the uncertainty that lies ahead on surgery day.
Surgery day
Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will perform final checks and confirm the specifications of the customised ICL lens. Eye drops will then be administered to dilate the pupils and prepare the eyes for the procedure.
You remain awake throughout the surgery and are given local anaesthesia and numbing eye drops to numb the eye, ensuring a comfortable and minimal-pain experience. Mild sedation may also be provided when appropriate to provide even more comfort and relaxation. While it is normal to feel nervous beforehand, most people are pleasantly surprised by how quick and straightforward the procedure is.
What do you experience in the operating room?
The procedure has minimal pain and lasts around 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Unlike LASIK, ICL does not involve creating a corneal flap or reshaping the cornea with a laser.
With the eye already numbed with local anaesthesia and numbing eye drops, most people report feeling only mild pressure and touches to the face and eye area, rather than pain. During the procedure, you will be asked to focus on a light while the surgeon carefully inserts the lens through a tiny incision. The actual implantation process takes only a few minutes per eye, and many are surprised by how quick and straightforward the experience feels.
Immediately after surgery, vision may appear blurry due to the dilating drops and the eye adapting to the newly implanted lens. This is normal and typically improves as the effects of the medication wear off and the eyes begin to heal.
The first night after ICL surgery
Before discharge, the eye surgeon will perform a final check to ensure the eyes are stable and healing appropriately. Once cleared, you can return home on the same day. After surgery, some individuals may experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, watery eyes, or a sensation similar to having an eyelash in the eye. These symptoms are typically temporary and are part of the healing process.
Resting for the rest of the day is usually recommended, along with regular use of prescribed medicated eye drops to support healing and reduce the risk of infection or inflammation.
Many people notice a significant improvement in vision within 24 hours, although the vision takes about 3 months to stabilise.
The side effects that are discussed and what they really mean
Reading information from online sources can sometimes add to anxiety or uncertainty. Understanding the context of these discussions can help separate facts from fear.
Haloes and starbursts: Are they permanent?
Haloes, glare, and starbursts around lights are among the most commonly discussed visual symptoms after ICL surgery in Singapore. These effects are typically more noticeable at night and during the early recovery period, when the eyes are still adapting to the newly implanted lens.
For most people, the brain gradually adapts to the new visual system through a process known as neuroadaptation, and these symptoms become less noticeable over time. Improvements are often seen over several weeks to months.
While a small number of people may continue to notice mild haloes occasionally, persistent or bothersome symptoms are relatively uncommon.
Eye pressure fluctuations: What to watch for?
Eye pressure is another topic that frequently appears in online discussions.
A temporary increase in intraocular pressure can occur shortly after ICL surgery, which is why close monitoring during the early recovery period is important. Regular follow-up appointments allow your eye surgeon to ensure that eye pressure remains within a safe range and that healing is progressing as expected.
Symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, significant redness, headaches or nausea associated with eye discomfort.
Can the ICL lens be felt inside the eye?
Another popular question is whether one can feel the implanted lens in the eye.
The answer is generally no. The ICL is positioned behind the coloured part of the eye (the iris), making it invisible to the eye.
In the early post-operative period, it is normal to experience some dryness or temporary irritation. However, once recovery is complete, you typically do not feel the lens or sense its presence inside the eye.
Unlike regular contact lenses, which rest on the surface of the eye and can sometimes cause dryness or irritation, the implanted lens remains inside the eye where it is not exposed to the external environment.
What happens to the ICL when you eventually need cataract surgery?
As the ICL sits inside the eye, you may wonder what happens decades later when cataracts develop. The reassuring answer is that cataract surgery remains possible and is performed safely for those who have had ICL surgery. During the cataract surgery, the ICL will be removed.
The reassuring news is that, with modern surgical techniques and experienced surgeons, cataract surgery after ICL is generally very safe and effective. This is one reason ICL is often considered a flexible and reversible vision correction option, as the implanted lens can be removed or exchanged if medically necessary.
Is ICL surgery in Singapore worth the higher price tag compared to LASIK?
Cost is often a major factor when comparing ICL surgery in Singapore and LASIK.
ICL generally carries a higher upfront cost as the customised lenses ae costly on their own, and the procedure requires additional measurements.
However, value should be assessed based on suitability rather than price alone.
For those with high prescriptions, thin corneas or other factors that make LASIK less ideal, ICL may offer significant advantages that justify the additional investment.
Potential benefits include:
- Better quality of vision, especially for higher prescriptions
- Preservation of corneal tissue
- Lower incidence of dry eye
- Reversible, can be removed if medically necessary
Ultimately, the procedure of choice depends on the eye condition, lifestyle and professional needs, and long-term vision goals.
A comprehensive assessment by an experienced eye surgeon in Singapore is the most reliable way to determine which treatment option is most suitable for you.
Book an ICL Evaluation at Lang Eye Centre, Mount Elizabeth Novena
ICL surgery in Singapore has a proven track record in terms of safety and efficacy as a vision correction option. The most suitable procedure will depend on your eye condition, lifestyle needs, and long-term vision expectations.
At Lang Eye Centre, our team of qualified clinical optometrists and experienced eye surgeons performs detailed evaluations to determine whether ICL is the right option for your visual needs. We assess your prescription, corneal health, eye anatomy, and lifestyle requirements to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
If you are exploring alternatives to LASIK or would like to learn more about the benefits of ICL surgery in Singapore, schedule a consultation with Lang Eye Centre at Mount Elizabeth Novena. A personalised assessment can help you make an informed decision about your long-term vision and eye health.
To schedule a LASIK/ICL evaluation, please contact Lang Eye Centre at +65 6684 1000 or [email protected]. With proper professional guidance, you can choose a solution that offers long-term visual comfort, safety, and improved quality of life.
