Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
Mr Darcy is a certified STAAR Vision EVO implantable contact lens provider.
What is an implantable contact lens?
Implantable contact lenses are a permanent solution for those seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses. These specialised lenses are positioned behind the iris—the coloured part of the eye—allowing them to focus light effectively. Once inserted, you won’t even notice they are there, as they remain in place 24 hours a day, delivering continuous clarity of vision.
ICLs offer excellent visual quality and are often the preferred treatment for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Mr. Darcy is a certified provider of the Staar Visian EVO ICL.
Why choose Kieren Darcy and Vision Care Clinic, Bristol?
Consultant delivered care
Mr Darcy will be with you for the entire journey. Your eyes are precious and deserve an expert at every stage of the process.
No hidden costs
We are completely transparent about costs
Laser enhancement included and provided in-house
Around 5% of patients may require a ’tweak’ to their final outcome to optimise their result. Mr Darcy provides this in-house at no additional cost.
ICL Surgery FAQ's
Who is suitable for implantable contact lenses?
Implantable contact lenses can treat short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism, even correcting high prescriptions. Many patients who are not suitable for laser eye surgery due to corneal thickness or dry eye issues may also benefit from ICLs.
ICLs offer permanent, excellent, clear vision correction and are completely removable, which many individuals find reassuring.
Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) may also improve vision in individuals with previous corneal issues and treatment. In fact, ICLs are often used as part of a vision repair process for keratoconus and other corneal ectasias.
What does the surgery involve?
The surgery is speedy, with both eyes treated within 20-30 minutes. It is performed in a theatre environment. The eyes are anaesthetised with eye drops (no needles), making it completely painless. All you will feel is the gentle touch of the surgeon’s hands around your forehead. The lens is inserted through a tiny keyhole opening that self-seals.
How quickly will my vision recover?
The vision recovers very quickly, usually in around 24-48 hours. You can typically return to work after a couple of days.
What is the usual follow-up after the ICL procedure?
Following the surgery you will need to attend for follow-ups, typically day 1, week 1, week 6, month 3, and month 6. Beyond this you will also require annual follow-ups to check the health of your eyes. This should include spectral microscopy, where the inside cells lining the cornea are analysed. There will be an additional charge for these annual visits.
Is everybody suitable for an ICL?
Your prescription should have been stable for a minimum of 12 months before undergoing the surgery. ICL surgery is not suitable during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. The Visian EVO ICL is inserted in the front chamber of the eye. This needs to be deep enough to ensure there there is room for the lens. When being assessed we will take a number of highly accurate measurements to ensure your suitability.
How quickly can I return to sport and normal activities?
An implantable contact lens is inserted into the eye during a short procedure lasting 20-30 minutes. An major advantage is that this heals very quickly, with the visual tranformation almost immediate. This means you can return to exercise and swimming within a few days. Depending upon your job you are likely to be able to return more quickly than this. We will provide you more specific personalised information before your surgery.
Can implantable contact lenses treat presbyopia?
Yes! This can be achieved in two ways. 1. Utilising blended monovision with one eye set for distance and the other for reading. 2. A new extended depth of vision version of the Staar EVO Viva™ ICL.
How much does ICL surgery cost?
The surgery cost must be balanced against the potential savings from contact lenses and glasses. There is often a very quick return on your investment. This doesn't consider the intangible benefits of improved independence and quality of life. For more information about the price of surgery visit here
Why choose an implantable contact lens?
Excellent quality of vision
ICLs provide a better quality of vision than glasses and even contact lenses because they are inside the eye and closer to an important area called the nodal point, where light rays cross.
Dry eyes and irregular or thin corneas
They are especially useful for people unsuitable for laser eye surgery due to dry eyes, high prescriptions, and irregular or thin corneas, including those with Keratoconus and corneal ectasias.
Removable
Implantable contact lenses are supplementary lenses introduced into the eye to correct your vision. There is no tissue removal during the process. They are designed to stay in the eye for decades safely. If you develop cataracts, a key benefit is that the ICL is removable.
Additional UV protection
The 100% biocompatible collagen copolymer also provides UV protection.
Correct high glasses prescriptions
Implantable contact lenses are able to correct very high glasses and contact lens prescriptions including many who are unsuitable for laser eye surgery.
Decades of experience
With over 20 years of experience the Visian ICL has been implanted in over 1,000,000 eyes worldwide.
Watch and listen to Paul's ICL journey
All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcome through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives of sight correction surgery, including those specific to your own circumstances, at the time of your preoperative consultation
1.https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Phakic-Intraocular-Lens-Implantation-Patient-Information.pdf