ICL Surgery in Turkey (Implantable Contact Lens)
ICL surgery corrects short-sightedness and astigmatism by placing a thin, flexible lens inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. No corneal tissue is removed, which is why it is often considered when a prescription is too high or the cornea is too thin for Femto LASIK, ReLEx SMILE or PRK.
At LASIK Istanbul, ICL assessment and surgery are carried out by ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Alim Huseynov. The decision is based on measurements taken inside the eye, so it cannot be made from a glasses prescription alone.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Alim Huseynov · Last reviewed 12 November 2026
🔍 What Is an ICL?
ICL stands for implantable collamer lens. It is a phakic intraocular lens, which means it is added to the eye while the natural lens stays in place. The lens is folded, inserted through an incision of about 3 mm at the edge of the cornea and positioned behind the iris, where it cannot be seen or felt.
Because the natural lens is kept, the eye continues to focus at near in the same way as before. The ICL can also be removed or exchanged later if the prescription changes or another eye operation, such as cataract surgery, becomes necessary.
Toric ICL models correct astigmatism at the same time as myopia. The lens power and size are calculated individually for each eye from the pre-operative measurements.
Who May Be Suitable for ICL?
ICL is usually considered for adults between about 21 and 45 years of age whose prescription has been stable for at least a year. It may be an option if:
Your myopia is moderate to high, including prescriptions above the range that laser surgery can treat safely.
Your corneas are too thin or irregular in shape for laser vision correction.
You have significant dry eye, since ICL does not cut corneal nerves in the way laser procedures do.
The examination includes corneal mapping, measurement of the anterior chamber depth, endothelial cell count, eye pressure and a retinal check with dilated pupils. ICL is not recommended if the space at the front of the eye is too shallow, if the endothelial cell count is low, or in the presence of glaucoma, cataract, uveitis or pregnancy.
People with high myopia have a higher lifetime risk of retinal problems whether or not they have surgery, so the retina is examined carefully before treatment.
Procedure, Recovery and Risks
The operation is performed with anaesthetic eye drops, sometimes with light sedation, and takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. Eye pressure is checked a few hours afterwards and again the next day. Most patients notice clearer vision within one or two days, and it continues to settle over the following weeks.
You will use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks and should avoid rubbing the eyes, swimming and heavy exercise during the early healing period.
ICL is intraocular surgery and carries risks that differ from those of laser treatment:
A temporary rise in eye pressure in the first hours or days.
Glare or halos around lights at night, which usually lessen with time.
A lens that sits too close to or too far from the natural lens, which may require the ICL to be exchanged or repositioned.
Cataract formation, gradual loss of endothelial cells or, rarely, infection inside the eye.
Regular eye examinations, usually once a year, are recommended for as long as the lens is in place. You can arrange these with an ophthalmologist in your home country.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About ICL Surgery
1. Is ICL better than LASIK?
Neither is better for everyone. Laser procedures reshape the cornea and suit most people with low to moderate prescriptions and normal corneas. ICL adds a lens inside the eye and is mainly used for higher prescriptions, thin corneas or pronounced dry eye. The examination shows which options are open to you.
2. What prescriptions can ICL correct?
Depending on the lens model, ICL can correct myopia from low values up to about −18 dioptres and astigmatism up to around 4 to 6 dioptres. The range that applies to you depends on the dimensions of your eye as well as the prescription.
3. Is ICL surgery reversible?
The lens can be removed or replaced by a surgeon, which is one difference from laser surgery. Removal is still an operation with its own risks, so ICL should be chosen as a long-term solution rather than a trial.
4. Is the operation painful?
Anaesthetic drops numb the eye, so most patients feel pressure or see bright light rather than pain. Mild scratchiness, watering and light sensitivity are common for a day or two afterwards.
5. Are both eyes treated on the same day?
Both approaches are used: the two eyes can be treated on the same day or a short time apart. The doctor decides after your examination and explains the plan before you travel.
6. How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?
ICL lenses are ordered to your individual measurements, and toric lenses in particular can take time to arrive. The schedule therefore depends on your prescription and on whether recent measurements are available. Send us your prescription and travel dates and we will tell you how many days and visits to plan.
7. Will I still need glasses after ICL?
The aim is to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses for distance. A specific result cannot be guaranteed, and reading glasses become necessary for most people from their mid-forties because of presbyopia, with or without an ICL.
8. How long does an ICL last?
The lens material is designed to stay in the eye for decades. It is usually removed only if the natural lens develops a cataract later in life, at which point both are dealt with in a single cataract operation.
9. How much does ICL surgery cost in Turkey?
The price depends on the lens type (standard or toric) and is quoted per patient after the prescription has been reviewed. Please contact us for the current package price and what it includes.