Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs), often referred to as phakic intraocular lenses (phakic IOLs), are a type of vision correction surgery for people who are nearsighted (myopic), farsighted (hyperopic), or have astigmatism—especially those who may not be good candidates for LASIK or PRK.

🧬 What is a Collamer Lens?

  • Collamer is a proprietary biocompatible material made from collagen and a copolymer.

  • It is flexible, soft, and designed to work harmoniously with the eye’s natural structures.

  • The most well-known ICL is the Visian ICL, made by STAAR Surgical.


👁️ How ICLs Work:

  • The lens is surgically implanted inside the eye, between the iris and the natural crystalline lens.

  • Unlike cataract surgery, your natural lens is left in place—hence the term phakic.

  • The ICL adds a corrective lens to the eye, functioning similarly to a contact lens but from inside.

✅ Benefits:

  • High-quality vision, often with better contrast and sharpness than LASIK.

  • Reversible — the lens can be removed or replaced if needed.

  • UV protection is built into the lens.

  • Good for high prescriptions, especially extreme myopia or thin corneas.

  • No dry eye issues, a common LASIK side effect.

⚠️ Risks and Considerations:

  • Intraocular surgery risks, such as infection, inflammation, or increased intraocular pressure.

  • Cataract development — rare, but possible over time.

  • Halos and glare — especially in low light, though modern ICLs have improved.

  • Cost —  more expensive than LASIK or PRK, and not usually covered by insurance.


🧑‍⚕️ Who is a Good Candidate?

  • Ages 21 to 45, with stable vision.

  • Moderate to severe myopia (typically -3.00 D to -20.00 D).

  • People not eligible for corneal refractive surgery due to thin corneas, dry eyes, or irregular astigmatism.

🕐 The Procedure:

  1. Surgery is quick, often 10–20 minutes per eye.

  2. Recovery is fast — many patients return to normal activities in a day or two.

  3. Vision typically stabilizes within a week.

At Towne Lake Eye Associates, we provide pre-op counseling, post-op care, and will be your advocate through the process.  Please call or text with any questions!  770.926.2858
If you’ve read to the bottom of this post, you may be interested in the manufacturer’s website!  https://us.discovericl.com/

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