Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
A routine eye examination with one of our Optometrists includes a free refractive surgery screening - checking whether laser or an implantable lens is the right fit for you - and if you're suitable, we formally refer you to Mr David Anderson, Consultant Ophthalmologist, for a surgical consultation.
What is an ICL?
A lens inside your eye
A small, flexible lens is placed between the iris and your eye's own natural lens - it works with your eye rather than reshaping it, and sits invisibly behind the iris and pupil.
For when laser isn't right
Particularly suited to thin corneas, significant dry eye, or prescriptions too high for laser surgery to treat safely.
Permanent, yet reversible
Results are intended to be permanent, but unlike laser surgery an ICL can be removed or exchanged later if ever needed - for example at the time of future cataract surgery.
Three lens variants - EVO ICL™, EVO+ ICL™ and Visian® ICL - cover different prescriptions; Mr Anderson chooses the right one for you at your consultation. More than 3 million ICLs have now been implanted worldwide.
Prescription ranges
Short-sightedness (myopia)
-0.50D to -20.0D
Ages 21-60
With or without astigmatism up to 6.0D
Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
+0.5D to +16.0D
Ages 21-45
With or without astigmatism up to 6.0D
A stable prescription is needed - no more than 0.5D change in the last two years.
Why choose an ICL instead
If thin corneas, dry eye or a high prescription rule out laser surgery, an ICL is often still an excellent option.
No dry eye trade-off
No corneal tissue is removed, so - unlike laser surgery - an ICL doesn't carry the same risk of inducing dry eye, making it a good option if dry eye already rules laser out.
Treats higher prescriptions
Covers a far wider prescription range than laser surgery can safely reach, including strong short- and long-sightedness.
Corneal shape untouched
Because the cornea itself isn't reshaped, a thinner or more irregular cornea that would rule out laser surgery is often still perfectly suitable for an ICL.
What happens during surgery
A quick, well-established day case procedure.
Dilation & numbing drops
Your pupil is dilated and the eye numbed with drops, sometimes alongside light sedation - you're comfortable throughout.
A small corneal incision
A tiny opening is made at the edge of the cornea - no tissue is removed, just a doorway for the lens.
The lens is placed & adjusted
The rolled ICL is inserted through the opening, unfolds, and is carefully positioned behind the iris.
Minutes per eye
The procedure takes around 15-20 minutes per eye, with a post-operative check and healing medication before you go home.
Recovery, step by step
1-2 days
Initial recovery, with vision settling and some light sensitivity for the first 2-3 days.
2 days
Most people are comfortable returning to work.
Ongoing
Halos or visual effects around lights, if noticed at all, usually settle within 1-2 months.
Long term
Results are intended to be permanent, with regular eye checks to monitor the lens and your eye health.
Safety, honestly
ICL surgery has a well-established track record, with more than 3 million lenses implanted worldwide and 99.4% of people surveyed saying they’d have the procedure again. As with any surgery there are risks - including the rare need for further surgery, raised eye pressure, cataract formation, or infection - and we’ll talk through how they apply to you personally before you decide to go ahead.
Mr Anderson’s experience
Mr Anderson has been performing ICL surgery for over 15 years, and talks you through which lens and prescription plan is right for you at your consultation.
From screening to surgery
Book an eye examination
Start with a routine eye examination with one of our Optometrists - it includes a free refractive surgery screening, checking whether laser or an ICL is the better fit for you.
A formal referral
If you’re a good candidate, your Optometrist formally refers you to Mr Anderson, Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Consultation with Mr Anderson
Mr Anderson’s own secretary is in touch directly to arrange your surgical consultation here in Jersey - we don’t hold his appointment book ourselves, so this step happens outside our online booking.
Surgery in Southampton, aftercare at home
If you decide to go ahead, surgery takes place at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital, Southampton, with follow-up appointments arranged back here in Jersey.