An Implantable Contact Lens, commonly shortened to ICL, is a prescription lens that’s surgically placed inside the eye.
Unlike a regular contact lens, an ICL doesn’t sit on the eye’s surface. It stays inside the eye and works with your natural lens to focus light more clearly.
You won’t need to remove, clean, or replace it each day. The lens is designed to remain in place, although it can be removed through another procedure when a surgeon determines that removal is appropriate.
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The surgery takes about 45 min and you need to be accompanied all day. You will be at VLEC for 2-3 hours. You will also need to return for a 2-3 hour post-op.
Rest for 24 hours. You can usually go back to work after 24 hours.
After your surgery and recovery, experience the joy of clear vision.
I had ICL surgery at this clinic. The service was amazing and the treatment I received from Dr. Blaylock was just excellent. The way I was treated by all of the staff at the clinic was excellent, helpful and caring. I did my research and chose this clinic, I am 100% satisfied with my choice, and post surgery, my sight is 20/20….amazing. I cant thank everyone at the clinic enough!
Alan
My experience with VLEC was amazing. They provide the utmost level of professionalism and service. They’ve changed the way I see the world literally! 🙂
Luke
I woke up this morning, the day after my ICL surgery, feeling as though I was in a different body. I rolled over to look at my alarm clock and to my astonishment, I could see the time imprinted on it in astonishing detail without squinting or putting on my glasses. I went to have a shower and immediately noticed that I could read the shampoo bottles without bringing them an inch away from my face. These are the types of experiences I get to have (and more) now that I’ve completed my eye surgery.
Like everyone, I was nervous, like REALLY nervous. Not only me but my entire family. I’d be approached regularly by different family members telling me “Oh! My Mom’s friend’s friend had laser eye surgery done and now she has dry eyes” or “I know a guy who had Lasik done and they wouldn’t recommend it” all of these comments followed by the “You shouldn’t get the surgery done, Jesse, you’re making a terrible decision!”. All of this compounded at the idea (in the back of my head) of possibly going blind. In practice, with today’s modern practices and medicine, the chances of having any of these side effects are INCREDIBLY rare. Even if they were possible, they would be spotted during the many pre and post exams and more than likely corrected before they get worse.
The moment I entered the clinic for my surgery time, I was immediately put at ease. Every single staff member from the front desk reception, to the nurses, operating area staff, to the surgeon’s assistants and to the surgeon himself (Dr Blaylock) do a phenomenal job at putting your mind at ease. They are all incredibly calm, knowledgeable and friendly. Blaylock was incredible during the quick 7 minute per eye procedure. Throughout the procedure, in the calmest and most soothing voice, he would constantly be saying “You’re doing great, Jesse” “Everything is going well””Great job, yes, keep it up”. The surgery went by fast and I didn’t feel a thing. You don’t even see the instruments being brought up to your eye either as you’re focusing on a very bright light the entire time. All you have to do is follow the gentle directions from Blaylock during the surgery.
While the most premium option and not exactly cheap, I would still highly recommend ICL to anyone. While, Lasik and PRK are still options, there are several reasons why ICL is superior to both of those (if you’re eligible for it). Do your research on EVO Visian ICL or visit VLEC’s website if you’re interested in learning the benefits. Isn’t using our eyes the way they’re meant to be used and sharper, clearer vision worth the cost increase?
The reviews speak for themselves. Blaylock and his team are a world renowned surgical team who operate on people all around the world. Do yourself a favor and choose Valley Laser Eye Centre for your eye surgery consultation and surgery. You’ve got nothing to lose by booking a consultation. If you do choose to go ahead with any of the surgeries, be prepared for your life to be changed.
Jesse
Dr. Blaylock and the staff at Valley Laser Eye Centre are amazing. From my initial consultation appointment, to the follow up appointment after my surgery, his team was professional, kind, and knowledgeable. To say that the implantable contact lenses changed my life dramatically is an understatement. I’ve needed to wear corrective lenses for over 40 years and now … I don’t need to (except for reading glasses. But that is just because of my age 😂🤣).
A HUGE shoutout to Dr. Blaylock and his team. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Cherie
A strong prescription can make glasses feel heavy and contact lenses harder to rely on every day. You could also be interested in vision correction but have been told that LASIK or PRK isn’t suitable for your eyes.
Implantable Contact Lens surgery gives us another option. Instead of reshaping the cornea or replacing your natural lens, we place a prescription lens inside the eye while leaving your natural lens in place.
The implanted lens works with your eye’s existing focusing system to correct your vision. For the right patient, it can reduce dependence on glasses or regular contact lenses without removing corneal tissue.
ICL surgery is commonly considered by people with moderate or strong nearsighted prescriptions who want to rely less on glasses or contact lenses.
It can be worth discussing when:
We’ll provide instructions based on your assessment and treatment plan. Following them carefully helps us prepare your eyes and keep surgery day straightforward.
Before the procedure, make sure we know about:
| Procedure | What It Changes | When It Can Be Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Implantable Contact Lens | Adds a prescription lens while keeping the natural lens | Strong nearsighted prescriptions or when corneal laser treatment isn’t suitable |
| LASIK Or PRK | Reshapes the cornea | Stable prescriptions and corneas that meet laser treatment requirements |
| Refractive Lens Exchange | Removes and replaces the natural lens | Presbyopia, age-related lens changes, or certain strong prescriptions |
| Cataract Surgery | Removes and replaces a cloudy natural lens | A cataract is affecting daily vision |
For the right patient, ICL can provide strong prescription correction while preserving both the cornea and natural lens.
Potential benefits include:
ICL doesn’t reshape the surface of the cornea, so it affects the eye differently than LASIK or PRK.
This can make it worth exploring when surface dryness or contact lens discomfort is part of your concern. It doesn’t mean ICL treats dry eye or that every patient with dryness will qualify.
We’ll assess the health of your eyes as a whole rather than recommending ICL based on one symptom.
You’ll arrive at Valley Laser Eye Centre before your scheduled procedure so we can prepare your eyes, review the plan, and answer any remaining questions.
During surgery, the prescription lens is placed inside the eye while your natural lens remains in place. Your eyes will be numbed to help keep you comfortable.
The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes. You’ll spend about two to three hours at VLEC, allowing time for preparation and care before you leave.
You’ll need someone to accompany you for the day. Follow the transportation and support instructions we provide even when your sight begins to feel clearer.
You’ll need to rest for the first 24 hours. Many patients can begin returning to work after approximately 24 hours when their recovery, work environment, and instructions allow it.
You’ll also return to VLEC for a postoperative appointment. This gives us time to examine your eye and check how it’s responding to the implanted lens.
Your vision can improve quickly, but it won’t always feel fully settled right away. Don’t resume driving, exercise, work, or other activities based only on how clearly you seem to be seeing.
| Procedure | Price |
|---|---|
| Implantable Contact Lens Surgery | $5,000 Per Eye |
An enhancement is included unless otherwise discussed.
We’ll confirm what’s included in your treatment plan and whether ICL is suitable after completing your assessment.
It can provide an option for some patients whose corneas aren’t suitable for LASIK or PRK. Because ICL doesn’t require corneal reshaping, corneal thickness affects the procedure differently.
We’ll still need to complete a full assessment before confirming candidacy.
We’ll measure your eyes carefully, learn what you want from your vision, and explain whether ICL offers the right balance of correction and long-term suitability. You’ll understand the procedure, recovery, pricing, and expected results before deciding whether to move forward.