What Are Implantable Contact Lenses, and Are They Better Than LASIK?

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Your Health Magazine

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What Are Implantable Contact Lenses, and Are They Better Than LASIK?

LASIK has been the golden standard in vision correction for years—accurate, quick, and reliable. However, a revolution is underway that few people discuss, and it’s transforming everything we thought we knew about correcting vision once and for all. It’s known as an ICL or Implantable Contact Lens.

Unlike LASIK, which alters the cornea with a laser, ICL involves placing a biocompatible lens within the eye—essentially a contact lens that remains in place. The payoff? Vision as clear as glass, without sacrificing any eye tissue.

Today, in 2025, ICLs are considered “the premium upgrade” to laser vision correction. But are they truly superior to LASIK? And more to the point—are they for you?

Let’s take a closer look at the technology, the experience, and the results that are transforming Implantable Contact Lenses into one of the most promising innovations in vision correction.

What is an ICL?

An Implantable Contact Lens is a thin, pliable lens produced with Collamer®, a collagen-based substance. IICLs, made with Collamer®, a biocompatible and UV-blocking substance, offer unique advantages over LASIK. They are extremely biocompatible, meaning they interact well with your eye’s natural chemistry, and they provide UV protection, a feature lacking in LASIK.

Transparent and imperceptible once placed

The lens is placed between your iris and your natural lens—without removing any tissue or altering the cornea.

Unlike LASIK or PRK, which changes the shape of the cornea with lasers, ICL never touches the surface of your eye.

An inside contact lens you’ll never need to wash, replace, or even notice.

Explanation of the Procedure

• Done under local anesthesia
• Blade-free and usually takes 20–30 minutes.
• Completely reversible (yes, you heard correctly)

Following a small, self-curing cut at the border of the cornea, the folded lens is inserted and placed behind the iris. Vision enhancement is typically detectable within 24 hours.

Recovery from ICL surgery is remarkably smooth, with minimal discomfort, rapid healing, and most individuals returning to their regular life in just 2–3 days. This quick recovery is a significant advantage over laser eye surgery, which often requires a longer healing period.

LASIK vs. ICL: A Side-by-Side Comparison

In summary, Are ICLs Superior to LASIK?

That depends on what you require. But for most patients, particularly those with:

• Extremely high prescriptions
• Thin or irregular corneas
• Chronic dry eye
• Need for reversibility

ICL is not merely a substitute for LASIK—it’s the better choice.

“My prescription was -10.5 with astigmatism. LASIK wasn’t a possibility. ICL provided me 20/15 vision the morning after. I never thought I would see this well,” says Neha S., age 28, a graphic designer.

The “Invisible Upgrade” Every Active Person Needs

ICLs are a massive hit among individuals with active, high-performance lifestyles.

No flap means no risk of tissue dislodging in contact sports

No dry eye makes ICLs perfect for long hours in windy or dry conditions. No maintenance is a frequent flyer and adventurer’s dream

No glare or halos at night make them ideally suited for drivers and pilots

“As a diver, ICL was a no-brainer. Say goodbye to worrying about lenses underwater or blurry reef scenes. It changed everything,” says Andy, a scuba instructor in the Maldives.

What are the Risks?

Like any procedure, ICL has potential risks—though, in 2025, they’re rare and well-managed. The safety of ICLs is a top priority, with measures in place to minimize any potential risks.

• Risk of cataract formation (low, especially in younger patients)
• Elevated eye pressure post-surgery (prevented with tiny pre-op iridotomy) Very low chance of infection (less than 1 in 5,000 cases)

With new ICL designs, such as EVO Visian ICL, complications have fallen dramatically, and most procedures are now performed without a hitch.

Can I Still Get Cataract Surgery in the Future?

Yes. One of the most significant advantages of ICLs is that they do not interfere with future eye surgery.

Suppose you eventually develop cataracts later in life, as we all do. In that case, the ICL can be removed without difficulty, and your eye doctor can perform routine lens replacement.

This provides ICL a superior advantage over LASIK, which permanently alters the cornea and potentially makes subsequent surgeries more difficult.

The Reversibility Factor

Unlike LASIK, which permanently removes tissue, ICL surgery is reversible.

If your prescription gets significantly worse over time

If technology improves and a superior lens becomes available, If ever there’s a complication (infrequent) your ICL can be taken out or replaced. This future-proofs your eyes in a way that laser surgery just can’t.

Why is ICL on the Rise in 2025?

With this era of customization, safety, and long-range planning, ICL perfectly fits what today’s patients crave:

• Minimally invasive.
• High-definition vision.
• Long-range flexibility.
• Instant results
• No surface healing is necessary. Particularly well-suited for intricate cases.

With more than 1 million ICL procedures safely completed globally and increasing interest year after year, ophthalmologists are referring to ICLs as “the most exciting innovation since LASIK.”

So, Is ICL for You?

You might be a strong candidate if:

• Your prescription is high (beyond -G.00). You’ve been advised that LASIK may not be ideal for you. You suffer from dry eye.
• You want better night vision
• You want a reversible, maintenance-free solution
• You want the best technology available for long-term visual clarity

Consulting with a refractive specialist can help determine whether ICL, LASIK or another procedure, such as SMILE or CLEAR, is the best fit for you.

Final Word: The Future of Vision Correction Isn’t Either/Or—It’s Personalized

The future of vision correction isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach-it’s personalized. In 2025, we have a range of options, each designed to meet your unique needs and preferences. Understanding your individual needs is at the heart of our approach to vision correction.

If you desire ultra-sharp, worry-free vision without ever touching the surface of your eye, Implantable Contact Lenses might be the upgrade your life needs.