Complete Guide to ICL Surgery｜Vision Correction Without Reshaping the Cornea

Ask an Ophthalmologist! An In-Depth Explanation from the Differences with LASIK to Postoperative Care

👓 What Is ICL Surgery? A Vision Correction Method Attracting Attention

When it comes to vision correction, LASIK is well known,

but did you know that the option of “ICL surgery” has recently been attracting attention?

ICL is short for “Implantable Contact Lens.”

It is an innovative method that corrects vision by inserting a tiny lens inside the eye!

The biggest difference from LASIK is that it does not reshape the cornea.

That means even people with thin corneas or severe myopia may be eligible for the procedure✨

🆚 Q1. How is it different from LASIK?

A. It is a procedure that inserts a lens without removing any corneal tissue.

LASIK is a procedure that uses a laser to remove tissue from the surface of the cornea and change its refractive power.

ICL, on the other hand, corrects vision by inserting a specialized lens between the cornea and the crystalline lens.

Benefits of ICL

👁‍🗨 Suitable even for high myopia (-6D or more)

Even people with severe myopia, which can be difficult to treat with LASIK, may be able to have their vision corrected. In some cases, it can also be used for extremely high myopia of -10D or more.

👁‍🗨 Possible even for people with thin corneas

Since no corneal tissue is removed, the procedure can be performed regardless of corneal thickness.

👁‍🗨 Lower risk of dry eye

Since the surface of the cornea is not removed,

the concern about dry eye, which commonly occurs after LASIK, is significantly reduced.

👁‍🗨 Reversible—can be removed if necessary

Even if a problem occurs, the eye can be restored to its original state by removing the lens.

This “ability to redo the procedure” can provide great peace of mind!

🙋 Q2. Can anyone undergo the procedure?

A. There are certain requirements.

ICL surgery is an amazing technology,

but unfortunately, it is not suitable for everyone.

Be sure to carefully check the eligibility requirements.

✅ People who can undergo the procedure

・18 years or older with stable vision

・An anterior chamber depth of 2.8 mm or more

・Myopia of approximately -3D to -18D

・Astigmatism of -6D or less

Having stable vision is an important point.

Surgery is not recommended during the growth period, when vision is still changing.

❌ People who cannot undergo the procedure

・Those with eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts

・Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding

・Those with insufficient anterior chamber depth

・Those with a low corneal endothelial cell count

・Those with systemic conditions such as immune disorders or diabetes

👉 A detailed examination is essential!

Specialized ophthalmic examinations are essential for determining eligibility.

Undergo a detailed examination during your consultation to confirm whether the procedure is right for you.

⏰ Q3. How long does the surgery take, and what is recovery like?

A. It is completed in a surprisingly short time.

ICL surgery takes much less time than you might think!

⏱️ One eye: 10–15 minutes

⏱️ Both eyes: approximately 20–30 minutes

Only eye-drop anesthesia is used. Many patients feel little to no pain.

You remain conscious during the procedure, but care is taken to ensure you can undergo it in a relaxed state.

【Recovery Schedule】

From the next day: Daily activities are OK

Many people notice an improvement in their vision starting the next day.

In some cases, it is possible to return to desk work from the next day.

1 month: Avoid strenuous exercise

Avoid jogging, swimming, and contact sports for approximately one month.

1–3 months: Vision becomes completely stable

During this period, your vision settles, and your final visual outcome is established.

The short downtime is another appealing feature of ICL.

It is reassuring that you do not need to take an extended break from work or school💡

🔍 Q4. Can the lenses be used for life?

A. Basically, they can be used long-term.

ICL lenses are designed to be used semi-permanently.

💡 Highly Biocompatible Material

Uses a special material called Collamer.

It is highly compatible with biological tissues and has an extremely low risk of rejection.

💡 Long-Term Use Unless Special Issues Arise

If there are no issues during regular checkups, it can be used for the rest of your life.

💡 Can Be Replaced If Cataracts or Prescription Changes Occur

Even if you develop cataracts in the future,

the lens can be removed and cataract surgery can be performed.

【Regular Checkup Schedule】

First year after surgery: Every 3 months

Thorough checkups are performed immediately after surgery.

Thereafter: Every 6 months to 1 year

Once your condition is stable, one or two checkups per year are sufficient.

Regular checkups help maintain long-term safety✨

⚠️ Q5. What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

A. They exist, but have been greatly reduced with the latest technology.

Every surgery carries some risks.

ICL is no exception, but advances in technology have improved its safety year by year.

Main complications:

・Increased intraocular pressure: The lens may obstruct the flow of aqueous humor

・Cataracts (approximately 1–3%): A long-term risk

・Rarely, infection or bleeding: As this is surgery, the risk is not zero

However, these risks can be minimized through appropriate examinations and postoperative care.

【Good News】✨

The latest EVO+ ICL has a central hole,

significantly reducing the risks of increased intraocular pressure and cataracts!

Conventional models could potentially obstruct the flow of aqueous humor,

but with EVO+ ICL, aqueous humor flows naturally through the central hole,

so the risk of increased intraocular pressure has been almost eliminated.

This also significantly reduces the risk of cataracts.

Safer surgery is now possible🎉

👀 Important Points After Surgery

The success of ICL surgery

also depends on postoperative care!

☑️ Use the prescribed eye drops exactly as instructed

This is essential for reducing inflammation and preventing infection. Apply the eye drops as directed.

☑️ Do not rub your eyes or subject them to impact

Be especially careful during the first month after surgery. Those who have a habit of rubbing their eyes unconsciously should take extra care.

☑️ Be sure to attend regular checkups

Detecting abnormalities at an early stage is important. Even if it is inconvenient, visit the clinic according to your schedule.

☑️ Consult with a trusted specialist

Choosing an experienced ophthalmologist is the key to a successful surgery.

💭 ICL surgery is recommended for people who

✨ Have been told that LASIK is difficult due to severe myopia

✨ Have given up on LASIK because their corneas are thin

✨ Want to be free from the inconvenience of contact lenses and glasses

✨ Are concerned about dry eyes

✨ Prefer a reversible procedure

Conversely, ICL may not be suitable for people with mild myopia or shallow anterior chamber depth.

🏥 Benefits of undergoing ICL surgery in Korea

Korea is a leading country in ophthalmic care. It has extensive experience with ICL surgery,

and many clinics incorporate the latest technologies.

Features of ophthalmology clinics in Korea:

・A large number of cases and highly experienced doctors

・The latest EVO+ ICL is available

・Advanced examination equipment

・Thorough aftercare

Brought to you by YEPPURIKO.

Because your eye health is so important, choosing a trustworthy clinic is essential.

Listen carefully to the explanations during your consultation, and only undergo surgery once you are fully satisfied and comfortable with your decision!

If you are considering vision correction,

please consider ICL as one of your options.

Let’s protect your precious eye health together✨

We hope to make Korea feel closer and more安心,

and have brought you reliable information about Korea from ‘イェプリコ’.