Overcome severe refractive error with ICL East Grinstead, Sussex and London

Discover how implantable contact lenses can change your life for the better

Overcome severe refractive error with ICL in Sussex

Discover how implantable contact lenses can change your life for the better

Turned down for laser eye surgery?

A great solution if you have a high prescription and want to be free of glasses and contact lenses

What are implantable contact lenses (ICL)?

ICLs are lenses that we implant inside the eye to correct a refractive error without removing the natural lens. We use these lenses to treat patients with high refractive errors that cannot be treated with a laser.

The most common type of IOL in the UK is the Visian ICL (Intraocular Collamer Lens). This IOL sits behind the pupil in front of the natural lens in the eye.

The other type of IOL is Artisan/Verisyse IOL. This type of IOL clips onto the iris in front of the patient’s pupil.

Who are the candidates for ICL?
  • Young patients who are unsuitable for laser vision correction are often great candidates for implantable contact lenses. This is because ICLs can correct a wider range of spectacle prescriptions than laser vision correction.
  • Patients with pre-existing cornea or eye surface problems.
  • Those over 18 years old.
  • Those with stable vision who have had no change greater than 0.5 units (diopters) in glasses prescription for at least two years.
Who is not suitable for ICL?
  • Those with cataracts.
  • Those with glaucoma (elevated intraocular pressure).
  • Those who do not have enough room in the front of the eye to fit the ICL. We can determine this with certain scans at your initial appointment.

Implantable contact lenses sit between the natural lens of the eye and the iris. They work in a similar way to traditional contact lenses by focusing light through the lens and onto the retina, correcting the vision.

Advantages
  • ICLs are very effective and designed to treat high glasses prescriptions and astigmatism.
  • ICL implantation does not stop you from having successful cataract surgery or RLE later in life if this is required.
disadvantages
  • We only recommend ICL / Phakic lenses to people between the age group of 18-50 years.
  • You will need to attend regular annual checkups.

With any eye surgery, problems can occur during the operation or afterwards. Different types of ICL have different associated risks. We will give you clear advice relevant to the lens type that we recommend.

Permanent or serious loss of vision is very uncommon after ICL implantation. Causes include damage to the nerve at the back of the eye caused by a sudden rise in fluid pressure within the eye after surgery and damage to the retina caused by infection or retinal detachment.

We offer ICL surgery in cases where corneal refractive surgery is not appropriate or is unsafe.

The alternative would be to use glasses or contact lenses and not proceed with surgery.

After we’ve applied eye drops to numb the eye, we make a small self-sealing incision in the cornea through which we insert the ICL. After the surgery, we will prescribe specific eye drops for you to use.

After ICL, you should experience unaided vision similar to or even better than contact lens vision but with more comfort and convenience.

You’re just one step away from enjoying a fuller, more enriched life without glasses or contact lenses.

Say goodbye to tiresome visual aids with a suitability assessment in your local area. It really couldn’t be easier.

Do your glasses and contact lenses get in your way?

Learn more about vision correction surgery

You don’t want wear glasses or contact lenses

If you feel encumbered by needing glasses or contact lenses, then laser eye surgery might suit you. We offer all-laser LASIK and PRK.
Learn more

You don’t want to wear reading glasses

If you’re over 50 and want to see clearly at close and distant objects, lens eye surgery might be for you. We offer lens replacement with premium IOLs.
Learn more

You have a high prescription and are not suitable for laser eye surgery

If you’re not a candidate for laser, we offer Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) as an ideal option to get out of glasses and contact lenses.
Learn more

Take a look at the stories of our real patients who faced optical challenges, underwent treatment, and returned to enjoying the life they love

Take a look at the stories of our real patients who faced optical challenges, underwent ICL treatment, and returned to enjoying the life they love

“I feel like a big part of health is using what your body already has. Visian ICL is in line with that because it’s keeping your eye completely intact. My eye is still my eye.”

Eve Torres Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, Former WWE Diva, Mom

“I had my first opportunity to put my Visian ICL eyes to the test recently in the Brazilian Rainforest, and it couldn’t have been more exciting to be able to spot rare species better than ever.”

Phil Torres
Entomologist, TV Show Host

Affiliations and memberships

We are aligned with the following professional bodies

Academic resources on implantable contact lenses (ICL)

Learn more about implantable contact lenses (ICL’s) from authoritative sources

Investigators assess the long-term correction of moderate to high myopia using a posterior chamber phakic IOL with a central port design that showcases a good safety profile.

Click here for more information.

Collamer is a blend of polymer and collagen with the purpose of making the lens lighter, hydrophilic, and allowing for a better exchange of gas and nutrients.

Click here for more information.

Phakic intraocular lens (Phakic IOL or PIOL) implants are an alternative to LASIK and PRK eye surgery for correcting moderate to severe myopia, and in some cases, Phakic IOLs produce better and more predictable vision outcomes than laser refractive surgery.

Click here for more information.

For vision problems the best first step is an assessment for vision correction surgery

An assessment appointment for vision correction surgery helps you find out if you’re suitable for the procedure based on your prescription and lifestyle needs.

Beat the lockdown wait lists and move forward with your life

We provide personalised treatment at a time and place that suits you

Mr Mohamed Elalfy

MBBCh, MSc, MD, DRCOphth, FRCS (Ed), FRCS (Glas), FRCOphth, FICO, FEBO
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Seeking eye treatment for a worrying eye condition can be stressful. Waitlists everywhere are long due to the lockdowns, and leaving the house to attend appointments can be a real inconvenience.

To make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible, we provide assessments in your local area. We also offer online appointments both before and after your treatment, so you don’t have to travel far to get the personalised support you deserve.

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