ICL Treatment
Al Shifa Eye Clinic Islamabad offers safe and advanced Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) treatment for patients unsuitable for LASIK. Correct high-number glasses, myopia, astigmatism, and thin corneas with permanent, lens-based vision correction.
ICL Treatment in Islamabad
Complete Guide for Patients
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) Treatment is a modern and safe procedure for patients who want clear vision without glasses but are not suitable for LASIK or other laser procedures. At Al Shifa Eye Clinic, we use advanced ICL technology to correct high-number glasses, thin corneas, dry eyes, and complex refractive errors. Our goal is to help patients understand ICL treatment in simple language—how it works, who it is for, and what benefits they can expect—so that they can make confident decisions about their eye health.
What Is ICL Treatment?
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens, a soft, thin, artificial lens that is placed inside the eye to correct vision. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, ICL adds a new lens without removing any tissue. The natural lens remains in place, which keeps the eye’s natural focusing ability. ICL is ideal for people with high myopia, dry eyes, thin corneas, or unstable corneal shapes. The procedure is painless, reversible, and delivers high-definition vision.
Who Is ICL Best For?
ICL treatment is recommended for patients who:
- Have high myopia (large minus number)
- Are not suitable for LASIK due to thin corneas
- Have dry eyes or weak corneal structure
- Want a reversible, long-term solution for vision correction
- Prefer a treatment without removing corneal tissue
ICL offers exceptional clarity, stable results, and fast recovery, making it a reliable option for many adults.
How ICL Surgery Works
ICL surgery involves placing a small collamer lens behind the iris (colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural lens. The lens stays inside permanently, functioning like contact lenses—but without the daily inconvenience. The procedure takes 15–20 minutes per eye, using numbing drops to ensure comfort. Patients usually return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
Benefits of ICL Treatment
-
Corrects high-number glasses (+/-) up to very large limits
-
Safe for thin corneas or patients not fit for LASIK
-
Provides sharp, high-definition vision
-
Reversible—lens can be removed if needed
-
Does not cause dry eyes
-
Quick recovery with minimal discomfort
-
UV protection built into the lens material
-
Long-lasting and stable vision correction
ICL vs. LASIK – What’s the Difference?
- LASIK reshapes the cornea, while ICL adds a new internal lens
-
ICL is preferred for thin corneas, dry eyes, or very high numbers
-
ICL is reversible, LASIK is not
-
Vision quality is often sharper with ICL, especially in high prescriptions
-
LASIK is flap-based, while ICL is lens-based and tissue-preserving
-
Both are excellent treatments; the choice depends on eye condition, corneal thickness, and medical suitability.
Some of the Most Asked Question
No. The procedure uses numbing drops and is painless.
It is designed to stay permanently, but can be removed if needed.
Patients with uncontrolled eye pressure, severe cataracts, or infections may not qualify.
Most patients resume routine activities within 1–2 days.
ICL is better for high numbers, thin corneas, and dry-eye patients. For normal corneas, LASIK is also an excellent option.
