Phakic ICL Lenses – an alternative to laser vision correction
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Are you tired of glasses and contact lenses, but laser vision correction is not suitable for you? With implantable ICL lenses, you can regain excellent vision, even if you have a very high refractive error, thin corneas, or dry eye syndrome. This is a modern and safe alternative that will provide you with a life without limitations.
Life without glasses, even when laser vision correction is not an option
Imagine waking up in the morning and immediately seeing the world clearly – without glasses and without contact lenses. For many people, the path to this is laser vision correction (e.g., LASIK or SmartSight/SMILE methods). But what if your eyes do not qualify for this procedure?
We have good news: with implantable contact lenses – phakic lenses (ICL), we offer a modern solution at our clinic. This method is ideal for individuals with very high refractive errors, thin corneas, or dry eyes. Worldwide, ICLs are implanted every three minutes, and 99% of patients would choose this procedure again.
What is a Phakic ICL Lens?
A phakic lens (ICL = Implantable Collamer Lens) is an ultra-thin, flexible additional lens that is placed in the eye, leaving the natural lens in place. It is invisible, imperceptible, and remains in the eye permanently.
In our clinic, we use EVO/EVO+ Visian ICL lenses – the world’s leading phakic lenses, made from Collamer, a biocompatible material with built-in UV protection.
Who is the ICL lens for?Refractive errors that can be corrected:
- Myopia: up to -20 diopters
- Hyperopia: up to +10 diopters
- Astigmatism: up to 6 diopters
Anatomical and medical indications:
- Reversibility: the lens can be removed or replaced at any time.
- Thin cornea: when laser surgery is not possible.
- Stable keratoconus: often after cross-linking procedure.
- Chronic dry eye: the lens does not burden the cornea.
- Very high refractive errors: beyond the range of lasers.
ICL and Presbyopia
Around the age of 45, many people start to need reading glasses. ICL can also help in this case:
Monovision correction: one eye is corrected for distance, the other for near vision.
The most important thing is to choose the method appropriate for your vision defect. During the initial consultation, we will propose the appropriate laser correction technique.
When is ICL surgery not possible?
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding
- When the anterior chamber of the eye is too shallow
- In cases of advanced cataracts
- With unstable refractive error
The Procedure: Clear Vision in 20 Minutes
Preparation
Painless topical anesthesia.
Access
Micro-incision (3 mm) on the cornea, which heals spontaneously.
Implantation
The ICL lens gently unfolds behind the iris.
Result
Significantly improved vision immediately after the procedure.
Technology and Safety
The EVO ICL lens has a central opening (AquaPort) that ensures natural fluid flow in the eye, eliminating the need for additional iridotomy (an incision in the iris).
Possible, rare side effects:
- Long-term: rarely cataracts or lens sizing issues (which we avoid with precise OCT Anterion diagnostics).
- Short-term: increased eye pressure, halo effect, glare.
Comparison: ICL vs. LASIK vs. SmartSight/SMILE vs. Lens Replacement
| Method | Age | Correction Range | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ICL (Phakic Lens) | 18–45 years | up to -20 and +10 diopters | Reversible, corrects high refractive errors, does not alter the cornea | Intraocular procedure, higher cost |
| LASIK | 18–45 years | up to -8 and +4 diopters | Fast healing, precision | Limited with thin cornea/dry eye |
| SmartSight / SMILE | 18–45 years | up to -10 and -0.5 diopters | Minimally invasive, no corneal flap | Only myopia/astigmatism |
| Lens Replacement (RLE) | from 45 years | up to ±15 diopters | Also corrects presbyopia and cataracts | Natural lens is removed |
Post-operative check-ups
Full visual acuity
achieved within a few days
Day 1
first check-up
Week 1
drop adjustment
Month 1
vision stability check-up
When is ICL surgery not possible?
Cost from PLN 9,500 per eye, depending on the chosen surgical technique (including preliminary examinations, surgery, lens, and post-operative care).
- Transparent, fixed prices – no hidden fees
- Procedures are performed at the Clinic in Warsaw
- Private insurance: often covers part of the costs
Why choose our clinic?
- We have specialized in ICL since 2013.
- We have performed over a hundred successful implantations.
- We have international experience and use state-of-the-art diagnostics (OCT Anterion).
- We offer individualized care from experienced surgeons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Co oznacza ICL?
ICL = Implantable Collamer Lens, a phakic lens made of Collamer
Czy zabieg boli?
No, topical anesthesia makes the procedure completely painless.
Ile trwa zabieg?
10-20 minutes per eye
Czy soczewkę czuje się w oku?
No, it is imperceptible.
Jak długo działa ICL?
Lifelong – it can be replaced if necessary
Jaka jest różnica między ICL a LASIK?
LASIK changes the shape of the cornea; ICL is an additional lens in the eye. ICL is reversible and corrects higher refractive errors.
Kiedy mogę wrócić do pracy/sportu?
Office work usually the next day, light sports after a few days, swimming and contact sports after a few weeks.
Czy mogę sam wrócić do domu po zabiegu?
No, please arrange for transportation.
Czy ICL koryguje astygmatyzm?
Yes, with toric models.
Co jeśli później dostanę zaćmy?
The ICL lens is removed, and an intraocular lens is implanted during the same operation.
Jakie jest ryzyko?
Very rarely: infection, increased pressure, incorrect lens size. Thanks to precise diagnostics, the risk is minimal.
Czy kwalifikuję się do zabiegu?
We will confirm this during the preliminary examination.
Schedule a non-binding appointment and consultation to learn how we can improve your vision.
