A Comprehensive Guide to ICL Surgery in Auckland

Done with wearing glasses or contact lenses? Wondering if there’s a way to fix your eyes that isn’t LASIK? You’re not the first! Lots of Kiwis are turning to implantable contact lenses (ICL). It’s a laser vision correction alternative that’s helped thousands achieve clear vision.
At Re:vision, we do more ICL surgeries than any other clinic in New Zealand. We even rank as one of the top clinics in the Pacific for it. So, you’re in safe hands here.
We put this guide together to give you a complete understanding of ICL surgery. It covers everything from what it is to who it suits, the upsides, the risks, what to expect before and after surgery, and what it costs.
What is ICL surgery?
ICL stands for implantable contact lens or implantable collamer lens, which is a tiny flexible plastic lens. ICL surgery is the process of placing an ICL inside your eye, right behind your iris, to help you see better. It works in partnership with your eye’s natural lens. So, we don’t remove or fiddle with anything important. Technically, we're just adding a little helper.
It’s completely different from laser eye surgery like LASIK or PRK. Those use lasers to reshape your cornea (the clear front part of your eye). ICL surgery doesn’t interfere with your corneal tissue at all.
Who is ICL suitable for?
ICL surgery can be a brilliant option for those who aren’t quite right for laser eye surgery. Here are some scenarios where it tends to work best:
- Thin corneas: If your cornea is too thin, reshaping it with a laser can be risky business. ICL surgery skips the cornea completely, so it’s a safe alternative.
- Really strong prescriptions: If your eyesight is too far out of range for LASIK or PRK, ICL surgery might be the answer. It can deal with higher levels of short-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.
- Dry eyes: A few things, including wearing contact lenses all the time, can dry your eyes out. Laser eye treatment can sometimes make things worse. ICL surgery doesn’t cause extra dryness.
- Younger adults whose eyes have settled: Generally, we like your prescription to be stable for at least a year before having ICL surgery. That way, the lens we put in has the best chance of keeping your vision sharp.
Of course, implantable contact lenses aren't for everyone. If you have cataracts or other diseases that blur vision, it’s not the right fix for you. Same goes if your eyes are still changing a lot.
Benefits of ICL Surgery
There’s lots to love about ICL surgery. Here’s what makes it such a great option:
- Sharp, stable vision: Most people end up seeing even better than they did with glasses or contacts. Think of it as upgrading to HD.
- Removable lens: This one's a biggie. If your eyes change later, the ICL can be replaced or just taken out. LASIK, on the other hand, isn’t reversible.
- Handles higher prescriptions: Laser eye surgery has its limits. ICL surgery can correct way stronger prescriptions, including heavy astigmatism.
- No extra dry eye issues: ICL surgery doesn’t mess with your tear film. So, you're far less likely to battle with dry, gritty eyes.
- Leaves your corneal structure alone: This is key if you've got thin corneas or want to keep every bit of corneal tissue intact for future eye health.
In short, ICL surgery is stable, flexible, and keeps your options open.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Like any surgery and eye procedure, ICL surgery comes with some risks. However, most of these problems are pretty rare. This is especially true when you’re in the safe hands of the right ICL surgeon.
Some people might notice halos or glare around lights at night. It usually settles over time, but for a few, it may stick around. There’s also a slight chance of higher eye pressure, which is why we keep a close eye on you during your recovery period.
Trust us when we say that picking the right team matters. A surgeon who knows ICL inside out, like our surgeons at Re:vision, can avoid most issues before they even have a chance to start.
What to Expect Before and After ICL Surgery
Having ICL surgery is pretty straightforward. Here’s how it usually goes:
Before your ICL procedure
- Full eye checks: We’ll do a bunch of tests to map your eyes inside and out. This checks your prescription, measures your corneal tissue, and makes sure your eyes are healthy enough for implantable contact lenses.
- Discuss your options: We’ll go over the results with you. If ICL is right for you, we’ll explain the plan and schedule your surgery date.
- Pause your contacts: If you wear contact lenses, you might need to swap back to glasses for a few days. This helps your eyes revert to their natural shape before surgery.
After your ICL procedure
- Home the same day: The ICL procedure itself only takes about 10 minutes per eye. You’ll rest for a bit, then head home that same day (with someone driving you).
- Fast recovery: You should notice clearer vision within as little as a day or two. You’ll use some special eye drops to help your eyes heal and prevent infection.
- Follow-ups: You’ll need to pop back in a few times so we can check your eye pressure and make sure the lens is sitting perfectly.
The cost of ICL Surgery in Auckland
On average, you’re looking at about $6,000 to $7,000 per eye. But the final price comes down to things like your prescription, the exact type of implantable contact lenses in use, and the clinic you choose. That cost usually covers the whole ICL procedure, including your before surgery tests and your post-surgery follow-ups.
At Re:vision, we’re upfront about pricing. You’ll get a detailed quote once we’ve checked your eyes. So, you’ll know exactly what it's going to cost before you decide to go ahead.
Trusted ICL Surgery Auckland
If you’re thinking about ICL, there are a few big things to weigh up. Two of the most important being determining your suitability and picking the right eye surgeon.
As mentioned, our Re:vision surgeons have done more ICL surgeries than any other clinic in New Zealand. So, by choosing us, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re in the safest hands.
And if it turns out ICL isn’t right for you, it's not the end of the road. We also perform cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, and other laser refractive surgery. So we can still help you ditch the glasses and see clearly, just with the option that suits your eyes best!
Curious? The best first step is booking a consultation. We’ll check your eyes, run the right tests, and give you honest, expert advice so you can decide what’s right for you.
Book a consultation today!