ICL Surgery in India: Types, Procedure, Cost & Recovery
What is ICL Surgery?
Types of Implantable Collamer Lenses
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a vision correction procedure in which a thin, flexible lens is placed inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK or SMILE, it does not remove or reshape any corneal tissue, which is why it suits people with very high power or corneas too thin for laser surgery.
ICL surgery in India is now one of the most common options for spectacle powers between -3 D and -20 D. The most widely used lens is the EVO ICL by STAAR Surgical, which received US FDA approval in 2022; more than 4 million ICLs have been sold worldwide. Because the lens can be removed or exchanged, ICL is also described as a reversible procedure.
At Planet LASIK, ICL is performed by senior refractive surgeons after a 90-minute evaluation that confirms whether your eyes can safely hold the lens.
Two types of lenses are used in ICL eye surgery today: the Spherical ICL and the Toric ICL. Which one is suitable for you depends on your prescription and the results of the eye tests and measurements performed before surgery.
Lens Type | Description | Best For | Key Feature |
Spherical ICL | Corrects myopia or hyperopia without an astigmatism component. | Myopia or hyperopia, no astigmatism | Foldable lens, micro-incision insertion |
Toric ICL | Corrects myopia or hyperopia with astigmatism using different powers across the lens surface. | Myopia or hyperopia with astigmatism (up to 6.00 D) | Aligned to the eye’s axis; fully customised |
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How Does the ICL Lens Work Inside the Eye?
- ICL works like a permanent contact lens placed inside the eye. It sits safely in the space between the iris (the coloured part of your eye) and your natural lens, without touching either.
- It’s made of Collamer, a soft material your eye accepts as its own. You can’t see it, and you can’t feel it.
- The lens bends incoming light so it lands exactly on the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of your eye. That’s what corrects focusing problems like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
- EVO ICL has a tiny central opening called the KS-AquaPORT, which lets your eye’s natural fluid flow freely, keeping the eye healthy without any extra procedure.
Benefits of ICL Surgery
ICL eye surgery offers numerous benefits:
- Treats very high power: Corrects myopia up to -20 D, a range LASIK and SMILE cannot safely reach.
- No corneal tissue removed: The cornea keeps its natural thickness and strength, which matters if yours is thin.
- Reversible: The lens can be removed or exchanged if your eyes change or a better option comes along.
- Does not cause dry eye: Corneal nerves are not cut, so ICL is a good fit for people who already have dry eyes.
- Sharp vision in low light: Many people report crisp night vision because the cornea’s shape is left untouched.
- Built-in UV filter: The Collamer material blocks UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Quick visual recovery: Vision clears within hours and most people return to desk work in 3 to 7 days.
- Invisible and zero upkeep: You cannot see or feel the lens, and it needs no cleaning.
Who Is a Candidate for ICL Surgery?
Not everyone who wants ICL surgery in India is a suitable candidate. You may be a good candidate for ICL if:
- You are between 21 and 45 years old
- Your spectacle power has not changed for at least one year
- You have myopia between -3 D and -20 D, or hyperopia between +3 D and +10 D
- You have astigmatism up to 6 D (corrected with a Toric ICL)
- The space inside the front of your eye (anterior chamber depth) is deep enough to hold the lens, usually 2.8 mm or more
- Your corneal endothelial cell count is healthy for your age
- Your corneas are too thin for LASIK or SMILE, or you have dry eyes that rule out laser surgery
Who Should Avoid ICL Surgery
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with a shallow anterior chamber or a low endothelial cell count
- Glaucoma or raised eye pressure
- Cataract, or a natural lens that has started to cloud
- A history of uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
- Diabetes that is not under control and is affecting the eyes
None of this can be judged at home. A single visit with our refractive team covers all the tests.
[Doctor to confirm: age range and minimum anterior chamber depth used at Planet LASIK.]
What is the ICL Surgery Procedure?
The ICL surgery procedure in India has three parts:
Before ICL Surgery: Pre-Operative Tests & Preparation
Pre-operative assessment is used to evaluate whether you are eligible for the procedure and also to compute the exact lens power. The assessment will include the following:
- Visual and Refraction Tests: The visual acuity test and refractive measurement evaluate your eyesight and give your exact prescription.
- Corneal and Eye Measurement: These tests include corneal topography, pachymetry, anterior chamber depth, and biometry, which are used to determine the health and structure of the eye and the suitability and power of the lens.
- Eye Evaluation: Endothelial cell count, tonometry, and dilated fundus evaluation evaluate the general health of the eye, especially the retina and cornea.
- Pupil Assessment: Pupillometry tests are done to determine the size of the pupil and can assist in evaluating the visual symptoms at night.
The full set of tests takes about 90 minutes at a Planet LASIK centre. If you wear contact lenses, stop soft lenses 1 to 2 weeks before testing and rigid lenses 3 to 4 weeks before, so the cornea can return to its natural shape.
During the ICL Procedure
The surgery itself is shorter than the wait beforehand: 15 to 30 minutes per eye:
- Anaesthesia. Numbing drops go in first. If you’re anxious, a mild sedative helps. No needles, no general anaesthesia.
- Preparation. The eye is cleaned, and a small device keeps the eyelids open, so blinking isn’t your problem to manage.
- The incision. A 2.5 to 3 mm opening at the edge of the cornea. No flap is cut, no tissue removed. The folded collamer lens goes in through an injector.
- Positioning. The surgeon unfolds the lens and settles it behind the iris. With EVO, the central port sits over the pupil.
Both eyes are usually treated the same day, one after the other, with a short break.
After ICL Surgery: The First 24 Hours
You won’t be rushed out. Expect an hour or two of observation while the surgeon checks eye pressure and lens position.
- Most candidates notice clearer vision within hours, though day one usually brings some haze and light sensitivity.
- A protective shield stays on for the first 24 hours, mainly to stop you rubbing the eye in your sleep.
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops run for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Your first follow-up happens within a day to confirm the lens is sitting where it should.
Arrange for someone to drive you home. That part isn’t optional.
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Recovery Timeline After ICL Surgery At Planet LASIK
ICL surgery recovery time is one to two weeks for most routines, and vision starts clearing within hours.
Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
First 24 hours | Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, blurry patches. Rest with the shield on; use your drops. |
Day 2 to Day 7 | Vision clears steadily. Keep water, dust, and your own fingers away from the eye. First follow-up. |
Week 2 to Week 4 | Back to work and routine for most people. Vision settles. |
1 to 3 months onwards | Final visual quality. After this, a check-up every 6 to 12 months is all it takes. |
The follow-up schedule matters more than it seems. Keep every appointment, even when your vision already feels perfect.
Risks & Side Effects of ICL Surgery
ICL surgery is safe for well-screened candidates, but like any surgery inside the eye it carries some risks. Most side effects are temporary; serious complications are uncommon.
- Halos and glare at night: common in the first few weeks, then they fade.
- Raised eye pressure: a short-term spike that is checked at every follow-up and treated with drops if needed.
- Lens sizing issues: if the gap between the ICL and your natural lens (the vault) is too high or too low, the lens may need to be exchanged for a different size.
- Lens rotation: mostly with Toric ICLs, and fixed with a minor repositioning.
- Cataract: a long-term possibility if the lens sits too close to the natural lens; uncommon with modern sizing.
- Endothelial cell loss: a slow decline in inner corneal cells, monitored on yearly check-ups.
- Infection: rare, and treated with antibiotic drops.
Follow all necessary precautions after ICL surgery to ensure a smoother recovery process.
How Safe and Successful Is ICL Surgery?
ICL has more than 25 years of clinical use behind it. The EVO ICL received US FDA approval in March 2022, and STAAR Surgical reported in February 2026 that more than 4 million ICLs had been sold worldwide. In STAAR’s patient survey, 99.4% of people said they would choose ICL again
ICL Results at Planet LASIK
Dos & Don’ts After ICL Surgery: Aftercare Tips
Aftercare isn’t complicated, but the first month requires a little discipline.
Dos:
- Use your prescribed drops exactly as instructed.
- Show up to every follow-up, even the ones that feel unnecessary.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors for the first month.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes or applying drops.
Don’ts:
- Don’t rub your eyes. This is the one candidates break most often.
- No swimming, hot tubs, or dunking your head in water for two weeks.
- Skip heavy lifting and anything that strains the eyes for a few weeks.
- No eye makeup for a week.
- Stay clear of dust, smoke, and chemical fumes while healing.
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When to Call Your Doctor After ICL Surgery
Some discomfort in week one is expected: mild irritation, light sensitivity, slightly filmy vision. The following are not expected, and each warrants a same-day call to your Planet LASIK surgeon:
- Severe eye pain that your prescribed medication doesn’t touch
- A sudden drop in vision, or loss of vision
- Persistent flashes, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow across your view (possible retinal issue)
- Growing redness, swelling, or discharge
Why Choose ICL Over LASIK or SMILE?
ICL removes no corneal tissue, is fully reversible, blocks UV, and tends to deliver better night vision. LASIK and SMILE heal faster and cost less. Here’s the side-by-side comparison:
Parameter | ICL | LASIK | SMILE |
Procedure | Lens implanted inside the eye | Cornea reshaped with a flap | Lenticule extracted, no flap |
Myopia range | -3.00 D to -20.00 D | Up to -8.00 D | Up to -10.00 D |
Astigmatism | Up to 6.00 D (Toric ICL) | Up to 6.00 D | Up to 5.00 D |
Thin corneas | Suitable | Generally not suitable | May be suitable in selected cases, depending on corneal thickness and other factors. |
Dry eyes | Generally suitable | Higher risk of worsening | Lower risk than LASIK |
Reversibility | Yes | No | No |
Recovery | 1 to 2 weeks | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 5 days |
UV protection | Yes, built into the lens | No | No |
Cost of ICL Surgery in India
At Planet LASIK, ICL eye surgery typically costs between ₹1,60,000 and ₹2,60,000 for both eyes. The final cost varies based on the type of implantable lens, your eye condition, and the treatment plan.
Lens Type | Approx. Cost (Both Eyes, INR) |
ICL Spherical | ₹2,05,000 |
IPCL Spherical | ₹1,65,000 |
ICL Toric | ₹2,05,000 |
IPCL Toric | ₹1,65,000 |
ICL Presbyopic | ₹2,47,200 |
Eyecryl Phakic Lens | ₹1,65,000 |
Eyecryl Phakic Toric Lens | ₹1,65,000 |
Planet LASIK pricing is all-inclusive with EMI options, so the number you’re quoted is the number you pay. On insurance: most policies treat ICL as elective and won’t cover it, though IRDAI guidelines require insurers to cover refractive surgery above -7.5 D, so candidates with very high powers sometimes qualify. Our counsellors will check yours.
Why Choose Planet Lasik for ICL Surgery?
Plenty of centres offer ICL. If you’re searching for the best ICL surgery in India, here’s what that phrase should actually mean, and what choosing Planet LASIK by Centre For Sight gets you:
- Experienced Surgeons: Highly skilled ophthalmologists specialising in ICL procedures.
- 3000+ ICL procedures performed by senior refractive surgeons.
- NABH-accredited facilities with international sterilisation protocols.
- A personalised plan and lifetime follow-up for every ICL candidate.
- All-inclusive pricing with EMI options and no surprise bills.
- 90% patient satisfaction and a 4.6-star Google rating across our centres.
Considering ICL? Book an appointment with Planet LASIK and find out, in one visit, whether your eyes qualify.
Are you considering ICL surgery?
Book an appointment with Planet Lasik to explore your options.
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FAQs
What is the full form of ICL in eye surgery?
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. It is a thin, flexible lens made of Collamer that a surgeon places inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. People also call it a phakic IOL or an implantable contact lens.
How much does ICL surgery cost in India?
At Planet LASIK, ICL surgery costs between Rs 1,65,000 and Rs 2,47,200 for both eyes. Indian-made phakic lenses such as IPCL and Eyecryl sit at the lower end, EVO ICL costs more, and the presbyopic ICL is at the top of the range. The quote you get after your evaluation covers diagnostics, surgery, lenses and follow-ups, and EMI options are available.
What is the age limit for ICL surgery?
ICL is usually recommended between 21 and 45 years of age, once your spectacle power has been stable for at least a year. After 45, the natural lens starts to change, so your surgeon may suggest the presbyopic ICL or a lens-based option instead. Age alone does not decide it; eye measurements do.
Is ICL surgery safe?
Yes. The EVO ICL received US FDA approval in 2022, and more than 4 million ICLs have been sold worldwide. Serious complications such as raised eye pressure, cataract or infection are uncommon and are picked up early through scheduled follow-ups. Safety depends heavily on accurate lens sizing, which is why the pre-operative measurements matter.
Does the ICL procedure hurt?
No. The eye is numbed with drops and a mild sedative is available if you feel anxious. Most people feel slight pressure while the lens goes in, not pain. Some scratchiness for a day or two afterwards is normal.
How long does an ICL last?
The lens is designed to stay in the eye permanently. It does not degrade, dry out or need cleaning. It only comes out if your prescription changes a lot, if the size needs correcting, or when you have cataract surgery many years later, and removal is a routine procedure.
Can both eyes be treated on the same day?
Yes. At Planet LASIK, both eyes are usually treated on the same day, one after the other, with a short break in between. Your surgeon may advise separate days if your measurements or medical history call for it.
What is the difference between ICL and IPCL?
Both are phakic lenses placed inside the eye. ICL (EVO) is made by STAAR Surgical from Collamer, a collagen-copolymer material, and is US FDA approved. IPCL is made in India from hydrophilic acrylic and costs less. Your surgeon recommends one based on your power, eye size and budget.
Is ICL better than LASIK?
Neither is better for everyone. ICL suits high power (up to about -20 D), thin corneas and dry eyes, and it is reversible. LASIK suits moderate power with healthy, thick corneas, costs less and heals faster. Your pre-operative tests decide which one is right for your eyes.
Will I need glasses after ICL surgery?
Most people do not need glasses for distance after ICL. As with any vision correction, reading glasses may be needed after your mid-forties because of presbyopia, which is a normal ageing change of the natural lens.
Is ICL surgery covered by insurance in India?
Most policies treat ICL as elective and do not cover it. IRDAI guidelines, however, allow cover for refractive surgery when the power is 7.5 D or more, so people with very high myopia may qualify. Planet LASIK counsellors check your policy before surgery.
Can ICL be done for keratoconus?
In selected cases, yes. A Toric ICL can correct the power in stable keratoconus, often after the cornea has been strengthened with corneal cross-linking. Your surgeon confirms stability on corneal topography before recommending it.
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