Treatment guide · Refractive eye surgery

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Surgery

ICL surgery places a phakic lens inside the eye while leaving the natural lens in place, usually for selected patients with refractive errors unsuitable for corneal laser treatment.

Evidence-informed editorial guide · Medical review pending · Not personal medical advice
Typical procedure timeOften 20–30 minutes per eye.
AnaesthesiaTopical or local anaesthesia with sedation.
HospitalOutpatient eye surgery.
Suggested Turkey stayOften 2–6 days, especially for staged eyes.

The essentials

What is implantable contact lens (icl) surgery?

Detailed measurements assess anterior-chamber depth, corneal cells, prescription and sizing. The lens can be removed, but surgery is not risk-free or simply reversible without consequences.

What it may aim to do

  • Correct selected moderate or high refractive errors
  • Preserve the natural corneal shape
  • Reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses

Is this treatment suitable for me?

A webpage cannot determine this safely. Suitability must be decided by the responsible specialist after reviewing your symptoms, examination, medical history, medicines and relevant tests. Our coordinator can help you prepare the right records, but does not make the clinical decision.

Request an assessment
01
Procedure and techniqueHow it may be performed and what to discuss
  • Posterior-chamber phakic lens implantation
  • Toric ICL for selected astigmatism
  • Lens sizing based on ocular measurements

The appropriate technique can only be selected after examination, clinical indication and informed consent.

02
Recovery and travelTypical milestones, Turkey stay and fit-to-fly decision
First days

Blur, light sensitivity and pressure monitoring are expected.

Weeks 1–4

Drops and eye checks continue.

Long term

Lens position, eye pressure, corneal cells and cataract risk need monitoring.

Planning your stay in Turkey

Often 2–6 days, especially for staged eyes. This is a planning range. The treating team must confirm discharge and fitness to travel.

03
Price and inclusionsWhat may change the quotation
  • Complexity of the diagnosis and procedure
  • Specialist, anaesthesia and operating-facility fees
  • Implants, devices, imaging, pathology or laboratory requirements
  • Hospital nights, rehabilitation and follow-up schedule
  • Written policy for unexpected care, readmission or revision

Often included—confirm in writing

  • Named specialist and facility fees stated in the written quotation
  • Routine pre-operative tests specifically listed in advance
  • Procedure-related hospital charges and standard early follow-up
  • A written discharge, medication and urgent-contact plan

Often excluded—ask before paying

  • Flights, travel insurance and unrelated medical treatment unless stated
  • Additional imaging, pathology, implants or consultations not listed
  • Extra hotel or hospital nights and companion expenses unless included
  • Readmission, complication treatment or revision unless the policy states otherwise
04
Questions and answersFAQ and a short consultation checklist
Can suitability be confirmed remotely?

Records and imaging can support an initial opinion, but final eligibility and the treatment plan must be confirmed by the responsible specialist after an appropriate assessment.

When can I travel home?

Travel timing depends on the procedure, mobility, clot risk and early recovery. Only the treating team can confirm fitness to fly.

Ask the treating doctor

  • Why do you recommend this procedure for my case?
  • Who will perform the procedure, and where?
  • What should I expect during recovery?
  • What follow-up will I receive after I return home?
05
Sources and review statusReferences used for this general guide

These sources support general information only and do not replace advice based on your examination and history.

American Academy of Ophthalmology — Phakic Intraocular Lenses
Last editorial update
24 September 2026
Medical reviewer
Pending appointment

Understand your implantable contact lens (icl) surgery options

A coordinator can explain which medical records a specialist is likely to need and prepare a transparent comparison without promising suitability or results.

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