The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) procedure is a vision correction surgery that involves placing a small, flexible lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors. ICL surgery is often presented as an alternative for individuals with moderate to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism who may not be suitable candidates for laser procedures like LASIK, frequently due to thin corneas or high prescriptions. The primary goal of this procedure is to reduce or eliminate the patient’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The lens is precisely positioned between the iris and the natural lens.
The Surgical Timeline
The question of how long ICL surgery lasts can first be answered by examining the duration of the actual procedure itself. ICL implantation is a fast, outpatient surgery that typically requires minimal time in the operating suite. The entire surgical process for one eye usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. This short duration is possible because the procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve reshaping the cornea. The patient is given a local anesthetic and may receive a mild sedative. While the surgery itself is brief, patients should expect to spend a few hours at the clinic for preparation, which includes pupil dilation and final measurements, and for immediate post-operative monitoring before being released to go home.
The Expected Lifespan of the ICL
The longevity of the implanted lens is the most common interpretation of “how long does ICL surgery last,” and the answer is that the lens is designed to be permanent. The Implantable Collamer Lens is made from a proprietary material called Collamer, which is a biocompatible collagen copolymer. This material is highly compatible with the eye’s internal environment and does not degrade or wear out over time, allowing the lens to remain indefinitely. The lens is meant to provide a lifetime of vision correction without the need for routine maintenance or replacement. Unlike contact lenses, which are replaced frequently, the ICL maintains its optical power and structural integrity for decades. Because the ICL does not alter the underlying structure of the eye, it works in harmony with the natural lens to provide stable, sharp vision. The ICL procedure is also unique because it is reversible, unlike laser-based surgeries such as LASIK. While the lens is intended to be permanent, a surgeon can safely remove or replace it should a medical need arise in the future. This reversibility provides flexibility and peace of mind for individuals considering the procedure.
Factors Influencing Long-Term Performance
While the ICL itself is designed to last a lifetime, the quality and stability of a patient’s vision correction can be influenced by natural biological changes over time. The eye’s natural lens continues to age behind the implant, leading to a condition known as presbyopia. Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near focusing ability, which typically begins to affect people around the age of 45 to 50 years. This gradual stiffening of the natural lens means that even with a perfect ICL implant, patients will likely require reading glasses later in life. Another important factor is the long-term health of the corneal endothelium, which is the innermost layer of the cornea. Endothelial cells maintain its clarity, and they do not regenerate. A small, initial loss of these cells is expected after any intraocular surgery, including ICL implantation. Long-term monitoring of the endothelial cell count is necessary to ensure the lens is positioned safely and not causing an accelerated rate of cell loss. The space, or “vault,” between the ICL and the natural lens is particularly important, as an optimal vault is associated with better long-term endothelial cell health.
Scenarios Requiring ICL Removal or Replacement
Although the ICL is intended to be permanent, there are specific medical scenarios that may necessitate its removal or replacement. The most common reason for a secondary surgical procedure is the natural development of cataracts later in life. As the eye’s natural lens ages and becomes cloudy, the ICL must be removed at the time of cataract surgery. During this procedure, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Removal or replacement may also be required, though rarely, if the ICL is not sized correctly, which can lead to complications such as significantly increased intraocular pressure. An improper fit, which is determined by the “vault,” can cause the lens to sit too close to the eye’s structures, requiring an exchange for a different size to prevent complications like glaucoma. Significant and unexpected changes in the patient’s refractive error that cannot be managed otherwise are another rare reason for lens exchange.