ICL vs LASIK: Facts, Recovery, Safety and More

LASIK may be the most popular choice for vision correction surgery, but it’s not the only option that people have. ICL is an equally safe and effective alternative to the traditional LASIK.

Along with your doctor’s recommendation, choosing between ICL or LASIK will depend on several factors because both procedures have their own pros and cons, making one more suitable over the other based on your specific needs.

To help you make a smarter choice, we’re here to discuss everything you need to know about ICL and LASIK.

What happens during ICL?

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) involves implanting a specialised collamer lens (which has the same function as a typical contact lens) right on the top of the eye’s natural lens. The implanted lenses then work together with the eye’s natural lens to improve vision.

The lenses are implanted right in front of the eye’s natural lens to make sure that it’s not visible to the patient or to other people. The lens can be replaced or removed if needed.

The entire procedure is quick, painless, and takes less than 20 minutes for both eyes. Once the lenses have settled, vision usually improves within 24 hours.

ICL’s main difference from the traditional LASIK is that the cornea’s shape and structure are left untouched.

What happens during LASIK?

Traditional LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) remains the most in-demand refractive procedure in Singapore and around the globe, correcting vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK involves reshaping the cornea to allow light to focus better on the retina, resulting in improved and clear vision.

The procedure starts by cutting out a small flap in the cornea and folding it back to expose the underlying corneal tissue. Then, the surgeon uses a specialised laser to correct the shape of the cornea and smooth out any irregularities on the eye’s surface.

Just like ICL, LASIK is a pain-free and speedy procedure that takes only 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The recovery period starts as soon as the surgery is over.

How is the recovery period of ICL vs LASIK?

Both ICL and LASIK come with relatively short and smooth recovery periods, but LASIK patients generally fully recover faster than ICL patients.

Most LASIK patients experience full recovery within 3 to 4 days, with their vision starting to improve gradually within 24 hours. Dry eyes, vision glare, eye discomfort, and light sensitivity are common side effects during the healing process, but these usually go away swiftly.

While ICL patients may see immediate improvements in their vision following the procedure, it may take longer for their eyes to fully adjust. The majority of ICL patients report that full recovery happens within more or less a week.

Which is safer between ICL and LASIK?

Between ICL and LASIK, most specialists would pick the latter because of its lower risk profile, but this doesn’t automatically mean that the other wouldn’t be a great and safe choice for anyone.

ICL comes with a significantly higher risk because it involves going inside the eye to insert the specialised lens, while LASIK is only performed on the cornea. Other risks include damage to the iris and a higher risk of glaucoma due to the pressure.

Reversibility is the main advantage of ICL over LASIK. If the patient wishes to remove the implanted lens as their vision improves later on, they’re able to do so.

In most situations, ICL is the best alternative to LASIK for patients who don’t possess the right ocular anatomy.

Get in touch with Shinagawa Eye Centre and its team of specialists today if you want to know which between ICL and LASIK is the best option for you. Call to enquire or book an appointment today!