Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide

If you’re exploring alternatives to contacts — but LASIK isn’t an option for you — then you might be interested in implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery. More than two million ICLs have been implanted across the world, with an impressive success rate.¹ Before deciding if this might be right for you, it helps to understand how the procedure works and how much it typically costs.

What Is ICL Eye Surgery?

An ICL is a type of phakic intraocular lens (IOL) developed by STAARⓇ Surgical that is placed inside the eye to correct vision.² During this outpatient procedure, the lens is implanted behind the iris and in front of your natural lens to help focus light more clearly onto the retina. It’s quick and considered relatively safe.³

Unlike some intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery, ICLs do not replace your natural lenses. Instead, the phakic IOL works alongside the ICL — “phakic” simply means your natural lens remains in place. ICLs are sometimes referred to as “implantable contact lenses” or “contact lens implants.”⁴

The ICL is made of a patented blend of polymer and collagen (hence the name “collamer”).² Once in place, it helps your eye bend light more effectively, reducing the need for glasses or contacts.³

What Does ICL Surgery Treat?

ICL eye surgery is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness) and/or astigmatism. There’s also a newer ICL that treats patients who have both myopia and presbyopia.²

While ICLs are sometimes used to treat hyperopia (farsightedness) in other countries, the lenses are not approved for that condition in the United States.⁵

Different types of ICLs

The newest ICLs were approved by the FDA in 2022. They include a central port in the lens that reduces eye pressure and cataract concerns.²

Today, there are three main types of ICLs:²

• Visian ICL (both EVO/EVO+ versions), which corrects myopia with or without astigmatism
• Visian Toric ICL (both EVO/EVO+ versions), which corrects myopic astigmatism
• EVO Viva ICL, which corrects myopia with or without presbyopia

The main difference between EVO and EVO+ versions of the ICLs is that EVO+ has a larger optical diameter zone, which can make night vision better.⁶

Who is a good candidate for ICL eye surgery?

This procedure might make sense for you if you:⁷

• Are between 21 and 45
• Have healthy corneas and overall healthy eyes
• Have a stable eye prescription that hasn’t changed in the last year
• Have corneas that are slightly thin or irregularly shaped
• Require prescriptions for moderate-to-high astigmatism or myopia
• Want to recover quickly due to an active lifestyle
• Were told you’re not a good candidate for LASIK or other laser correction surgeries⁸
• Don’t have cataracts⁸
• Have dry eyes or issues with contact lenses³
• Aren’t pregnant or nursing⁹
• Don’t have a chronic, degenerative or autoimmune disease⁹
• Aren’t taking steroids or immunosuppressants that might hinder healing⁹

If you’re considering ICL surgery, a consultation with an ophthalmologist can help determine whether ICL surgery may be an appropriate option for you.

How Much Does ICL Eye Surgery Cost?

The national average cost* of ICL eye surgery is $4,935, but the cost can range between $3,800 and $9,405.¹⁰

Average cost of ICL eye surgery by type

In the United States, there are two main types of ICL surgery. Visian ICL is the more common type used to correct myopia and astigmatism. EVO Visian ICL also corrects myopia and astigmatism, but it’s a newer design of implant that allows a natural flow of aqueous humor, reducing the likelihood of glaucoma.¹⁰

Here are the average costs* of each:¹⁰

Calculate the cost of a Vision ICL surgery near you*

Average cost of ICL surgery by state/district

Below are the average costs* of a Visian ICL procedure in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹⁰

Factors that may influence costs

There are multiple reasons that you may pay more or less than the average cost. Keep these factors in mind when determining what you may need to pay:¹⁰

• The type of technology used (such as Visian vs. EVO Visian)
• Whether the procedure is done in an outpatient clinic or a hospital
• Any costs for additional treatments that might be needed
• Follow-up appointments
• The geographic location where you live

Is ICL Eye Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Most health insurance plans do not cover ICL surgery because it’s considered an elective procedure. In some cases, however, your health and eye insurance providers may offer a discount or partial coverage — so always check with them first to see what options are available.¹¹

Without insurance, you should be prepared to finance your surgery or use a flexible spending account or health savings account to help cover some of the costs.¹¹

How Does ICL Surgery Work?

ICL surgery is done on an outpatient basis and typically involves implanting a lens into both eyes during the same procedure.³

Preparation

Before your procedure, your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether you’re a good candidate. You’ll typically be asked not to wear contact lenses for about two weeks before the evaluation, at which point you’ll be given a basic eye exam, imaging and other tests such as an eye ultrasound.³

If you’re deemed to be a good candidate, your surgeon will measure your eyes to determine the exact power and size of lens that you need.⁸

Procedure

Before the surgery, you’ll get numbing eye drops and potentially a sedative to help you relax — since you’ll be awake during the procedure. An eyelid holder will keep your lids open, and you’ll be asked to focus on a bright light to help keep the eye still.⁹

The eye surgeon will then make a 3-millimeter incision in each eye into which the lens is inserted.³ The procedure takes about 20 minutes for both eyes.⁹ Afterward, you’ll likely be asked to stay at the surgery provider’s location for two to three hours while you recover.³

Recovery

Recovery from ICL surgery is typically quick and manageable. You should have only mild pain the next day, which can be remedied with an over-the-counter pain reliever.³ Don’t be concerned if you’re sensitive to light for the first couple of days. This isn’t uncommon.⁹

Most patients get back to their normal activities within one or two days. (And you’ll likely start noticing your vision improving from day one!)¹² For about one month after the surgery, you’ll need special eye drops, and you’ll have follow-up appointments to evaluate how you’re doing.³

Possible Side Effects

ICL surgery is considered a safe procedure.⁹ In fact, some studies comparing ICL with LASIK showed that patients who received ICL reported better vision-related quality of life and fewer adverse symptoms.² Serious side effects are rare but can include:¹³

• Cataract formation
• Elevated intraocular pressure
• Retinal detachment⁹
• Loss of corneal cells⁹
• Rotation of toric lens²
• Pupillary block²

If you encounter problems with your ICL, it can be surgically removed.⁹

A Lasting Option for Vision Correction

If you’re looking for an alternative to glasses, contact lenses or laser vision correction, ICL surgery may be worth exploring. While it can be a significant investment, it can offer a long-term vision solution for many patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK.

Because the implanted lens works alongside your natural lens, it can also be removed if complications arise. As with any vision procedure, the best next step is to consult with an ophthalmologist who can evaluate your eye health and help you decide if ICL surgery is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICL Eye Surgery

Do you still have questions about implantable collamer lens surgery? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the procedure.

Financing Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you’d like to be less dependent on glasses or contact lenses, you may want to consider taking the first step to determine if you’re a good candidate for ICL eye surgery. Schedule an appointment for an eye exam and preoperative consultation with your eye doctor, who can review your eye health and answer your questions. Remember that the CareCredit credit card provides a convenient option for financing not only your ICL consultation and procedure but other vision care, too.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a vision specialist near you that accepts CareCredit.

Continue to invest in your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to easily manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to vision care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, nonpracticing attorney and writer.