Extra lens implant
Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be corrected by inserting an extra lens in front of your natural lens. With this procedure, you can see clearly again without glasses or contact lenses.
In this procedure, we implant an extra lens in your eye, without treating or removing your own lens. The new lens, known as an Implantable Contact Lens (ICL), or when your eye has a cylindrical divergence, a Toric Implantable Contact Lens (TICL), creates a sort of dome over your natural lens. The extra lenses are not visible to you or anyone else and are very well tolerated.
When are you eligible for an extra lens implant?
- Vision specifications
Nearsightedness (from -0.5 to -20 dioptres), farsightedness (from +0.5 to +10.0 dioptres) or astigmatism (from 0.5 to 6.0 dioptres) can be corrected with an extra lens implant.
The implant of an extra lens (type ICL or other) offers an effective and safe alternative for patients who are not eligible for laser treatment, for example if the correction needed is too high or if the cornea is too thin or irregular.
- Age
- Recent intake examination
We’re happy to help!
Your vision, your comfort, your happiness: this is what we care about at Oogcentrum Medipolis. Our experienced team is ready to help you and answer all your questions.
Are you not sure if you are eligible for an extra lens implant ? Then schedule a free, non-binding eye scan with our optometrist that will only take 30 minutes of your time.
Start your process towards a life without glasses today, and schedule an extensive pre-operative exam and an initial conversation to get to know you (+/- 2 hours), so that together we can determine the best solution for you.
- After your intake exam, the lenses will be custom-made for your eyes. When your eyes have a cylindrical divergence, we will opt for a toric lens.
- One day before the procedure, you will need to apply some preparatory eye drops at home.
- When you arrive at our centre, we start with a few administrative tasks. Next, you will get some eye drops in order to dilate your pupil. This takes about 45 minutes, providing the ideal opportunity to relax with a book or a cool drink.
- Once your pupils are sufficiently dilated, we will accompany you to the operating room. There, your eyes will be anaesthetised with drops and carefully disinfected.
- While you lie back comfortably, we will insert the artificial lens via a small incision in your eye. After inserting the artificial lens, it will automatically take on the right shape.
- The procedure takes fifteen minutes per eye and is nearly painless.
The price of an extra lens implant varies, depending on various individual factors. We consider it important to make a personal price calculation for each patient. For an overview of our fees, please go to the fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lens implants and how does a lens implant work?
A lens implant, also known as an ICL, is an additional lens placed between the iris and your natural eye lens. Your natural lens remains completely intact. Through a small 2.2 mm incision, the folded lens is inserted into the eye, where it automatically unfolds into its correct shape. The body does not reject the lens, as the flexible material is considered biocompatible.
Can I get a lens implant if I have dry eyes, and what is the minimum age for lens implantation?
Yes, even if you suffer from dry eyes or have a cornea that is too thin, a lens implant can be an excellent solution. Your natural lens remains completely intact. The minimum age for lens implantation is 18 years.
Is it better to choose laser eye surgery or a lens implant?
That depends on your eyes. Lens implantation is the best option when laser eye surgery is not suitable, for example in cases of a thin cornea or dry eyes. The main advantage is that your natural eye lens remains fully preserved. The most suitable treatment for you is determined during a comprehensive pre-operative examination that takes approximately two hours.
How much does lens implantation cost and is the procedure painful?
Lens implantation is completely painless and takes about ten minutes per eye under local anaesthetic eye drops. No needles are involved. Any enhancement treatment required within the first year is covered by the guarantee. Health insurance funds and hospitalization insurance policies may partially or fully reimburse the treatment.
What should you avoid after lens implantation and what is the recovery process like?
One day after lens implantation, your vision is usually already about 80% restored. At that point, you can read, watch television and perform light activities. For at least three weeks, you should not rub your eyes, wear eye make-up or lift heavy objects. Swimming and sauna visits are also not allowed. Contact sports should be avoided for one month.