ICL Surgery Seoul Korea
ICL surgery places an Implantable Collamer Lens inside the eye while keeping the natural lens. It may be considered for suitable patients whose prescription or corneal findings make laser correction less appropriate.
An implanted lens, rather than corneal reshaping
The lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. Unlike LASIK, the procedure does not remove corneal tissue to correct the prescription. It still requires an incision and is intraocular surgery; it is not a non-invasive treatment.
The exact lens model and treatment range matter. Ask whether a toric design is proposed for astigmatism.
Measurements before implantation
The examination should establish whether there is suitable space inside the eye and whether the cornea, lens, retina and eye pressure support the plan. Lens sizing, endothelial cell assessment and prescription stability are relevant parts of the discussion.
Thin corneas alone do not establish ICL suitability. FDA patient information on phakic lens suitability.
Risks and long-term checks
Discuss cataract formation, raised eye pressure, endothelial cell loss, visual disturbances, retinal detachment and infection. Further surgery may be needed to reposition, exchange or remove a lens.
Removal is another operation and does not guarantee that the eye returns to its previous condition. Regular follow-up remains necessary. Read the FDA’s phakic lens risk information.
Plan your time in Korea
Lens availability, measurements and follow-up affect scheduling. Confirm whether the lens must be ordered and what happens if your examination changes the plan. Request a quotation specifying the lens, one or both eyes, medication and checks.
Your questions answered
Is ICL the same as cataract surgery?
No. ICL generally retains the natural lens. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.
Is an ICL permanently maintenance-free?
No. An implanted lens requires the recommended long-term eye examinations even when you are satisfied with your vision.
Your consultation checklist
Ask why this option fits your examination, what alternatives are reasonable, what the quotation includes and how follow-up will work after you leave Korea.