The ICL is the only TGA-approved phakic intraocular lens available in Australia, with long-term safety data spanning since the mid-1990s. The lens is made from collamer, a biocompatible material that works with the eye’s natural biochemistry and provides UV protection.
Dr Chiu was the first surgeon across Australia and New Zealand to implant the ICL Viva, a newer generation lens that also corrects presbyopia. She is one of only a handful of surgeons in Australia performing ICL procedures at high volume, and one of only two surgeons in Australia performing ICL Viva, reflecting her significant experience with this technology.
Who Is a Good Candidate for ICL Surgery?
ICL surgery is particularly well suited for:
- Patients with higher prescriptions — ICL is an excellent choice for prescriptions -4.00 and higher , and is particularly recommended for higher myopia. In some countries, laser correction for myopia beyond -4.00 is no longer recommended. Patients with thin corneas — if your corneal thickness is below the safe range for laser correction, ICL preserves the cornea entirely
- Patients with dry eyes — unlike laser procedures, ICL doesn’t cut corneal nerves and doesn’t worsen dry eye symptoms
- Younger adults (typically 18 to 45) — who want permanent but reversible vision correction while their natural lens is still clear
- Presbyopia correction – ICL Viva is preferred to RLE in moderate to high myopes due to favourable risk profile for retinal problems in young RLE for myopic patients.
The standard ICL corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The ICL Viva extends suitability up to approximately 60 years of age by also correcting presbyopia.
Suitability for ICL depends on several factors including your prescription, eye anatomy, and overall eye health. These are assessed in detail during your consultation, where Dr Chiu will take precise measurements to determine whether ICL is appropriate for you.
ICL vs Laser Vision Correction
- Cornea preservation — laser reshapes the cornea; ICL leaves it untouched, eliminating the risk of corneal weakening. This makes ICL an excellent procedure for younger patients as the cornea is not as strong
- Dry eye — laser can worsen dry eye; ICL avoids this
- Prescription range — ICL can correct higher degrees of myopia and hyperopia with excellent optical quality
- Reversibility — ICL is removable and reversible. Laser correction is permanent and not reversible
ICL Viva for Presbyopia
The ICL Viva corrects both the distance refractive error and presbyopia, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. Because it sits in front of the natural lens, it doesn’t affect future cataract surgery outcomes. This is an important distinction from some presbyopic laser corrections, which can affect future IOL calculations.
The Procedure
ICL surgery is a day procedure, typically performed on both eyes on the same day at the operating theatre . Anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye, a small incision is made, and the ICL is inserted and positioned. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes for both eyes. You will stay in recovery post procedure for 2 hours for an eye pressure check
Risks and Complications
ICL surgery has an excellent safety profile. Risks include infection (rare), temporary increase in eye pressure, halos or glare (usually resolve), mild discomfort in the first weeks, and, rarely, cataract formation if the ICL contacts the natural lens (modern designs have significantly reduced this risk).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ICL be felt inside the eye?
No. Once in place, you can’t feel it and it’s invisible to the naked eye.
Is ICL surgery reversible?
Yes. The ICL can be removed or replaced if your needs change.
What happens if I need cataract surgery later?
Having an ICL doesn’t prevent cataract surgery. The ICL is simply removed at the time, and having had ICL rather than laser makes cataract surgery more straightforward because the cornea hasn’t been altered, and there are more choices with intraocular lens implants at the time of cataract surgery, increasing the chance that full range of vision for distance and near can be achieved.
How long does ICL last?
The ICL is designed to be permanent and doesn’t degrade. If your prescription changes significantly, it can be exchanged.
Will I experience halos or glare with ICL?
Most patients do not experience significant long-term halos or glare with ICL, and overall visual quality is often very high.
Some patients may notice mild halos, particularly at night in the early period after surgery, but these typically improve with time as the eyes adapt. Compared to some multifocal lens or corneal-based treatments, the risk of persistent halos and glare is generally lower.
Is ICL better than LASIK or SMILE Pro?
There is no single “best” procedure – it depends on your eyes and your vision goals.
ICL is often preferred for patients with moderate to higher prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eye, as it does not remove corneal tissue. LASIK and SMILE Pro reshape the cornea and are excellent options for suitable candidates with lower prescriptions who do not have dry eye.
All have similar recovery times.
Can ICL treat presbyopia (reading vision)?
Yes – newer designs such as ICL VIVA are designed to provide a range of vision, helping reduce dependence on reading glasses as well as correcting distance vision.
How does ICL Viva differ from standard ICL?
Standard ICL corrects distance vision (and astigmatism), whereas ICL Viva is designed to provide a broader range of vision, including intermediate and near.
This makes it an option for patients in their 40s and 50s who are starting to notice difficulty with reading.
Is ICL Viva better than laser presbyopia treatments?
ICL Viva offers an alternative to corneal-based presbyopia treatments (such as PRESBYOND or PresbyMAX). Because it works inside the eye rather than altering the cornea, it may preserve optical quality and avoid some of the trade-offs associated with corneal multifocality.
The best option depends on your eye anatomy, lifestyle, and tolerance to visual compromises.
Why choose ICL instead of laser vision correction?
ICL is often chosen when laser is not ideal, or when patients want to preserve their cornea and maintain future flexibility. It is particularly valuable in higher prescriptions and in patients seeking high-quality vision with minimal compromise.