Essential Considerations Before, During, and After Phakic ICL Surgery

Things to Know Before, During, and After Phakic ICL Surgery

Preparing a sterile Phakic ICL lens before implantation – ensuring safety and optimal visual results

Phakic ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) surgery is a modern solution for correcting myopia and astigmatism, especially suitable for patients who cannot undergo LASIK or SMILE due to thin corneas, high myopia, or dry eyes. To achieve optimal results, you need thorough preparation before surgery, understand the procedure on the surgery day, and follow post-operative care instructions.

Before Phakic ICL Surgery

1/ Comprehensive Eye Examination

Your doctor will perform detailed assessments:

• Refraction test to measure myopia and astigmatism
• Measure anterior chamber depth (≥ 3.0 mm)
• Corneal topography to assess curvature and thickness
• Check endothelial cell density
• General eye examination to rule out any ocular diseases

Ideal Candidate Criteria:

2/ Health and Lifestyle Preparation

• Stop wearing soft contact lenses at least 1 week before surgery, hard lenses 2 weeks before
• No eye makeup or eye creams on surgery day
• Inform your doctor if you are taking any systemic or topical medications

On the Day of Phakic ICL Surgery

Applying anesthetic and antiseptic eye drops before Phakic ICL implantation

1/ Surgical Procedure

1. Apply pupil-dilating and anesthetic eye drops
2. Create a small incision at the corneal edge
3. Insert and unfold the Phakic ICL lens between the iris and the natural lens
4. Adjust and complete – You will not feel or see the lens after placement

Time: 20–30 minutes for both eyes
Painless – No corneal damage – Fast recovery

2/ Surgery Day Precautions

• No eye makeup or cosmetics to prevent infection
• Avoid strong-scented perfumes, hairspray, or creams as they may affect the sterile environment
• Eat a light meal before surgery – avoid greasy or hard-to-digest food
• Wear comfortable clothing, preferably with buttons or zippers to avoid contact with the eyes after surgery
• Do not drive to the hospital – arrange for someone to accompany you, as vision will be unstable right after surgery
• Bring sunglasses or protective glasses to wear immediately after leaving the operating room
• Follow the surgeon’s instructions at every step to ensure accuracy and safety

3/ Immediate Post-Surgery Sensations

• Mild foreign body sensation, watery eyes
• Vision improves almost immediately and continues to sharpen over 24–48 hours

After Phakic ICL Surgery

1/ Post-Operative Eye Care

Regular follow-up visits after surgery help doctors monitor the stability of the Phakic ICL lens and vision, ensuring proper healing progress.

Medication Regimen

• Antibiotic eye drops: Prevent infection (4–6 times/day during the first week)
• Anti-inflammatory drops: Reduce swelling and redness (2–4 weeks)
• Lubricating drops: Keep eyes moist, reduce discomfort
• Oral medication (if prescribed): Pain relief and anti-inflammatory support

Tip: Wash your hands before instilling drops and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye.

Eye Hygiene & Protection

• Wear protective glasses when going outside
• Wash your face gently, avoid water/soap in the eyes during the first week
• Sleep in the correct position: Avoid sleeping face down or pressing on the eyes

Daily Activities

• Light computer work after 1–2 days, rest eyes every 20–30 minutes
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and omega-3
• Engage in light exercise, avoid strenuous activities in the first month

2/ Activities to Avoid After Surgery

3/ Warning Signs – Seek Immediate Check-Up

• Sudden or rapid vision loss
• Severe eye pain, excessive redness
• Flashes of light, unusual halos
• Persistent tearing with pus or yellowish discharge

Key Benefits of Phakic ICL

Risks & Precautions of Phakic ICL Surgery

Although the complication rate is low, you should be aware of:

• Increased intraocular pressure
• Cataract formation
• Endothelial cell loss
• Glare or halos at night (rare)

Recommendation: Choose a reputable clinic with an international team of specialists and genuine Phakic ICL lenses from STAAR Surgical to ensure safety and optimal results.