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Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery

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Book Consultation Can’t Get LASIK Eye Surgery? Consider Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery instead with Eye Clinic Dublin. Kera Implantable Collamer
 Lens Surgery in Dublin  Laser Eye Surgery
marc Guerin - Laser Eye Surgeon

Mr Marc B. Guerin

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
BCL BL MB BCh BAO MD MRCOphth FRCSI (Ophth)

Consultant-Led ICL Surgery

Your Trusted Partner in Laser Eye Surgery

If you are an unsuitable patient for laser eye surgery, then implantable Collamer lens surgery may be a preferable alternative. An implantable Collamer lens, often called simply an ICL or ICL lens, is implanted in your eyes and can effectively treat many common refractive errors such as near-sightedness and astigmatism. 

Eye Clinic Dublin provides professional, consultant-led implantable Collamer lens surgery to help patients correct their vision. Mr Marc Guerin, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, performs all procedures at the Mater Private Dublin and assists every client individually along the patient journey. He has performed over 5,000 procedures and is amongst Ireland’s leading ophthalmologists with a wealth of surgical expertise, including ICL surgery. 

What Is an Implantable Collamer Lens?

An implantable Collamer lens is a flexible lens that is implanted into the eye to correct vision issues such as near-sightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. It is made of Collamer, a biocompatible collagen-copolymer material that becomes an artificial lens in your eye. This implantable lens is placed behind the eye’s iris, but in front of the eye’s natural lens. It can be thought of as almost like wearing surgically implanted contact lenses. It’s invisible once it’s in place, so nobody will notice you have implants.

Unlike more permanent procedures such as LASIK, which involve corneal reshaping, an ICL lens can be removed and no permanent changes are made to the cornea. Laser surgery and ICL surgery often treat similar vision problems, but they are very different from one another. Quite often, patients who are found to be unsuitable for laser eye surgery by their ophthalmologist are recommended ICL surgery instead.

Who Is Suitable for ICL Eye Surgery?

Your ophthalmologist may recommend ICL eye surgery if you meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  • High Prescriptions

    If you currently wear glasses or contact lenses to treat moderate to severe myopia or astigmatism, approximately -3.0D to -20.0D, then a corrective eye surgery lens implant may correct your vision. Your glasses prescription should have been valid for at least 12 months before considering ICL surgery.

  • Thin Cornea Treatment

    Patients with a thin cornea may be unsuitable for laser eye surgery, which typically requires sufficient corneal thickness. If your cornea is thin, the ICL procedure may be recommended as an alternative to laser eye surgery.

  • Dry Cornea or Dry Eye

    Patients suffering from dry eyes are likewise typically considered unsuitable for laser eye surgery, which can sometimes exacerbate these types of issues. Instead, ICL surgery may be a preferable alternative for individuals with a dry cornea or suffering from dry eye issues.

    ICL is generally most suitable for individuals aged 21-45, but a full assessment by Mr Marc Guerin will be necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific circumstances.

How the ICL Procedure Works

The ICL procedure will be explained to you in detail with full transparency following an initial consultation with Mr Marc Guerin at Eye Clinic Dublin. The process is as follows:  

  • Arrange Consultation

    Attend an initial consultation where your surgeon will assess your suitability for ICL surgery.

  • Eye Testing

    Detailed diagnostic tests and measurements will be carried out to determine the correct lens prescription.

  • Personalised Plan

    Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your eye condition and vision needs.

  • Preparation

    Follow any instructions provided before surgery, including medication or lens wear guidance.

  • Anaesthetic Drops

    Anaesthetic eye drops are applied to ensure the procedure is painless.

  • Small Incision

    A tiny incision is made in the eye to insert the lens.

  • Lens Insertion

    The ICL lens is folded and placed behind the iris without removing any corneal tissue.

  • Quick Procedure

    The procedure takes around 20–30 minutes, and both eyes are usually treated on the same day.

  • Eye Drops

    Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as directed.

  • Fast Recovery

    Most patients notice improved vision within 1–2 days.

  • Follow-Up Visits

    Attend follow-up appointments to check healing, lens position, and eye pressure.

  • Long-Term Results

    ICL provides stable, long-term vision correction with high patient satisfaction.

  • Visual Outcomes

    Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, with improved night vision quality.

Cost of Laser Eye Surgery

    The cost of ICL Lens surgery in Dublin at Eye Clinic Dublin is, per eye:
  • Initial Consultation
    €200
  • Review Consultation
    €150
  • ICL Lens Surgery
    €3500

  • I came to Eye Clinic Dublin for laser eye surgery with Mr Marc Guerin because of his credentials. I trusted him and his team, and they helped reassure me of any doubts I may have had (and I had quite a few!!) before the procedure. Now I no longer have to wear spectacles. Would recommend to friends and family.

    Karen O’Sullivan
    LASIK

  • After being told in a regional hospital opthalmic clinic that nothing could be done for my right eye, after I had a cold sore and scarring blurred my vision. A colleague recommended I get referred to Marc Guerin. In the first appointment Marc said that he thought he could improve my vision but no guarentees. I was thrilled. One year on and I have 20/20 vision in both eyes. Ive had two sessions of laser and about 6 to 7 appointments in both Dublin and Mullingar. I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of it, including the surgeries (i never felt a thing). Marc is not only a fantastic opthalmic surgeon but is also down to earth and all round sound. Aoife and all the staff in Dublin and Mullingar are excellent and friendly. If you are thinking about it, do it.

    Neil Devaney

  • Easily one of the best choices I've made. Gone from glasses to perfect vision. Everyone was great to deal with. They made everything proceed smoothly and helped me avoid getting nervous.

    Ray Barrett

  • I can’t recommend Mr Marc Guerin enough. I had my PRK surgery done 6 weeks ago now and couldn’t be happier with the results. Mr Guerin is very clear in explaining all aspects of the surgery and recovery which put me at ease knowing what was ahead. He is professional and thorough from the consultation to the procedure and afterwards during recovery. Aoife and Collette on reception are so accommodating with fitting appointments in around a busy schedule with not long wait times. Overall I wouldn’t go anywhere else for laser eye surgery.

    Emma Martin

  • Very kind and helpful staff, the surgery was 100% worth it

    Adam Heather

  • Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. From the initial consultation and thorough testing to ensure I was a suitable candidate, to patiently answering all of my questions, the level of care and professionalism was exceptional throughout. On the day of the procedure, I was made to feel completely at ease. Everything was explained clearly, and I was talked through each step as it happened, which was incredibly reassuring. The nurses and receptionist were equally fantastic—friendly, welcoming, and dedicated to ensuring everything ran smoothly. What truly sets this team apart is their commitment to patient care. The follow-up appointments weren't just about checking that everything was okay; they were focused on making sure the results were the best they could possibly be. The attention to detail and genuine care for patients is evident in every interaction. A huge thank you to the entire team. Professional, approachable, and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome for their patients. I couldn't recommend them highly enough.

    Sonia Cahill

Benefits of Implantable Contact Lenses

There are several benefits to getting implantable contact lenses. These include: 

    • Suitable for moderate to extreme myopia/astigmatism
      If you suffer from moderate to severe near-sightedness and/or have astigmatism, ICL surgery can be an excellent alternative to strong prescription glasses or contact lenses.
    • No removal of corneal tissue
      Unlike with laser eye surgery, ICL surgery does not involve altering or removing the eye’s corneal tissue. It is completely untouched.
    • High optical quality
      Most patients love to extol the excellent results of ICL surgery, and many achieve 20/20 visual acuity or better and superior night vision.
    • Completely reversible
      The implanted lens can be replaced if necessary or completely removed, if desired, with no changes to the eye.
    • Invisible once implanted:
      he highly flexible Collamer material is completely invisible and it also offers UV protection, so it makes no aesthetic changes to the eye and improves protection.
    • Alternative to laser eye surgery
      Patients who are deemed unsuitable for laser eye surgery can often be recommended ICL surgery as an alternative, as it treats many of the same issues (including more severe forms) as laser eye surgery.
    • Suitable for thin corneas
      Individuals with thin corneas may be unsuitable for laser eye surgery, but they can instead resolve vision issues with ICL surgery.

FAQ

About ICL Surgery in Dublin

  • Is implantable Collamer lens surgery permanent?

    No, implantable Collamer lens surgery is not permanent in the sense that it is reversible. It is, however, meant to remain in your eyes for the long term and in that sense, it can be considered semi-permanent or permanent.

  • Can the lens be removed?

    Yes, an implantable Collamer lens can be removed if the individual no longer wants or needs it, or it can be removed and replaced with a different implant at a future date if necessary.

  • Is ICL better than laser eye surgery?

    Not necessarily. Both laser eye surgery and ICL surgery can effectively treat vision problems such as myopia and astigmatism, and both with overall excellent results and patient satisfaction. These procedures differ significantly, however, and the criteria for suitability and their individual advantages should be carefully considered during a consultation with your ophthalmologist. 

  • What is recovery time?

    Most patients recover from ICL surgery within about a day or two, although results vary depending on the individual. Do not neglect to continue using post-procedure eye drops as prescribed and directed by your doctor and attend follow-up appointments. 

  • What is the implantable contact lens cost in Ireland?

    The cost of implantable contact lens surgery in Ireland varies from one provider to another. At Eye Clinic Dublin, the cost of ICL surgery starts at €3,500 and can cost more depending on the complexity of the procedure.

  • Is it suitable for thin cornea treatment?

    Yes, ICL surgery is effective if individuals have thin corneas and would otherwise be unsuitable for laser eye surgery. That being said, you may be unsuitable if you have a low corneal endothelial cell count or various other contraindications. Consult your doctor for a professional consultation and assessment of your eye health.

  • Is the lens visible?

    No, the Collamer material used in ICL surgery is completely invisible and nobody will notice that you have implants. The highly flexible material is made of collagen and copolymer and does not alter the colour, shape, or appearance of your eyes at all. 

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