ICL phakic implants in Turkey | Indications, process & prices

What are ICL phakic implants?

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) phakic implants are small, flexible, transparent lenses that are placed inside the eye, just behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. They correct vision in the same way that contact lenses do, but permanently and invisibly.

This is known as an intraocular refractive solution, ideal for patients who are not eligible for laser surgeries such as LASIK, PRK, or Relex SMILE.

Unlike laser refractive surgery:

• The cornea is not altered.
• The implant can be removed or replaced if necessary.
• The procedure is reversible, which reassures many patients.

These implants are made of collamer, a biocompatible material derived from collagen. Thanks to this material, the implant is perfectly tolerated by the eye, with no risk of rejection or discomfort.

Would this type of eye implant be right for your eyes? With Turquie Santé, you can receive a free, no-obligation initial consultation with our partner clinics.

Indications: Who are ICL phakic implants recommended for?

ICL phakic implants are an excellent option for people who are not eligible for laser eye surgery (such as LASIK or PRK). They are also recommended for those who want high-precision vision correction without permanently modifying their cornea.

At Turquie Santé, a comprehensive ophthalmological examination is always carried out before surgery. This detailed diagnosis confirms whether you are eligible and helps define the most suitable vision correction method for your eyes.

ICL Implantation procedure in Turkey

The implantation of ICL phakic lenses is a fast, safe, and painless procedure. It takes only 15 to 20 minutes per eye, and since it's performed on an outpatient basis, you can return home the same day.

1. Comprehensive eye examination: Before surgery, a full check-up is carried out. Your ophthalmologist measures your cornea, the depth of your anterior chamber, and intraocular pressure to confirm your eligibility.
2. Preparation & local anesthesia: On the day of surgery, your eyes are disinfected and prepared in a sterile environment. Local anesthesia is administered with simple eye drops, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure.
3. ICL implantation (≈20 minutes per eye): Through a microscopic incision, the surgeon gently inserts the flexible collamer lens behind the iris. The lens is positioned naturally to provide a stable and reversible vision correction.
4. Same-day recovery: After a short rest and a final check-up, you can go home the same day. Vision usually improves within a few hours and continues to stabilize in the following days.
5. Tailored post-operative follow-up: Scheduled visits allow the doctor to track your healing and ensure the best possible results for your eyesight.

With Turquie Santé, you benefit from comprehensive support at every stage: medical consultations, clinic assistance, translation if needed, and personalized post-operative follow-up.

ICL vs. Laser: Which vision correction technique is right for you?

When considering vision correction, the two most common options are laser surgery and ICL phakic implants. Both are effective, but they differ in method, eligibility, and long-term outcomes.

At Turquie Santé, our ophthalmology experts carefully evaluate your eyes to recommend the most suitable solution. From the first consultation to post-operative follow-up, we organize every step of your care for a safe and comfortable experience.

Risks and side effects of phakic ICL implants

Like any surgical procedure, ICL implantation carries some risks, but they are generally rare, mild, and easily managed with proper medical follow-up.

Possible side effects include:

• Halos or glare at night: slight light halos that usually fade within a few weeks.
• Dry eyes: temporary discomfort relieved with lubricating eye drops.
• Mild infection: extremely rare and treatable with prescribed antibiotic drops.
• Inflammation: redness or irritation, often resolved with anti-inflammatory eye drops.
• Implant displacement: very exceptional, but can be corrected surgically if needed.

With Turquie Santé, every patient benefits from close post-operative monitoring. This ensures that any side effect is detected and treated early, allowing you to recover safely and enjoy clear, stable vision within a short time.