ICL Surgery in Turkey: Implantation of Phakic Lenses
ICL surgery in Turkey is an operation in which an ophthalmologist places a thin soft lens inside the eye, in front of your own natural lens. The word phakic means that your own lens is kept. ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens (an implantable lens made of a flexible material called collamer).
The lens works like a permanent contact lens, except that you do not need to take it out or care for it. If necessary, the surgeon can remove or replace it. Below we describe who it suits, how the operation goes and the ICL surgery cost in Turkey.
Who Is a Candidate for ICL Surgery in Turkey
ICL surgery in Turkey is considered when laser vision correction is not suitable: in high myopia, a thin cornea (the clear front layer of the eye) or pronounced dry eye. Lenses are made to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (toric ICLs).
The operation is offered to adults whose vision has stopped changing. Whether the method suits you is decided by the ophthalmologist after an examination: the depth of the anterior chamber of the eye (the space between the cornea and the iris) and the number of endothelial cells (the inner layer of the cornea) are important.
How ICL Surgery Goes in Turkey
ICL surgery in Turkey is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia with drops. The surgeon makes a micro-incision at the edge of the cornea and inserts the folded lens, which unfolds inside the eye. Stitches are usually not needed.
The surgeon decides whether to operate on both eyes on the same day or with a break. The ophthalmologist calculates the type and power of the lens from the results of the examination.
ICL Surgery Cost in Turkey
The ICL surgery cost in Turkey depends on the type of lens and the diagnosis. In the price list of an eye clinic in Ankara on our website, implantation of a phakic lens for myopia costs from €2,350 per eye, a toric ICL for myopic astigmatism from €2,750, and an ICL for hyperopia from €3,125.
The prices are given per eye. We will find out from the clinic before the trip what is included in the cost (examination, lens, follow-up visits).
How the Trip for Phakic Lens Implantation Goes
The trip program on our website takes 4-8 days. On the first day there is an examination, and on the second day the outpatient surgery, without hospitalization. You can fly home after the follow-up examination, and the ophthalmologist determines the exact time.
We select a doctor and accompany you at the clinic and on the road.
Recovery After ICL Implantation
Vision often improves soon after the operation, but for some time glare and halos around light sources are possible, especially in the evening. Drops are prescribed after the operation, and the eyes must be protected from rubbing, water and dust.
The ophthalmologist will tell you at the follow-up visit when you can return to work, sports, the pool and driving. At home you need to continue regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist.
Risks and Contraindications
Possible complications include raised intraocular pressure, cataract (clouding of your own lens), inflammation or infection inside the eye, and incorrect position of the lens, which sometimes requires a repeat procedure. That is why regular eye checks after the operation are important.
The operation is not performed in case of a shallow anterior chamber of the eye, a low number of endothelial cells, inflammatory eye diseases, glaucoma, cataract, and during pregnancy. The contraindications are finally determined by the ophthalmologist.
Which method or combination of methods is right for you is decided by a medical board after reviewing your records.
