ICL Vision Correction in Thailand

ICL vision correction may be considered by people with short-sightedness or astigmatism who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Unlike laser vision correction, ICL treatment does not reshape the cornea. Instead, a specially designed lens is implanted inside the eye while the natural lens remains in place.

Thailand offers specialist refractive surgeons, advanced diagnostic technology and implantable lens options for eligible international patients.

Siam Medica can help you explore suitable providers, request personalised treatment plans and cost estimates, and coordinate your care before, during and after treatment in Thailand.

What is ICL vision correction?

ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens.

The lens is surgically placed inside the eye, typically behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.

It works together with the eye’s natural optical system to correct refractive error.

ICL treatment is commonly used for:

• Myopia, or short-sightedness

• Astigmatism

• Higher prescriptions that may be unsuitable for some laser procedures

The natural lens of the eye is not removed.

Who may be suitable for ICL?

ICL may be considered for adults with a stable prescription who want an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.

It can be particularly relevant for patients who:

• Have moderate or high myopia

• Have astigmatism

• Have corneas that may not be suitable for LASIK

• Experience problems with contact lenses

• Prefer a treatment that does not permanently reshape the cornea

• Meet the anatomical requirements for safe lens implantation

Suitability must be confirmed through a detailed eye examination.

ICL versus LASIK

ICL and LASIK can both reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but they work in different ways.

LASIK reshapes the cornea using a laser.

ICL places an additional corrective lens inside the eye without removing tissue from the cornea.

ICL may therefore be considered for some patients whose corneas are too thin or whose prescriptions are outside the preferred range for laser treatment.

LASIK may be more appropriate for other patients because it does not involve placing a lens inside the eye.

Neither treatment is automatically better.

The choice depends on the prescription, corneal measurements, eye anatomy, age, lifestyle and overall eye health.

Toric ICL for astigmatism

Patients with both myopia and significant astigmatism may be suitable for a toric ICL.

A toric lens is designed to correct astigmatism as well as spherical refractive error.

Precise measurements are required because the orientation of the lens inside the eye affects the correction.

The specialist will determine whether a standard or toric ICL is more appropriate.

Eye assessment before treatment

A comprehensive pre-operative examination is essential before ICL surgery.

Assessment may include:

• Measurement of the glasses prescription

• Corneal imaging

• Measurement of the front chamber of the eye

• Eye pressure testing

• Pupil assessment

• Examination of the retina

• Measurement of the eye for lens sizing

• Evaluation of overall eye health

International patients may be able to send previous prescriptions and eye records in advance, but final measurements normally need to be performed in person before surgery.

Preparing for ICL surgery

Patients who wear contact lenses may be asked to stop using them before certain measurements so that the eyes can be assessed accurately.

The medical team should also review:

• Current medications

• Previous eye surgery

• Existing eye conditions

• General medical history

Patients should follow the treating specialist’s instructions regarding medication, contact lenses and preparation on the day of surgery.

Because the eyes may be dilated during assessment and vision may temporarily become blurred, patients should not plan to drive after the examination.

The ICL procedure

ICL surgery is normally performed as a day procedure.

Anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye.

The surgeon creates a very small incision and inserts the folded lens into the eye.

Once inside, the lens unfolds and is positioned behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.

The incision is small and commonly does not require stitches.

Patients are monitored after treatment before being allowed to leave the clinic or hospital.

Treatment of both eyes

Depending on the specialist and the individual treatment plan, both eyes may be treated during the same treatment period.

In some cases, the procedures may be separated.

The surgeon will determine the safest schedule based on the patient’s eye health and treatment requirements.

Recovery after ICL surgery

Vision may improve quickly after treatment, although temporary blur or visual fluctuation can occur during the early recovery period.

Some patients may experience:

• Mild discomfort

• Light sensitivity

• Glare or halos

• Temporary blurry vision

• A sensation of irritation

Eye drops are normally prescribed after surgery.

Patients should avoid rubbing the eyes and should carefully follow instructions regarding washing, exercise, swimming and eye makeup.

A post-operative examination is commonly performed shortly after treatment, with further follow-up according to the specialist’s recommendations.

When can normal activities resume?

Many normal daily activities can resume relatively quickly.

However, the specialist may temporarily restrict:

• Heavy lifting

• Intense exercise

• Swimming

• Eye makeup

• Activities that expose the eyes to dust or contamination

International patients should complete the recommended early post-operative examination before travelling home.

The treating specialist should advise when flying and normal physical activity can safely resume.

Can an ICL be removed?

An ICL can usually be surgically removed or replaced if medically necessary.

This differs from laser procedures, where corneal tissue has been permanently reshaped.

However, ICL removal is still an intraocular surgical procedure and should not be viewed as completely risk-free or equivalent to never having had surgery.

ICL and future cataract surgery

Because the natural lens remains inside the eye, patients can still develop age-related cataracts later in life.

If cataract surgery becomes necessary in the future, the ICL can normally be removed as part of the treatment planning process.

The ophthalmologist should review any previous ICL surgery when planning future eye procedures.

Risks and considerations

As with any procedure performed inside the eye, ICL surgery involves potential risks.

These can include:

• Infection

• Inflammation

• Increased eye pressure

• Glare or halos

• Residual refractive error

• Lens rotation or incorrect positioning

• Development of cataract

• Changes affecting the corneal endothelial cells

• Retinal complications

• Need for repositioning, replacement or removal of the lens

• Need for additional vision correction

Serious complications are uncommon but can affect vision.

A refractive specialist should explain the individual benefits, alternatives and risks before treatment is confirmed.

ICL vision correction costs in Thailand

The cost of ICL treatment in Thailand varies according to the type of lens and the patient’s prescription.

A broad indicative range is approximately US$2,500–4,200 or more per eye.

Factors affecting cost can include:

• Standard or toric ICL

• Prescription strength

• Lens model

• Pre-operative examination

• Surgeon fees

• Operating-room costs

• Medication

• Follow-up care

Because each lens is selected according to the individual eye measurements and prescription, a personalised quotation should be prepared after specialist assessment.

Siam Medica can request treatment plans and cost estimates from suitable providers based on your eye prescription and medical information.

How Siam Medica can help

We can help you:

• Identify suitable refractive specialists and eye-care providers

• Share prescriptions and previous eye records with providers

• Request preliminary specialist review

• Request personalised treatment plans and cost estimates

• Compare ICL and other vision-correction options

• Coordinate examinations, surgery and follow-up appointments

• Assist with treatment and travel planning

• Support communication with your provider before, during and after treatment

Our support is free for patients, and Siam Medica is independent of any single hospital or clinic.