If you’ve been looking into laser eye surgery but were told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, you might be wondering—what now? At BoydVision, we offer a range of procedures to help you see clearly without glasses or contacts, and one of the lesser-known options is ICL.
Let’s walk through what ICL is, how it works, and how it compares to LASIK and SmartSight.
What is ICL?
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. It’s a type of lens that’s surgically inserted into the eye to correct vision—similar to how a contact lens works, but placed inside the eye instead of on top of it. The lens is positioned between the iris and your natural lens. Unlike LASIK or SmartSight, ICL doesn’t reshape the cornea.
The procedure is short (usually under 30 minutes per eye), and because the cornea is left untouched, recovery is often fast and comfortable.
ICL vs. LASIK
LASIK works by reshaping your cornea using a laser to correct how light enters your eye. It’s a well-known option with a long track record and excellent results—but it’s not for everyone.
Some reasons you might not qualify for LASIK:
- Thin corneas
- Very high prescriptions (especially for nearsightedness)
- Dry eyes
- Certain corneal irregularities
ICL offers an alternative for people in these categories. Since the procedure doesn’t involve removing corneal tissue, it’s often a safer and more effective solution for patients with thinner or irregular corneas.
Key Differences:
ICL vs. SmartSight (also called SMILE)
SmartSight is a type of laser vision correction that uses a femtosecond laser to remove a small piece of tissue from inside the cornea (called a lenticule). It’s minimally invasive and doesn’t require creating a flap like LASIK.
SmartSight may be a better choice than LASIK for people who are prone to dry eyes or have an active lifestyle, but ICL still stands out for those with higher prescriptions or thin corneas.
Is ICL Right for You?
If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, or if you have a very high prescription, ICL might be your best path to clearer vision.
At BoydVision, we’ll walk you through all your options and help you decide what works best for your eyes and lifestyle. Whether you’re leaning toward LASIK, SmartSight, or ICL, our experienced team is here to guide you.
Book your consultation with BoydVision today to learn more about your options and take the first step toward better vision, without the glasses.