Implantable contact lens treatment in Essex

At Southend Private Hospital, we provide tailored implantable contact lenses to help improve your vision and or correct an astigmatism. Our experienced consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Professor James Myerscough, will provide specialist assessment and treatment for those considering implantable contact lenses. 

Below, we breakdown what implantable contact lenses are, how they work, and what to expect if you choose ICL treatment. 

Call or book online today to arrange a consultation and find out whether ICL treatment could be right for you. 

Implantable contact lenses (ICL) are an advanced vision correction treatment designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Unlike traditional contact lenses, ICLs are placed permanently inside the eye during a short surgical procedure. 

ICLs work alongside your natural lens to correct common vision problems such as short-sightedness (myopia), and in some cases astigmatism. They are particularly suitable for patients who may not be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery due to thin corneas, high prescriptions, or dry eyes. 

• Short-sightedness (myopia) 

• Astigmatism 

• Higher prescriptions that may not be suitable for laser eye surgery 

Many patients choose ICL treatment because they want greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses while maintaining excellent quality vision. 

Implantable contact lenses are a soft, flexible lens that is placed inside your eye between your iris (the coloured part of your eye) and your natural lens. 

The lens works by changing the way light is focused onto the retina at the back of your eye, helping you see more clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. 

Unlike laser eye surgery, ICL treatment does not involve reshaping the cornea. This makes it an excellent option for those who may not be suitable for laser vision correction. 

One of the key advantages of ICL treatment is that the lens can be removed or replaced, if necessary, although this is rarely required. 

• Excellent quality vision, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses 
  
  
• Suitable for people with higher prescriptions 
  
  
• Can be a good option for people who are unsuitable for laser eye surgery 
  
  
• Preserves the natural shape of the cornea 
  
  
• The procedure is quick and minimally invasive 
  
  
• Recovery is usually rapid 
  
  
• The lenses are not visible to other people 
  
  
• The treatment is reversible if required 

• Are over 21 years old 
  
  
• Have a stable eyewear or contact lens prescription 
  
  
• Have moderate to severe short-sightedness 
  
  
• Are unsuitable for laser eye surgery 
  
  
• Want greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses 

However, ICL treatment may not be suitable for everyone. 

 

You may not be suitable if you: 

• Have certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma 
  
  
• Have untreated cataracts 
  
  
• Have significant retinal disease 
  
  
• Have unstable vision 
  
  
• Have insufficient space within the eye for safe lens implantation 
  
  
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding 

The best way to determine whether you are suitable for ICL treatment is through a comprehensive consultation and assessment with an expert consultant. At Southend Private Hospital, our expert consultant ophthalmic surgeon, James Myerscough, will discuss any suitability concerns with you during your consultation. 

• Glasses 
  
  
• Contact lenses 

• LASIK laser eye surgery 
  
  
• LASEK laser eye surgery 
  
  
• Refractive lens exchange (lens replacement surgery)

Your consultant will explain all available options and help you choose the treatment best suited to your lifestyle, prescription and long-term visual goals. 

• Ask about your vision and medical history 
  
  
• Discuss your current glasses or contact lens prescription 
  
  
• Perform detailed eye examinations and measurements 
  
  
• Assess your suitability for ICL treatment 
  
  
• Explain the procedure in detail 
  
  
• Discuss benefits, alternatives and potential risks 
  
  
• Answer any questions you may have 

At Southend Private Hospital, we want you to feel fully informed and confident when making decisions about your eye care. 

• Stop wearing contact lenses for a period before your assessment and surgery 
  
  
• Arrange transport home after treatment 
  
  
• Avoid using certain eye products on the day of surgery

If you have any questions about preparing for your procedure, our team will be happy to help. 

• Anaesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye 
  
  
• A small opening is made in the eye 
  
  
• The folded ICL is carefully inserted through the opening 
  
  
• The lens is positioned behind the iris and in front of your natural lens 
  
  
• The eye is checked before you return to the recovery area 

The procedure is painless, although you may experience some pressure or mild discomfort. 

• It is advised that: 
  
  
• You avoid rubbing your eyes 
  
  
• You avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for a short period 
  
  
• Many patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days, depending on their recovery and occupation. To ensure a smooth recovery, you will attend follow up appointments to monitor your progress after treatment. 

• Infection 
  
  
• Raised eye pressure 
  
  
• Inflammation inside the eye 
  
  
• Glare or halos around lights 
  
  
• Cataract development 
  
  
• Retinal complications 
  
  
• Need for additional treatment or lens adjustment 

While complications are uncommon, understanding the risks helps you make an informed decision about treatment. 

The cost of implantable contact lens treatment will depend on your individual requirements and whether treatment is required in one eye or both eyes. 

Following your consultation, we will provide a personalised quotation outlining all costs associated with your treatment. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.  
 
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.  

• Tailored care with an experienced consultant ophthalmologist, specialised in vision correction procedures 
  
  
• Patient focused experience and clinical excellence 
  
  
• Comprehensive assessments and personalised treatment recommendations 
  
  
• Consultant led care throughout your treatment journey 
  
  
• Modern facilities and advanced diagnostic technology 
  
  
• Fast access to appointments and treatment 
  
  
• Dedicated aftercare and follow up support 

Whether you're looking to reduce your dependence on glasses or explore alternatives to laser eye surgery, our specialist team is here to help you achieve clearer vision and greater confidence. 

To book a consultation to discuss ICL surgery with a consultant ophthalmologist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.