Alternative to laser eye surgery
Implanted contact lens
After an implanted contact lens treatment at EuroEyes, visual aids such as glasses or contact lenses are a thing of the past – for a whole new sense of freedom and maximum quality of life. In this procedure, an artificial lens (ICL, Implantable Collamer Lens) is implanted in front of your natural eye lens to permanently correct refractive errors such as myopia or astigmatism. This treatment is an excellent alternative to laser eye surgery, for example, if the cornea is too thin or the refractive error too high. The procedure is reversible, although in most cases the artificial lens remains in the eye for life.
Timeline of your implanted contact lens treatment
We guide you step by step through the timeline of your lens treatment so you know exactly what to expect. From the initial pre-examination to the actual procedure and the follow-up – here you will find all the important information to be well prepared and feel confident.
Pre-examination and main examination
After your free and non-binding pre-examination, the main examination follows. It is important that you do not wear contact lenses for four days beforehand and that you do not participate in road traffic afterwards, as eye drops will impair your vision for a few hours. During the main examination, your visual acuity, cornea and retina are checked in order to determine the best treatment method for you.
Procedure and treatment process
At the third appointment, an artificial lens is implanted in front of the natural lens to permanently correct the refractive error. For the journey home, you will receive transparent eye shields and need someone to accompany you. Plan around 1.5 hours for the entire appointment, including preparation and the way home.
Possible symptoms
Immediately after the treatment, you may be sensitive to light and experience red eyes as well as a foreign-body sensation. Other possible symptoms include hazy vision, watery, dry, burning or swollen eyes. It is recommended to wear sunglasses during the first few hours as protection against glare and foreign bodies.
First follow-up
The first follow-up takes place the next day. This is the first time your vision without visual aids is checked after the implanted contact lens treatment. Usually, the confirmation for the road traffic authority can also be issued at this point. In principle, you can then return to your normal daily activities.
Second follow-up
Your second follow-up takes place after one week. By this time, you have already adapted very well to the lens. Please continue to follow the hygiene measures and use the eye drops according to your prescribed schedule.
Back to everyday life
Swimming, sports and sauna are allowed again, as well as wearing make-up around the eyes. If you have any questions about when you can resume specific daily activities, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Final follow-up
After about two months, a final follow-up takes place. At this appointment, your visual performance is checked one last time and the healing process of the eye is ensured.
The advantages of an implanted contact lens
For severe refractive errors
Artificial lenses are a good alternative if you have a high refractive error and laser treatment is not an option for you.
For thin corneas
An implanted contact lens treatment is possible even if laser eye surgery is not an option due to thin corneas.
Suitable for dry eyes
With dry eyes, laser eye surgery is not always recommended. However, implanted contact lenses are also possible if you have dry eyes.
Reversible
An implanted contact lens with ICL is reversible: the artificial lens is placed in front of the natural lens and can be removed or replaced if necessary.
UV filter
The material of the artificial lens has a UV filter that protects the eye from harmful sun rays.
Custom-made
The lens is custom-made and thus fits each eye perfectly. The lens is not perceived as a foreign body.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find the most important questions and answers about laser eye and lens treatments at EuroEyes. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us.
Lens implantation or laser treatment?
Whether a lens implantation or a laser treatment is more suitable must be assessed individually. Both procedures are proven and safe. A lens implantation is reversible and may also be an option if your cornea is too thin for laser eye surgery or if you suffer from dry eyes.
How long does an implanted lens last?
ICL lenses generally remain in the eye for a lifetime. Since the natural lens is preserved, the procedure is reversible. The implanted lens can therefore be removed at any time or replaced with a new one, for example if your vision changes.
When can I expect full vision?
After the artificial lenses have been implanted in your eyes, it usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to achieve full visual acuity. In some cases it may take longer. The overall healing process takes around 4 to 8 weeks.
What risks are associated with a lens implantation?
Lens implantation is a safe and proven treatment method for correcting severe refractive errors. In rare cases, eye conditions such as an infection may occur after a lens implantation. These can generally be treated.
Can implantable lenses be removed again?
An ICL lens implantation is reversible. Since the natural lens of the eye is completely preserved in this procedure, the artificial lens can be removed from the eye at any time, for example if your vision changes over time and you wish to replace the lenses with new ones.
How much does a lens implantation cost?
At EuroEyes, a lens implantation costs CHF 4,480 per eye. Unlike other providers, everything is included in the price: from the eye check and main examination to the treatment and follow-ups. Instalment payments are also available upon request.