Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Surgery in Singapore

Advanced Vision Correction by Dr Cheryl Lee -One of Singapore’s Most Experienced ICL Surgeons

If you are highly short-sighted, have thin corneas, dry eyes, or have been told you are unsuitable for LASIK, implantable contact lens surgery (ICL) may be an excellent option for achieving clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.

At The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee in Singapore, Dr Cheryl Lee provides advanced EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery for patients seeking high-quality vision correction with a personalized and safety-focused approach.

With extensive experience in refractive surgery and the management of complex myopia cases, Dr Lee carefully evaluates each patient to determine the most suitable vision correction procedure for their eyes and lifestyle.

What Is Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Surgery?

Implantable Contact Lens surgery, also known as EVO ICL surgery, is an advanced refractive procedure designed to correct:

• Myopia (short-sightedness)

• Astigmatism

• In some cases, hyperopia (long-sightedness)

Unlike LASIK, ICL surgery does not remove corneal tissue. Instead, a soft biocompatible lens is implanted inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.

The lens works together with your natural eye to provide sharp, clear vision while preserving the structure of the cornea.

Because the cornea is not permanently reshaped, ICL surgery is often an excellent option for patients who:

• have myopia

• have astigmatism

• have thin corneas

• suffer from dry eyes

• are unsuitable for LASIK or SMILE laser vision correction because myopia is high

Why Patients Choose EVO ICL Surgery

Modern EVO Implantable Contact Lens technology offers several important advantages.

Excellent Vision Quality

Many patients experience exceptionally sharp and crisp vision, especially in low-light conditions. Reason? The cornea is the wind screen of the eye and in ICL the cornea is not scraped or touched so the quality of vision is better.

Suitable For High Myopia

ICL surgery can correct higher degrees of short-sightedness than LASIK in many patients. Reason? The higher the myopia ,more of cornea is removed and removing more cornea leads to more dry eyes and weakness and instability of vision long term

Preserves Corneal Tissue

Because no corneal tissue is removed, the natural shape and strength of the cornea are preserved. This is why with ICL there is stability of vision long term (no regression unlike Laser surgery) and no issues with cataract surgery lens options to correct presbyopia in older age

Reduced Dry Eye Symptoms

Patients with pre-existing dry eyes is better suited for ICL compared to laser refractive surgery because removal of cornea also removes the nerves within the cornea that make tears.

Removable Procedure

One important advantage of ICL surgery is that the lens can be removed or exchanged if required in the future. Reversibility is very important for cataract surgery and long term options.

UV Protection

The EVO ICL lens contains UV-blocking properties for additional eye protection.

Who Is Suitable For ICL Surgery?

You may be a suitable candidate for implantable contact lens surgery if you:

• have stable spectacle prescription

• have myopia

• have hyperopia

• have astigmatism

• have thin corneas

• have dry eyes or do not want to have dry eyes in the future

• are unsuitable for LASIK or SMILE

• want a reversible vision correction option

During your consultation, Dr Cheryl Lee performs a detailed assessment using advanced diagnostic imaging to determine whether EVO ICL surgery is the safest and most effective option for your eyes.

ICL vs LASIK — Which Is Better?

Both ICL and LASIK are highly effective vision correction procedures, but they work differently and may suit different patients.

LASIK

LASIK reshapes the cornea using laser technology to correct refractive error.

LASIK may be suitable for:

• mild to moderate myopia

• patients with adequate corneal thickness

• patients without significant dry eye disease

ICL

ICL surgery implants a lens inside the eye without removing corneal tissue.

ICL may be preferable for:

• high myopia

• thin corneas

• dry eyes

• patients unsuitable for laser procedures

• patients seeking excellent night vision quality. Reason-the cornea is the wind screen of the eye and when it is scraped in Lasik , the quality of vision is not as good.

In Dr Cheryl Lee’s experience, many highly myopic patients who assume LASIK is their only option may actually achieve superior visual quality and long-term corneal preservation with EVO ICL surgery.

The most suitable procedure depends on your eye anatomy, prescription, corneal measurements, and visual goals.

ICL Surgery For High Myopia

Patients with severe short-sightedness often struggle with:

• thick glasses

• contact lens intolerance

• visual distortion

• progressive prescription changes

EVO ICL surgery is one of the most effective modern solutions for high myopia correction.

Because the procedure does not weaken the cornea through tissue removal, it can provide excellent visual outcomes for patients with stronger prescriptions who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK.

Dr Cheryl Lee has extensive experience evaluating and managing patients with high myopia and complex refractive profiles.

Can I Have ICL Surgery If I Have Dry Eyes?

Yes — many patients with dry eyes may be better suited for ICL compared to laser refractive surgery.

Because ICL surgery does not reshape the corneal surface or disrupt corneal nerves to the same extent as LASIK, postoperative dry eye symptoms may be reduced.

Patients who experience:

• contact lens dryness

• screen-related dry eyes

• chronic ocular surface discomfort

often benefit from a careful refractive assessment to determine the safest and most comfortable vision correction option.

What Happens During ICL Surgery?

ICL surgery is typically performed as a day procedure.

Before Surgery

A comprehensive eye assessment is performed, including:

• corneal mapping

• anterior chamber measurements

• retinal evaluation

• prescription stability assessment

Custom-sized EVO ICL lenses are then ordered specifically for your eyes.

During Surgery

The procedure usually takes about 20 minutes.

A tiny incision is made in the eye, and the folded lens is gently inserted behind the iris.

The procedure is painless, and most patients experience rapid visual recovery.

After Surgery

Most patients notice significantly improved vision within a few days.

Eye drops are prescribed during the recovery period, and follow-up visits are arranged to monitor healing and visual outcomes.

ICL Recovery Timeline

First 24 Hours

• Mild blurring or halos may occur initially

• Vision usually improves quickly

• Most patients experience minimal discomfort

First Week

• Vision continues stabilizing

• Most normal daily activities can resume

First Month

• Visual clarity sharpens further

• Follow-up examinations ensure optimal healing

Recovery varies between individuals, and Dr Cheryl Lee provides personalized postoperative care to optimize safety and visual outcomes.

Is ICL Surgery Safe?

Modern EVO Implantable Contact Lens surgery has an excellent safety profile when performed in appropriately selected patients.

As with all surgical procedures, there are potential risks and complications, including:

• infection

• raised eye pressure

• inflammation

• cataract formation

• glare or halos

• lens rotation (in toric lenses)

Careful patient selection, precise measurements, surgical expertise, and detailed follow-up care are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

At The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, patient safety and long-term visual health remain the highest priorities. We do a specific ultrasound test to ensure the ICL size is correct. If the ICL is too big or too small, it can cause complications.

Can Implantable Contact Lenses Be Removed?

Yes.

One important advantage of ICL surgery is that the implanted lens can be removed or exchanged if necessary.

This reversibility makes ICL an attractive option for many patients seeking a long-term yet flexible vision correction solution.

Why Choose Dr Cheryl Lee For ICL Surgery In Singapore?

Patients choose Dr Cheryl Lee for:

• extensive refractive surgery experience

• careful patient selection

• personalized surgical planning

• management of high myopia and complex cases

• advanced diagnostic technology

• detailed postoperative care

• patient-focused consultation approach

Every eye is unique. Dr Lee believes that successful refractive surgery begins with careful evaluation, honest recommendations, and selecting the safest procedure for each individual patient.

READ MORE ABOUT DR CHERYL LEE’S ICL SURGICAL EXPERIENCE HERE

Frequently Asked Questions About ICL Surgery

Is ICL better than LASIK?

Neither procedure is universally better. The most suitable option depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, dry eye status,eye anatomy and your expectations.

Can I feel the implanted lens?

No. Patients cannot feel the ICL lens once it is implanted.

Is ICL surgery painful?

The procedure is typically painless, with minimal discomfort during recovery.

How long does EVO ICL last?

The implanted lens is designed to remain long term.

Can ICL treat astigmatism?

Yes. Toric ICL lenses can correct astigmatism.

Will I still need glasses after ICL surgery?

Many patients achieve excellent vision without glasses, although some may still require spectacles for specific tasks when they develop presbyopia. There are options like eye drops for presbyopia nowadays.

Is ICL suitable for thin corneas?

Yes. ICL is often an excellent option for patients with thin corneas who may not be suitable for LASIK.

Does ICL surgery cause dry eyes?

ICL surgery may have a lower risk of postoperative dry eye symptoms compared to LASIK because corneal tissue is not reshaped.

Book A Comprehensive ICL Consultation In Singapore

If you are considering implantable contact lens surgery, a detailed assessment is essential to determine the safest and most effective vision correction option for your eyes.

Dr Cheryl Lee provides personalized consultations for patients seeking advanced refractive surgery solutions, including EVO ICL for high myopia, thin corneas, and LASIK-unsuitable eyes.

To schedule an appointment, visit:

The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee