ICL Surgery vs. LASIK: Which One Is Best for Me?

Tired of messing around with glasses or contact lenses everyday? Frustrated with foggy lenses, dry eyes or losing a contact at the worst possible moment? Laser eye surgery could be the answer. But the real question is: should you go for ICL surgery or LASIK?

Both can give you sharp, clear vision, but they work in completely different ways. The right one for you depends on your eyes, your lifestyle, and what you want over the long term.

At Re:vision, we specialise in laser eye surgery and have helped countless Kiwis see more clearly. If you’ve got poor vision and want sharp, clear eyesight without glasses or contact lenses, this guide is for you. We discuss ICL surgery and LASIK, including what they are, how they work, and who they’re best for.

What Is ICL Surgery?

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a type of laser surgery that corrects poor vision without removing or reshaping your cornea. Instead, an eye surgeon places implantable contact lenses inside your eye, just behind your eye’s natural lens.

These lenses are soft, flexible, and made especially to work naturally with your eye. They help focus light properly. This means you get sharp, clear vision, and without the daily struggle of glasses or contact lenses getting in the way. Unlike other laser vision correction procedures like LASIK, the changes ICL surgery makes to your eye aren't permanent. Removing or replacing the ICL down the track is totally possible.

The ICL Surgery Process

1. The surgeon starts by applying numbing drops.
2. They then make a small incision (just a few millimetres) near the edge of your cornea. This is how the implantable contact lens gets inside your eye.
3. They'll fold and insert the flexible lens through the opening. Once inside, it unfolds and sits neatly behind your iris, working with your eye’s natural lens to correct your vision.
4. The incision is so tiny that it heals on its own. There's no need for stitches.
5. The whole process takes about 7-10 minutes per eye. You go home the same day and can get back to light activities within a day or two.
6. You’ll likely notice clearer vision within a few hours. The full results become apparent over the space of a few days.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of laser refractive surgery that fixes poor vision by reshaping the front of your eye. Instead of adding implantable contact lenses like ICL, LASIK changes your corneal shape so light hits your retina correctly. This can give you clear, natural vision without needing glasses or contact lenses.

The LASIK process

1. The surgeon starts by applying numbing drops.
2. They'll make a tiny flap using the Femtosecond laser on the surface of your eye. This is what allows the laser to reshape your cornea underneath.
3. With a special laser, they'll carefully remove a tiny amount of tissue to fix your refractive error.
4. They'll then smooth the corneal flap back down. It sticks itself back naturally, without any need for stitches.
5. The whole procedure takes about 7-10 minutes per eye, and most people are back to normal activities within a day or two.
6. Most people notice a huge difference in their vision within a few hours. Your vision will keep getting sharper over the next 24-48 hours, and by the end of the first week, it’s usually close to perfect.

Key Differences Between ICL and LASIK

To help you understand the key differences between ICL surgery and LASIK, here's a table that illustrates them side by side:

How to Decide Which One Is Right for You

So, ICL or LASIK? The answer depends on a few key factors. Here’s what to think about when making your decision:

Prescription Strength

• If you have extremely high myopia (short-sightedness), ICL surgery might be the better option as it can correct stronger prescriptions than LASIK.
• If your prescription is in the moderate range, LASIK could be a great fit.

Corneal Thickness

• If you have thin corneas, LASIK might not be an option for you. But ICL surgery doesn’t remove corneal tissue, so it could be a great alternative.
• If your corneas are thick enough, LASIK may be the right choice.

Dry Eye Concerns

• LASIK can make dry eyes worse, especially in the first few months.
• ICL surgery doesn’t affect the corneal nerves or tear production, so it’s often the better choice for people with existing dryness.

Lifestyle and Long-Term Vision Goals

If you prefer an option that's reversible, ICL lenses can be removed or replaced down the track if needed.

Budget Considerations

• LASIK is generally cheaper upfront.
• ICL surgery has a higher initial cost, but it may be worth it if LASIK isn’t a good option for your eyes.

LASIK and ICL Surgery Near Me

Still not sure which one is right for you? That’s totally normal. Every eye is different, and the best way to find out is to get a proper assessment from a specialist.

Here’s the quick takeaway:

• ICL surgery is great if you have very high prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eyes and want an option that’s reversible.
• LASIK is more affordable, provides permanent correction, and is a great choice if you have moderate prescriptions and thick corneas.

At our Auckland laser eye clinic, we don’t just do laser eye surgery. We also offer cataract surgery and other advanced treatments to help you get the best possible vision. Our team is led by Drs. Trevor Gray & Mo Ziaei, two of New Zealand’s top laser eye surgeons, and we’ve helped thousands of people ditch glasses and contact lenses for good.

Want to find out if you’re a candidate? Book a free assessment today and get expert advice on the best option for your eyes.

Contact the team at Re:Vision to book your free assessment today!

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