An implantable collamer lens is a thin, flexible lens placed inside the eye, just in front of your own lens, to correct a high prescription. It is often called an implantable contact lens (ICL). Mr Arthur Okonkwo, Consultant Ophthalmologist in Leeds, offers it when laser treatment is not suitable, for example because the cornea is too thin.
Your natural lens stays in place, so the eye keeps its own focusing. Assessment takes place at St James Laser Vision Clinic, and Mr Okonkwo implants the lens himself.
Book an ICL Consultation
Book a consultation with Mr Okonkwo in Leeds to find out whether an ICL could suit your prescription.
Prefer to call? 0113 460 1923, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
What Is an Implantable Collamer Lens?
The ICL type sits just behind the pupil and vaults over the natural lens. You cannot see or feel it, and it never needs cleaning. The RCOphth leaflet on phakic lens implantation is available via this link.
Because nothing is removed from the cornea, a wider range of prescriptions can be treated than with laser.
Conditions Mr Okonkwo Treats with an ICL
- High short sight (myopia): well beyond the usual laser limit, up to about 23.5 dioptres.
- High long sight (hypermetropia): up to about 12 dioptres.
- Astigmatism: up to 4.5 dioptres.
- Thin or irregular corneas: where removing tissue with laser vision correction would be contraindicated.
- Dry eye that rules out laser
ICL Treatment Options: Matching the Lens to Your Prescription
Mr Okonkwo orders each lens to your eye’s measurements after the scans.
The lens is folded, injected through a tiny self-sealing opening and unfolds behind the iris. It suits adults with a high but stable prescription and enough room in the front of the eye. Surgery takes about 20 minutes per eye, with discharge the same day.
Considering an ICL?
Book a consultation to check whether your prescription, corneal thickness and eye depth suit an ICL. Bring prescriptions from the last 2 years.
Prefer to call? 0113 460 1923, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Why Patients Choose Mr Okonkwo for ICL Surgery
- Lens surgery training: a Distinction-level PgDip from Ulster University in Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
- Refractive credential: CertLRS from the RCOphth, alongside his FRCOphth fellowship.
- Fellowship hospitals: further training at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, then at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne.
- Consultant post: NHS and private clinics are led by him at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Academic work: he teaches medical students and trains fellows as an Honorary Senior Lecturer (University of Leeds), and holds a PgCert in Medical Education.
- Research record: over 30 peer-reviewed publications, backed by international research grants and prizes.
Your ICL Pathway, Step by Step: Assessment Appointment to Second Eye
- Referral: you may book privately on your own, though a note from your GP or optician helps. Bring your past glasses prescriptions.
- Consultation: an extended appointment with history, examination and scans. Drops to enlarge the pupils act within 20 to 30 minutes and blur vision for hours, so leave the car at home.
- Measurements: biometry, corneal topography and an endothelial cell count, plus a check that the front of the eye has room for the lens.
- Lens order: Mr Okonkwo and the specialist optometrist agree your target, then the lens is ordered to your measurements.
- Your decision: go through the risks, alternatives and his IOL and ICL patient leaflet before agreeing.
- Surgery day: eat and drink as normal, then numbing drops, a spring clip and about 20 minutes per eye (RCOphth). After a short rest in the recovery area you go home.
- Second eye: may be done on the same day of 1-2 weeks later.
Recovery and Risks After ICL Surgery
Sight usually recovers substantially within 2 to 3 days, once the pupil drops wear off. Wear the plastic shield at night for 1 week. Showering is fine from day one, but avoid swimming for a week and contact sport for a month.
Glare and haloes are common at first and usually improve within a few months. Bruise-like red patches on the white of the eye can take up to 6 weeks to clear. Cataract earlier in life and repositioning or replacing the lens among possible complications.
Where to See Mr Okonkwo for ICL Surgery in Leeds
Consultations, scans and surgery all take place at St James Laser Vision Clinic.
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| St James Laser Vision Clinic (consultations and scans) | Floor 4, Gledhow Wing, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF |
To arrange a visit, ring 0113 460 1923. Lines are open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Patients travel from across the East Midlands, the North East and Yorkshire.
FAQs About ICL Surgery
Is ICL surgery a major operation?
It is surgery inside the eye, but short. It usually takes about 20 minutes per eye under numbing drops, and you go home the same day (RCOphth).
How quickly does vision recover after an ICL?
Sight usually recovers substantially within 2 to 3 days. Some variation in vision and comfort is normal over the first weeks.
When can I drive after ICL surgery?
Your surgeon confirms when, typically within a few days. You must meet the DVLA eyesight rules, including reading a number plate at 20 metres.
Can my short sight return after an ICL?
Natural prescription changes can still happen at any age.
What is the alternative if I am over 50?
After about 50, the RCOphth says refractive lens exchange is often preferred, because cataract risk rises and focusing flexibility has mostly gone.
Will people notice the lens in my eye?
No. The ICL sits behind the iris and cannot be seen or felt (RCOphth). Only an eye specialist using a microscope can spot it.
Will both eyes have the lens fitted at once?
It is down to patient preference both eyes may be done at once or they can be done 1-2 weeks apart.
Can I have an ICL if I have glaucoma or uveitis?
Usually not.
Quick Info
What is it?
A soft lens implanted behind the iris, in front of your natural lens (RCOphth)
Who is it for?
Adults aged 18 to about 45 with a stable, high prescription who cannot have laser (RCOphth)
How long does it take?
About 20 minutes per eye (RCOphth)
Hospital stay
None. You go home the same day (RCOphth)
Recovery
Sight usually recovers substantially within 2 to 3 days (RCOphth)
Ready to Get Started?
Book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Book an ICL Consultation with Mr Arthur Okonkwo
Book a consultation to check whether your prescription, corneal thickness and eye depth suit an ICL. Bring prescriptions from the last 2 years. The RCOphth looks for a change of 0.5 dioptres or less over that time.
- Phone: 0113 460 1923, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
- Online: write to the team via the contact form