Blog post 4 – A guide to Implantable Phakic Contact Lenses (IPCL’s)

If you’ve been told you are not the ideal candidate for any type of refractive surgery or that your prescription is very high, you may hear that you are in fact an ideal candidate for IPCL’s.

An Implantable Phakic Contact Lens (IPCL) is a modern, safe, and highly effective solution for people with high degrees of myopia, hyperopia orastigmatism, and thin corneas who want to reduce or eliminate the use of spectacles or contact lenses. 

It’s becoming one of the fastest-growing alternatives in refractive surgery because it offers clear, stable vision without permanently reshaping the cornea.

 What Is an IPCL?

An IPCL is a tiny, soft, biocompatible lens that is surgically placed inside the eye, just behind the iris and in front of your natural crystalline lens.

Think of it like a permanent contact lens that is placed inside the eye instead of you inserting your contact lenses every day. Many people describe it as a permanent internal contact lens, but with the comfort and clarity of natural vision.

Benefits of IPCL 

✔ Corrects Very High Prescriptions

IPCL can correct any level of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism that are beyond the safe limits of LASIK or PRK.

✔ Crystal-Clear Vision Quality

Patients often describe their vision as sharper and more high definition than with glasses.

✔ Safe for Thin or Dry Corneas

Since no corneal tissue is removed, IPCL is gentle on the eye’s surface.

✔ Reversible and Upgradeable

The lens can be removed or replaced if your vision changes in the future — a major advantage for younger patients.

✔ Fast Healing

Minimal discomfort, rapid recovery, and no corneal dryness afterward.

✔ Ideal LASIK Alternative

Perfect for people searching for non-laser vision correction options.

 Risks and Considerations 

While IPCL is considered very safe, it’s still important to understand the basics:

• Temporary Halos or Glare

Some people may notice mild halos at night during the healing phase, which usually improves over time. Some people don’t really notice it at all. 

• Pressure Fluctuations

A small percentage of patients may have a temporary rise in eye pressure that is easily managed with drops.

• Future Vision Changes

Your natural lens will eventually age, so you may need reading glasses in your 40s or 50s. This will happen whether you go ahead with IPCL’s or not. 

IPCL is one of the most reliable and advanced options for people who can’t undergo laser eye surgery or who want a reversible, long-lasting vision correction treatment. With fast recovery, exceptional clarity, and suitability for high prescriptions, it’s an excellent solution for patients wanting freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

The best way to find out if you are a candidate for IPCL's is to take our free self-test. It gives you insight into whether you're a good candidate—and what your next steps might be. Blog post 4 - A guide to Implantable Phakic Contact Lenses (IPCL’s)