ICL surgery2026-07-13T12:55:24+00:00

Improve your vision with ICL surgery in Cape Town

Implantable contact lenses are an established vision correction option – particularly well-suited to patients who may not be candidates for laser eye surgery. Find out whether this procedure might be appropriate for you.

Improve your vision with ICL surgery in Cape Town

Implantable contact lenses are an established vision correction option – particularly well-suited to patients who may not be candidates for laser eye surgery. Find out whether this procedure might be appropriate for you.

As seen in

As seen in

Discover ICL surgery: Your path to clearer vision

Explore How Implantable Contact Lenses Can Reduce Your Reliance on Glasses and Contacts

ICL surgery suitability criteria

ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) surgery is suitable for individuals who:

  • Are between the ages of 21 and 45.
  • Have stable vision with a prescription that falls within specific limits.
  • Are not suitable candidates for LASIK or PRK due to extreme nearsightedness, thin corneas, or other factors.
  • Have healthy eyes without diseases like glaucoma or cataracts.
  • Are looking for a reversible vision correction option.

Implantable contact lenses sit between the natural lens of the eye and the iris. They work in a similar way to traditional contact lenses by focusing light through the lens and onto the retina, correcting the vision.

Advantages:

  • Alternative to laser eye surgery: ICLs are a good treatment if laser eye surgery isn’t right for you or if you have very bad eyesight.
  • Adjustable: Unlike laser refractive surgery, which permanently reshapes the cornea, an ICL can be removed or replaced if clinically indicated. This would involve a second intraocular procedure, with its own considerations – your surgeon will explain what this means in practice at your consultation.

Disadvantages:

  • Age limitations: We only suggest ICLs for people aged 21 to 45.
  • Regular check-ups needed: You need to go for regular check-ups every year.

ICL surgery, like any surgery, carries rare risks that we will explain in detail during your consultation. These include the lens rotating, blocking the pupil, detached retina, and higher eye pressure (IOP). These complications are rare but important to discuss to ensure you have all the information you need before making a decision.

We offer ICL surgery in cases where corneal refractive surgery is not appropriate or is unsafe.

The alternative would be to use glasses or contact lenses and not proceed with surgery.

We implant ICLs on an outpatient procedure that takes less than 30 minutes.

ICL surgery involves several key steps to correct vision effectively:

  • Step 1: Before surgery, your eye will be numbed with special drops. An incision is made at the edge of the cornea to insert the lens.
  • Step 2: A tiny, foldable lens is inserted through the incision and placed behind the iris, where it rests permanently.
  • Step 3: The lens is positioned correctly to correct your refractive error, whether nearsightedness or astigmatism.
  • Step 4: Post-surgery, you’ll rest briefly before leaving with instructions for follow-up care and check-ups to monitor healing and vision improvement.

ICLs give great visual acuity results. In one published study funded by STAAR Surgical, ICLs were implanted in a selected group of US military personnel. At three months post-surgery, 96% achieved unaided visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Results in civilian patients will vary based on individual prescription, ocular anatomy, and other clinical factors – your surgeon will give you a personalised assessment, including risks and alternatives to the procedure.

1Staar.com. 2021. Investigator Reports 99.4% Patient Satisfaction Rate as Part of First Three Year Follow Up Results on STAAR Surgical’s Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) for Myopia – Staar Surgical.

The information on this page is for general guidance only. Before making any decisions about your eye health or treatment, please speak to a registered ophthalmologist.

An information call with our team does not constitute a clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation.

Not sure if you qualify for SMILE?

Book a video call with our team to find out whether you might be a candidate for SMILE and what clearer vision might mean for your lifestyle.

Not sure if you qualify for SMILE?

Book a video appointment to find out if you’re a candidate for vision correction. Most people assume they are either definitely a candidate or definitely not. The screening usually surprises people either way.

3 Simple Steps To Explore Your Vision Correction Options

Navigating the world of laser eye surgery can feel like a maze. We’ve streamlined the process, making your journey toward clearer vision simple.

Tell us about your eyes

Wondering if laser eye surgery could reduce your reliance on glasses or contacts? The journey begins here. Connect with our welcoming team via +27 79 686 6565 for Foreshore & Blaauwberg or +27 21 802 2853 for Somerset West or book your video call online. It’s your first step towards clarity.

Come in for a screening

Your ophthalmologist maps your cornea, measures your prescription, and assesses whether SMILE, or any procedure,  is appropriate for your eyes. This is where suitability is confirmed. Cost of the screening will be given when you book.

Decide with full information

If you are a candidate and choose to go ahead, your ophthalmologist will walk through the procedure, the risks, what to expect, and the full cost in writing. Surgery is only scheduled once you are satisfied and have given informed consent.

What patients at Atlantic Eye Laser Centre have said

These are individual patient accounts. Circumstances, outcomes and experiences vary from person to person and do not represent a guarantee of results. Please speak to one of our ophthalmologists about what you may realistically expect for your eyes.

We answer your questions about vision correction treatment in Cape Town

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about restoring your vision

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Laser eye surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Your eyes and your lifestyle play a big part. Ready to see which type suits you? Take this 2-min self-test and find out.

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Laser eye surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Your eyes and your lifestyle play a big part. Ready to see which type suits you? Take this 2-min quiz and find out.

Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan

I’m proud to be the founder of both Atlantic Eye Centre, an eye specialist centre, and LIQID Medical Pty, a biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and receive awards during my specialist training.

With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing dedicated, patient-centred care.

Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.

My goal is for every patient to feel genuinely informed, comfortable, and well cared for – from their first conversation right through to their last post-operative visit.

Dr Daemon McClunan

MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)

How to find us in Cape Town
How to reach us

Dr James Beatty

Dr Daemon McClunan

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Find Out If You’re Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery

Not everyone is a suitable and safe candidate for vision correction surgery. All surgical procedures have risks involved based on the complex nature of each individual and their presenting condition. Therapeutic outcomes vary from person to person. A thorough physical, physiological and psychological assessment is required before any decision about any procedure or treatment for a specific individual can be made.

The information on this website is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a registered ophthalmologist about what is the most appropriate course of action for your eyes. Atlantic Eye Laser Centre practitioners are registered with the HPCSA.

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