01/Smart Lenses (Trifocal)
ICL Surgery: Phakic Intraocular Lens Implant
For high nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, an ICL phakic lens is added to the eye without removing the natural lens; an option for eyes not suited to laser.
- Examination, surgery and follow-up with the same doctor
- Contracts with 7 private health insurers
- Bağdat Caddesi, Kadıköy
Short answer
An ICL (phakic intraocular lens) is a thin lens placed between the iris and the natural lens, while the eye's own lens is left in place. It is considered for younger patients whose corneas are too thin for laser treatment or whose prescription is high. Measurements such as anterior chamber depth and endothelial cell count determine suitability.
What Is ICL Phakic Lens Surgery?
ICL phakic intraocular lens surgery is a vision correction method developed especially for people whose eyes are not suitable for laser treatment. In this method, the eye’s natural lens is left in place and a clear, biocompatible lens is placed inside the eye. The aim of this lens is to provide clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Unlike laser procedures, ICL surgery does not reshape the corneal tissue. Instead, a specially designed lens is placed inside the eye. This lens works together with the natural lens to improve the quality of vision. Another notable feature is that the treatment is reversible: the lens can be removed if needed.
ICL technology is an effective option for treating refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, and it is particularly preferred for high prescriptions.
Who Is the ICL Phakic Lens Suitable For?
The ICL phakic intraocular lens offers an alternative for people who want to correct certain vision problems but whose eyes are not suited to laser treatment. Whether the treatment is suitable for you can only be determined after a detailed eye examination.
In general, an ICL may be considered for:
- People whose nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism is too high to be corrected with laser
- People whose corneas are not suitable for laser surgery
- People over 21 whose prescription is stable
- Patients without special conditions such as high eye pressure or retinal problems
Every eye is different, so suitability must always be assessed through a specialist examination.
How Is ICL Surgery Performed?
ICL phakic lens surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, is usually completed quickly and does not require a hospital stay. Before treatment, the structure of each patient’s eye is analyzed in detail and comprehensive measurements are taken. This allows the lens to be selected and the procedure to be planned specifically for you.
The treatment process generally goes as follows:
- Your eye structure and prescription are measured to assess suitability.
- The ICL, made to match your eye’s measurements, is placed in front of the eye’s natural lens.
- The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and completed within minutes.
- After treatment, the patient goes home the same day and can return to daily life within a short time.
Each procedure is planned with individual differences in mind. A specialist assessment is essential for the treatment to be carried out safely and effectively.

How Does an ICL Phakic Lens Affect Vision Quality?
ICL technology has the potential to improve the quality of vision, particularly in patients with high nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Working together with the eye’s natural lens, these lenses support good-quality vision and help optimize sharpness.
The ways an ICL can contribute to vision quality may include:
- It may help improve sharpness at distance and intermediate ranges.
- Compared with laser correction of high prescriptions, it may help limit night-vision problems such as blur or glare.
- It offers an alternative way to correct vision for people who are not suitable for laser treatment.
Every person responds differently to treatment. The vision quality an ICL can provide can therefore be estimated after an assessment by an ophthalmologist.
What Are the Advantages of ICL Phakic Lens Surgery?
ICL phakic intraocular lens technology is a modern approach with several advantages for correcting refractive errors. A strong alternative, especially for patients who are not suitable for laser treatment, this method aims for a comfortable recovery while preserving the eye’s natural structure.
The main advantages of ICL lenses include:
- No changes to corneal tissue: Unlike laser methods, the cornea is not reshaped, so the natural tissue is preserved.
- Removable: If needed, the lens can be removed or replaced, which offers a flexible treatment option.
- Less need for glasses and contact lenses: It helps improve visual comfort in daily life.
- Low risk of dryness: Complaints such as dry eye, which are common after LASIK, are expected to be less frequent with this method.
Whether these advantages apply to you depends on an assessment of your eye’s suitability. Results may vary from patient to patient, so the decision should be guided by a specialist assessment.
What Should You Pay Attention to After ICL Surgery?
A few key points after treatment help healing go well. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice carefully.
Key points after treatment:
- Use your eye drops regularly: The drops prescribed by your doctor help protect the eye against infection and support healing.
- Keep the eye clean: Protecting the eye from external factors reduces the risk of infection in the first days.
- Do not miss your follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups are important for monitoring your eye health and assessing how your eye is responding to treatment.
- Protect your eye in the first days: Avoid rubbing your eye and keep it away from water and dust.
With proper care and follow-up, recovery after ICL surgery usually goes comfortably. For detailed information and guidance, it is important to stay in touch with your ophthalmologist.
ICL surgery is one option for no longer depending on high-prescription glasses or contact lenses. It aims to provide clear, natural vision without reshaping the cornea.
To find out whether your eyes are suitable and to book a pre-operative examination, you can reach the practice by phone, WhatsApp or the appointment form.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. In any surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. Please get a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.
Smart Lenses (Trifocal) options
Related treatment pages

Smart Lenses
Trifocal, EDOF, multifocal and toric intraocular lenses. The right lens for you is chosen based on your eye measurements and your everyday visual habits.
View
Trifocal Lens
An intraocular lens with three focal points for near, intermediate and distance vision, planned to reduce the need for glasses with cataract or age-related near-vision loss.
View
EDOF Lens
EDOF intraocular lenses give a continuous range of focus from distance to intermediate and are considered especially for people who value comfortable night vision.
View
Multifocal Lens
Multifocal intraocular lenses that support both distance and near vision: an option in cataract and presbyopia treatment.
View
Toric Lens (Astigmatism)
Toric intraocular lenses designed to correct astigmatism at the same time as cataract surgery or lens replacement in eyes that have astigmatism.
ViewFrequently asked questions
ICL Phakic Lens: frequently asked questions
If you have another question, you can message us on WhatsApp.
How Long Does ICL Surgery Take?
Implanting an ICL usually takes 15–30 minutes, so the procedure is completed quickly.
When Does Vision Become Clear After ICL Surgery?
Vision usually becomes clear on the same day or within a few days of treatment. Most patients can return to daily life within a short time after ICL surgery.

Your doctor
Op. Dr. Murat Ün
He graduated from Trakya University Faculty of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital. From 2004 to 2016 he worked at Dünyagöz Hospital in Ataköy, then at Medical Park and Batıgöz. Since 2021 he has been seeing patients at his own practice on Bağdat Caddesi.
- Education
Trakya University Faculty of Medicine
- Residency
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology
- 2001–2004
Yaşar Okuyan SSK Hospital
- 2004–2016
Dünyagöz Hospital, Ataköy
- 2016–2018
Medical Park Hospital
- 2018–2021
Batıgöz Health Group, Altunizade
- 2021 →
Own practice · Bağdat Caddesi, Kadıköy
Contracted insurers
Examination with your private health insurance
Before your appointment we confirm together what your policy covers for ICL Phakic Lens. Coverage and any co-payment depend on your insurer’s approval.
- 01
Allianz SigortaContracted
- 02
Anadolu SigortaContracted
- 03
SencardContracted
- 04
Türkiye SigortaContracted
- 05
MAPFRE SigortaContracted
- 06
Medisa SigortaContracted
- 07
AXA SigortaContracted
- Insurer not on the list?Share your policy details and we will look at reimbursement options together.Ask on WhatsApp