RETURN TO 6/6 VISION IN JUST 15 MINUTES WITH IMPLANTED CONTACT LENSES

What is an implanted contact lens?

We place an artificial lens (ICL, Implantable Collamer Lens) before your eye's natural lens to permanently correct refractive errors, such as short-sightedness or corneal curvature. The procedure is an excellent alternative to laser eye treatment when, for example, the cornea is too thin, or the refractive error too severe. The procedure is reversible. However, the artificial lens can remain in your eye for a lifetime. You will find that visual aids such as glasses or contact lenses belong to the past, and you experience a whole new level of freedom and quality of life.

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Quite simply

Lens implantation in four simple steps

Your laser eye treatment at betterview takes place in four simple steps:

Preliminary exam

During a free, no-obligation 30-minute preliminary exam in our London clinic, we determine your suitability for lens implantation. We examine your eye's natural lens, the condition of your cornea and any visual aids you currently use.

Primary exam

In our primary exam, an ophthalmologist will take your eye measurements and perform other necessary tests in 45 minutes without charge or obligation to purchase implantable contact lenses.

Treatment

Firstly, we anaesthetise your eyes with drops. Using a laser, we make a tiny incision in the cornea and place an artificial lens behind the iris. The procedure takes approximately five minutes per eye and is entirely pain-free.

Follow-up Visits

The following day, we check your vision and eye pressure. We carry out additional follow-ups one week and two months after the implantable contact lenses procedure at our London clinic.

Timeline of your lens implantation

We will guide you step by step through the timeline of your lens treatment, so you know exactly what to expect. From the initial preliminary examination through the actual treatment and follow-up check - here you'll get all the important information to be well prepared and feel secure.

Before the treatment
Preliminary and main examination

After your free and non-binding preliminary examination, the main examination follows. It is important that you refrain from wearing contact lenses for four days prior and avoid participating in traffic after the appointment, as eye drops will impair your vision for several hours. During the main examination, your visual acuity, cornea, and retina will be examined to determine the best treatment method for you.
Day of treatment
Procedure and process of treatment

At the third appointment, an artificial lens is placed in front of the natural lens to permanently correct the refractive error. You will be given transparent eye shields for the way home and will need someone to accompany you. Plan for approximately 1.5 hours for the entire appointment, including preparation and the journey home.
After the first few hours
Possible symptoms

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience light sensitivity, red eyes, and a sensation of having a foreign object in your eye. Other possible symptoms include cloudy vision, watery, dry, burning, or swollen eyes. It is recommended to wear sunglasses during the first few hours to protect against glare and foreign particles.*
After 24 hours
First follow-up check

The first follow-up check takes place the day after the procedure. During this appointment, your visual performance without corrective lenses will be assessed for the first time following the lens treatment. Typically, the confirmation for the traffic authority can also be issued at this stage. In general, you can resume your normal daily activities.
After 7 days
Second follow-up check

Your second follow-up appointment takes place one week later. By this point, you will have already adapted well to the lens. Please continue to follow the hygiene measures and use the eye drops as outlined in your drop schedule.
After 14 days
Back to normal routine

Swimming, sports, and sauna use are permitted again, as is wearing makeup around the eye area. If you have any questions about when you can resume specific daily activities, feel free to contact our medical team in-store or reach out to our customer care team by phone at any time.
After 2 months
Final follow-up check

Approximately two months later, a final follow-up appointment takes place. During this visit, your visual performance will be assessed one last time, and the healing process of the eye will be ensured.

*Please note that the perception of pain and symptoms can vary and be individually pronounced from person to person. Therefore, the timeline may also be slightly different for you.

What you need

Am I suitable for lens implantation?

Lens implantation works best for those aged 18 to 61 with high ametropia or very thin corneas.

You should meet the following requirements:

Short-sightedness
Corneal curvature
You are of legal age
Generally healthy eyes
Good physical health

If you meet the above criteria then get in touch with one of our highly trained medical team at our Westfield White City clinic. If you're unsure whether laser eye surgery is for you, you can refer to our more detailed guide to determine whether you're a suitable candidate.

During a 30-minute, no-obligation, free initial consultation on site, we'll find out whether you can have your vision corrected with a laser and which treatment option is best for you.

Free Examination

Advantages of lens implantation

Severe ametropia

Artificial lenses are a marvellous alternative if you have a high level of ametropia, and laser eye treatments are not an option.

Thin cornea

If laser eye treatment is not an option due to thin corneas, lens implantation is an excellent alternative.

Suitable for dry eyes

It is not always possible to treat dry eyes with laser eye therapy. In that case, we implant lenses.

Reversible

ICL lens implantation is reversible: We place an artificial lens before your eye's natural lens and can remove or change it if necessary.

UV Filter

The artificial lens material has a UV filter that protects the eye from the sun's harmful rays.

Custom made

We provide custom-made lenses that fit your eyes perfectly. The human body does not treat the lens as a foreign body.

All advantages

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most important and frequent questions and answers about betterview. If you can't find the answer to your question here, please get in touch with us.

Lens implantation or laser surgery?

The suitability of lens implantation or laser eye treatment varies for each individual. Both methods are proven and safe. Lens implantation is a reversible option if your cornea is too thin, or you suffer from dry eyes.

How long does the lens implant last?

ICL lenses are permanent and last a lifetime. The procedure is reversible because the eye's natural lens remains intact. We can remove or replace the implanted lens if your vision changes.

When can I expect my full vision to return?

Once the artificial lenses are in place, your vision usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to fully return, although it takes longer in some cases. Full recovery takes from 4 to 8 weeks.

What are the risks associated with lens implantation?

Lens implantation is a safe and proven treatment to correct severe refractive errors. In rare cases, treatable complications, including infection, occur afterwards.

Can implanted lenses be removed?

ICL lens implantation is reversible. Because we preserve the eye's natural lens during the procedure, we can remove the artificial lens should there be a vision change that requires a new lens.

What does lens implantation cost?

The price of surgically implanted contact lenses can vary depending on the clinic and location. betterview charges £3,990 per eye for lens implantation at its London Westfield White City clinic. In contrast to other providers, our price includes everything, from the preliminary examination, the main examination, the procedure and the follow-up. You can also pay in instalments.

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