What is ICL surgery?

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery places a thin, flexible lens inside the eye, between the iris and your natural lens, without reshaping the cornea or removing tissue.

• ICL: a biocompatible lens made from collamer (custom-made for each eye)
• LASIK: a laser procedure that reshapes the cornea
• Key difference: LASIK reshapes the cornea, while ICL inserts a lens behind the iris.

ICL is often considered by people with moderate to high nearsightedness or thin corneas. Your surgeon will assess whether ICL, LASIK or another option suits your eyes, including if you have dry eye.

Find out if you’re a candidate

How does ICL surgery work?

The procedure is quick and done under numbing drops, usually 15-30 minutes per eye.

1. Preparation: your eyes are numbed and dilated.
2. Lens insertion: the surgeon makes a tiny incision and slides the folded lens into place.
3. Positioning: the lens unfolds behind the iris. No stitches are needed in most cases.

Most patients go home the same day. Recovery varies from person to person, so your surgeon will explain what to expect for your vision and follow-up visits.

How much does ICL surgery cost in the United States?

Prices vary by clinic, surgeon experience and lens type. The figures below are indicative market estimates in American dollars as of October 2026:

Source: These indicative LASIK MD pricing are estimates gathered from LASIK MD's internal data.

What affects the cost of ICL surgery?

• Lens type: toric lenses for astigmatism cost more than standard lenses.
• Prescription: higher or more complex prescriptions can raise the price.
• Surgeon experience: highly experienced surgeons often charge more, and it is worth it.
• Technology and facility: advanced diagnostics and surgical-grade facilities add to the cost.
• What is included: pre-op testing, the surgery, post-op drops and follow-up visits. Confirm what is bundled in.
• Location: prices differ between cities and provinces.

Is ICL more expensive than LASIK?

Typically, yes. Because ICL uses a custom-made implanted lens, it usually costs more per eye than LASIK. Cost is only one factor. If you are eligible for both, your surgeon can help you compare ICL and LASIK based on your eyes, vision goals and lifestyle.

What financing options exist for ICL surgery in United States?

Most health insurance plans in the United States do not cover ICL surgery because it is typically classified as an elective procedure. However, you still have several ways to manage and finance the cost:

• Financing plans: Third-party medical financing, such as CareCredit or Alphaeon, is widely available, subject to credit approval and terms. Many clinics offer promotional interest-free periods if paid in full within a set timeframe.

• HSA or FSA: You can use pre-tax dollars from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to lower your out-of-pocket costs. Check with your plan administrator to confirm your available funds and contribution limits.

• Tax refunds or deductions: You can use your federal or state tax refund to fund the procedure. Alternatively, under IRS rules, some out-of-pocket medical expenses may be tax-deductible if they exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Confirm your eligibility with a tax professional.

• Employer or private vision benefits: While full coverage is rare, some corporate vision plans offer special partner discounts or partial allowances for refractive surgeries.
 

Ask your clinic about their accepted payment methods and current financing options during your initial consultation.

What are the risks of ICL surgery?

ICL is an intraocular surgery, so it carries surgical risks. Your surgeon will explain the possible complications, including serious ones, and how likely they are in your case.

• Raised eye pressure
• Cataract formation
• Infection or inflammation
• Lens position or sizing issues: may need adjustment or exchange
• Night glare or halos

Your surgeon will review your personal risk profile at your consultation.

Who is a good candidate for ICL surgery?

• Stable prescription for at least one year
• Moderate-to-high nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism
• Sufficient space inside the eye for the lens
• No serious eye conditions such as glaucoma or active disease

If you are not sure which option suits you, a consultation will compare your options based on your eyes.