A Patient's Guide to ICL Surgery in Japan: Understanding revolutionary refractive procedure, its flow and cost
- sakai208
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Summary
For patients with myopia who seek freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery, a revolutionary refractive procedure, is available in Japan as a considerable option for myopia correction.
Please contact us to check your eligibility.
We recommend leading institutions across Japan, from medical profession perspective, precisely matched to your eye condition and personal preferences like location or cost.
Introduction: Beyond Glasses and Contacts – Discovering ICL
Are you tired of the daily routine of putting on glasses or inserting contact lenses? Do you dream of waking up with crystal-clear vision, free from the hassle of corrective eyewear? For many individuals in Japan and around the world, this dream has become a reality thanks to advanced vision correction surgeries. While LASIK is a well-known option, another revolutionary procedure gaining significant attention, especially for those with high prescriptions or specific eye characteristics, is ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery.
ICL surgery offers a unique pathway to visual freedom by implanting a tiny, soft, biocompatible lens inside your eye. This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive, general understanding of ICL surgery, including how it works, what the treatment process involves in Japan, and importantly, the cost aspects you should consider. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your vision.
What is ICL Surgery? An Internal Contact Lens
Unlike laser eye surgeries (like LASIK or PRK) which reshape the cornea (the front surface of your eye), ICL surgery is an additive procedure. It involves implanting a microscopic, thin, and highly flexible lens made from a unique, biocompatible material called Collamer® inside your eye. This lens is positioned permanently between your iris (the colored part of your eye) and your natural lens.
Think of it as an "internal contact lens" that works in harmony with your eye's natural focusing system. The ICL enhances your eye's ability to bend (refract) light rays accurately onto your retina, resulting in sharp, clear vision.
Key characteristics of ICL technology:
Biocompatible: Collamer is a material derived from collagen, making it highly compatible with the human body and unlikely to cause adverse reactions.
Flexible and Foldable: The ICL is so soft and flexible that it can be folded into a tiny injector, allowing it to be inserted through a very small incision (typically 2-3 mm) in your cornea.
UV Protection: Modern ICLs, such as the EVO Visian ICL, incorporate UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Permanent but Removable: While designed to be permanent, the ICL can be safely removed or replaced by an eye surgeon if needed, offering a level of reversibility not available with corneal reshaping procedures.
Why Choose ICL Over Other Options? The Unique Benefits
ICL surgery offers distinct advantages, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of patients, particularly those who might not be ideal candidates for LASIK:
Treats High Prescriptions: ICLs can correct a much broader range of refractive errors, especially high levels of nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism, often beyond what LASIK can safely treat.
Preserves Corneal Tissue: Unlike LASIK, which removes corneal tissue, ICL surgery does not alter the natural structure of your cornea. This is a significant benefit, especially for individuals with thin corneas who are often disqualified from LASIK.
Reduced Risk of Dry Eye Syndrome: Because no corneal tissue is removed, ICL surgery generally has a lower risk of causing or worsening dry eye syndrome compared to LASIK. This is a crucial consideration for many patients.
Excellent Visual Quality: Many patients report exceptional visual clarity, often described as "high definition" vision, with crisp details and vibrant colors, especially in low light conditions.
Quick Recovery: Most patients experience remarkably fast visual recovery, often noticing significant improvement within hours or the first day after the procedure.
Reversibility: As mentioned, the ICL can be removed or replaced, providing peace of mind and flexibility for future needs or if any rare complications arise.
Am I an Eligible Candidate for ICL Surgery in Japan?
Determining your eligibility for ICL surgery is a critical first step. It requires a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist specializing in refractive surgery. While general criteria apply globally, Japanese clinics will assess your specific suitability.
Key eligibility criteria often include:
Age: Typically between 20 or 21 and 45-50 years old. Your eyes should be fully developed, and your prescription stable. Some clinics in Japan may consider patients outside this range based on individual eye health.
Stable Prescription: Your eye prescription (myopia and astigmatism) should have been stable for at least one year.
Refractive Error: ICLs are approved for a wide range of myopia (nearsightedness), typically from -0.5D to -20.0D, and astigmatism up to +6.0D. Your specific prescription will determine the ideal lens power.
Good Eye Health: You must have healthy eyes without any active eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, uncontrolled dry eye, severe cataracts, corneal conditions like keratoconus, retinal diseases).
Adequate Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD): This is a crucial measurement. The space between your cornea and natural lens needs to be deep enough to safely accommodate the ICL without interfering with your natural lens or eye structures.
Sufficient Endothelial Cell Count: The endothelium is a layer of cells on the inner surface of your cornea vital for keeping the cornea clear. Your doctor will measure this count to ensure it's healthy enough to support the ICL long-term.
No Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during these periods can affect vision stability, so it's advised to wait until after.
Realistic Expectations: You should have a clear understanding of the benefits, risks, and potential outcomes of the procedure.
Your doctor will perform a series of detailed diagnostic tests to confirm your eligibility and determine the precise ICL size and power needed for your eyes.
The Treatment Flow in Japan: From Consultation to Clear Vision
The process of undergoing ICL surgery in Japan is highly standardized and patient-centric, with a strong emphasis on precision and safety. Here's a typical flow:
1. Initial Consultation and Pre-Operative Examinations
First Contact: Your journey begins with contacting a reputable clinic specializing in ICL surgery. Many clinics in major Japanese cities (like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Kobe) offer English-speaking staff or translation services.
Comprehensive Eye Exam: This is an in-depth evaluation that goes beyond a standard eye check-up. It includes:
Detailed refraction to determine your precise prescription.
Corneal topography and tomography to map the shape and thickness of your cornea.
Measurement of anterior chamber depth (ACD).
Endothelial cell count.
Pupil size measurement in various lighting conditions.
Eye pressure measurement.
Retinal examination to ensure overall eye health.
Discussion and Counseling: Based on the examination results, your surgeon will discuss whether you are a suitable candidate for ICL surgery. They will explain the procedure in detail, review the specific ICL model best for you (e.g., spherical vs. toric for astigmatism), discuss potential risks and benefits, and answer all your questions.
Lens Ordering: If you decide to proceed, your specific ICLs will be custom-ordered from the manufacturer (STAAR Surgical), based on your unique eye measurements. This process can take several weeks to a few months.
2. Pre-Surgery Preparation
Contact Lens Holiday: You will be instructed to stop wearing contact lenses for a specified period (typically 1-2 weeks for soft lenses, longer for hard lenses) before your final measurements and surgery. This ensures accurate readings of your eye's natural shape.
Pre-Operative Appointments: You may have additional appointments to finalize measurements, receive detailed instructions, and pick up pre-operative eye drops (usually antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to prepare your eyes).
Day Before Surgery: You might be asked to start certain eye drops and avoid alcohol or heavy meals. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
3. The ICL Surgery Day
Arrival and Final Checks: You will arrive at the clinic and undergo final checks of your eyes and vitals.
Anesthesia: Numbing eye drops will be applied to ensure the procedure is comfortable. You might also be offered a mild oral sedative to help you relax.
The Procedure:
The surgeon will make a tiny incision (usually 2-3 mm) at the edge of your cornea.
The ICL, which is folded into a compact injector, is carefully inserted through this small incision.
Once inside the eye, the ICL gently unfolds and is precisely positioned behind the iris, in front of your natural lens.
The incision is self-sealing and usually does not require stitches.
The procedure is quick, typically taking 10-20 minutes per eye. Often, both eyes are treated on the same day, or sometimes on separate days, depending on clinic policy and patient preference.
Post-Procedure Rest: After the surgery, you'll rest in a recovery area for a short period while your eyes are monitored. You'll receive post-operative instructions and initial eye drops.
4. Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Immediate Recovery (First 24-48 hours):
Vision: You will likely experience immediate, significant improvement in vision, though it might be slightly blurry or hazy initially.
Discomfort: Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation is common but usually mild and manageable with prescribed eye drops and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Eye Protection: You'll typically wear protective eye shields, especially at night, for the first few days to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eyes.
Eye Drops: You will be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and aid healing, used for several weeks.
Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits are crucial. Typically, these are scheduled for the day after surgery, then 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-op, and then annually. Your vision, eye pressure, and ICL position will be monitored.
Activity Restrictions: You'll be advised to avoid:
Rubbing your eyes.
Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a week or two.
Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas for several weeks.
Eye makeup for a period.
Long-Term Vision: Your vision will continue to stabilize over the first few weeks to months. Most patients achieve their best vision within a month. While ICL offers excellent correction, some individuals with very high prescriptions may still occasionally use thin glasses for specific tasks.
The Cost of ICL Surgery in Japan : What to Expect
ICL surgery in Japan, like in most countries, is considered an elective refractive procedure and is not covered by Japan's public health insurance. This means you will be responsible for the full cost of the procedure.
The cost can vary significantly between clinics, and it typically includes:
Pre-operative examinations: These initial tests are usually included in the overall package.
The ICL lenses themselves: The type of lens (spherical for myopia only, or toric for myopia with astigmatism) will affect the price. Toric lenses are generally more expensive.
The surgical procedure for both eyes.
Post-operative follow-up appointments: Many clinics include a certain number of follow-up visits (e.g., up to 1 year) in the initial package. Beyond that, follow-up examinations might incur separate charges.
General Cost Range in Japan (as of mid-2025):
For both eyes, you can generally expect the cost of ICL surgery in Japan to range from approximately ¥800,000 to ¥1,000,000 JPY (Japanese Yen).
Factors that can influence the cost:
Clinic Reputation and Location: Premier clinics in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka might have higher prices due to their advanced technology, experience, and amenities.
Surgeon's Experience: Highly experienced surgeons or those with "ICL expert" certifications might charge a premium.
Included Services: Some clinics offer more comprehensive packages that include a longer period of follow-up care, revision surgery if needed, or specific pre- and post-operative medications.
Promotions/Discounts: Occasionally, clinics may offer seasonal promotions or referral discounts. It's worth inquiring.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Visual Freedom in Japan
ICL surgery offers a compelling and effective solution for individuals seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses, especially for those with higher prescriptions or specific corneal characteristics. In Japan, you have access to world-class ophthalmologists and advanced technology to perform this life-changing procedure.
While the cost of ICL surgery is a significant investment, investing in your vision is an investment in your quality of life, offering clarity, convenience, and a new perspective on the beautiful world around you. If you're considering ICL, take the crucial first step: Please contact us to check your eligibility.
This article was reviewed by
Dr. Daiki Sakai, MD
