ICL Surgery for High Power Glasses: Benefits, Cost & Safety in Delhi
Wearing high power glasses can often feel uncomfortable and limiting. Whether it’s difficulty in sports, inconvenience during travel, or dependency on lenses, many people with high myopia or astigmatism dream of clear vision without spectacles. While procedures like LASIK and SMILE are suitable for many, they are not advisable for everyone—especially for individuals with very high power, thin corneas, or unstable corneal shape.
For such cases, ICL Surgery has emerged as a safe, effective, and permanent vision correction solution. At Mahajan Eye Centre, one of the leading eye care centres in Pitampura, and serving adjoining areas like Rohini and Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, we have helped thousands of patients achieve clear and natural vision through ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) Surgery.
What is ICL Surgery?
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a biocompatible artificial lens that is implanted inside the eye to correct high power glasses, including:
- High myopia (nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Thin corneas (where LASIK is not suitable)
Unlike LASIK or SMILE, ICL does not reshape the cornea. Instead, a soft, flexible lens is placed between the natural lens and iris, similar to placing a contact lens inside the eye
Key Feature
- No corneal tissue is removed.
- The natural lens remains in place.
- The ICL adds optical correction from within.
Because of this, ICL is also known as Phakic IOL (Phakic = natural lens remains).
Who Should Consider ICL Surgery?
ICL is especially beneficial for individuals who:
- Have very high power (greater than -8.00 or even up to -20.00)
- Have thin corneas (not suitable for LASIK)
- Have dry eyes
- Are below 45 years with stable eye power
- Want clear vision without removing corneal tissue
If LASIK or SMILE has been ruled out for you—ICL is the best alternative.
How Does ICL Surgery Work?
The procedure is safe, short, and performed using advanced micro-surgical technique.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1. Pre-Operative Evaluation
- Eye scan
- Corneal thickness test
- Retina screening
- Biometry to measure lens size
- 2. Local Anesthesia
Numbing eye drops are used (no injection required).
- 3. Lens Insertion
- A tiny opening (about 2-3 mm) is created.
- The folded ICL lens is inserted.
- The lens unfolds gently and positions itself behind the iris.
- 4. Quick Recovery
No stitches are required, and patients go home the same day.
Total surgery time: 10–15 minutes
Both eyes: Usually done separately (1–2 days apart)
Pain: Minimal to none
Pain: Minimal to none
- Corrects Very High Power
ICL can correct power up to -20.0D or more, which LASIK cannot.
- Ideal for Thin Corneas
No corneal shaping → safe for patients with thin corneas.
- Sharp & Clear Vision Quality
Restores high-definition vision, often clearer than glasses.
- Reversible Procedure
Unlike LASIK, ICL can be removed or replaced in future if required..
- No Dry Eyes
ICL does not disturb corneal nerves → best option for dry eye patients.
- Quick Recovery
Most patients resume routine activities within 2–3 days.
- UV Protection
The ICL material has built-in UV protection, safeguarding the eyes.
ICL vs LASIK vs SMILE: Which is Better?
| Feature | ICL | LASIK | SMILE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for High Power | Excellent | Limited | Limited |
| Suitable for Thin Corneas | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Reversible | Yes | No | No |
| Dry Eye Risk | Very Low | High | Moderate |
| Vision Sharpness | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good |
| Corneal Safety | High | Moderate | High |
If you have high power or thin corneas → ICL is the safest choice.
Is ICL Surgery Safe?
Yes. ICL is a proven and FDA-approved procedure trusted worldwide for over 20 years.
Safety Features
- Made from Collamer material, which is biocompatible
- Does not damage cornea or retina
- Preserves natural lens and accommodation
- Very low complication rate when performed by trained specialists
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we follow strict safety protocols and advanced surgical standards to ensure the best results.
What is the Recovery Like After ICL Surgery?
Recovery Timeline
| Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Clear, functional vision |
| Day 2–3 | Resume normal routines |
| Week 1 | Mild dryness settles |
| Month 1 | Sharp and stable vision |
Post-Operative Care
- Use prescribed eye drops regularly
- Avoid rubbing eyes
- Wear sunglasses outdoors
- Avoid swimming for 2–3 weeks
ICL Surgery Cost in Delhi
| Procedure | Approx. Cost (Per Eye) |
|---|---|
| ICL Surgery | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| LASIK | ₹35,000 – ₹70,000 |
| SMILE | ₹75,000 – ₹1,10,000 |
The cost depends on:
- Eye power
- Lens brand (EVO Visian ICL is the most popular)
- Surgeon expertise
- Diagnostic and follow-up care
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we provide transparent pricing, and easy EMI options are also available.
Why Choose Mahajan Eye Centre?
- Experienced surgeons trained in advanced refractive surgeries
- High-end diagnostic scanning & laser equipment
- Thousands of successful ICL, LASIK, SMILE & PRK outcomes
- Personalized pre and post-operative care
- Trusted by patients across Delhi – Rohini, Pitampura & Shalimar Bagh
Your vision deserves accuracy, safety, and expert hands.
Conclusion
ICL Surgery is one of the most advanced and effective solutions for people with high power glasses, thin corneas, or dryness issues. It provides sharp, natural, and long-lasting vision, without altering the cornea. With a quick recovery and reversible nature, ICL is a confidence-boosting and life-changing procedure for patients who want complete freedom from glasses.
If you are tired of depending on glasses or contact lenses, ICL Surgery may be the right choice for you.