ICL Recovery: Vision Correction Timeline

If you’re considering vision correction with an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), you’re likely eager to experience clear vision without relying on glasses or contacts. However, it’s completely natural to feel anxious about what lies ahead during recovery. Understanding the healing process can help ease those concerns and set realistic expectations for recovering from the ICL procedure. 

ICL recovery is generally smooth for most patients; many notice improved vision within hours of the procedure. Importantly, your eyes will need time to fully heal and adjust. The recovery experience varies from person to person, but knowing what’s typical can help you prepare. It may surprise you to learn that with the latest ICL technology, the EVO ICL, the vast majority of EVO ICL patients are very satisfied with their results, with 99.4% of patients surveyed indicating they would choose EVO ICLs again for vision correction. Let’s explore the ICL recovery time.

How Long is the ICL Recovery Time?

For most people, the recovery from vision correction with ICL is fast. Patients resume most normal activities within a day or two after the procedure. The total healing period takes a little longer, typically lasting 1-3 months. You should expect your vision to improve significantly by the first day and then gradually throughout the recovery period.

When you have ICL surgery, you are very focused on one thing: seeing better. The good news is that this happens almost immediately for the vast majority of ICL patients. Most patients see better immediately after surgery, though it is normal for vision to be blurry or hazy. There’s also the effect of the anti-anxiety medication to contend with, so you will need someone to drive you home from your procedure.

Clinical research from FDA trials of the EVO ICL demonstrates that at 6 months post-op, 98.5% of patients achieved the same or better vision than they had with their glasses or contact lenses, and more than 52% had even better vision. The prospect of seeing clearly without glasses or contacts is exciting; however, ICL patients need to understand, as with any surgery, that there will be a recovery phase and healing period after the procedure. Here are a few guidelines about what you might expect in the hours, days, weeks, and months after your surgery, and what you can do to help take care of your eyes as they heal:

ICL Vision Correction Recovery: The First 24 Hours

Here is what the typical first day after vision correction with ICL is like for patients:

• Your eye will be protected. Your eye surgeon will put a shield over your eye to protect it and prevent any accidental rubbing or touching of the eye after your surgery. It is important to keep wearing it while you rest and recover, especially while you sleep for the first several days.
  
• Some discomfort is normal. Patients report itchiness after the numbing drops wear off. You may be instructed to use over-the-counter pain relievers or preservative-free artificial tears to help with any mild symptoms. However, you should inform your eye doctor of any significant pain or other bothersome symptoms.
  
• Your vision may be blurry. Most patients see better immediately after surgery, but it isn’t unusual for vision to be hazy or blurry in the first couple of days. Some patients are more sensitive to light during this initial period. This is part of the normal healing process.
  
• Rest is essential. When you get home, rest your eyes and avoid any strenuous activity for the first day. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery or power tools. Do not drink alcohol on the first day after your surgery.
  
• Start your eye drop routine. Your surgeon will prescribe routine eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and support the healing process during the first few weeks of recovery. This eye drop routine is one of the most important things you can do for a successful recovery. Follow the instructions carefully and use the drops as directed. 

ICL Recovery: The First Week After Your Surgery

In the first week after ICL vision correction, any discomfort you experienced the first day after surgery should lessen, and you should begin seeing much better. There are a few important things that will happen during those first four weeks:

• Attend your follow-up appointments. Your doctor will want to see you within the first week after your surgery to examine your eyes and make sure your EVO ICL recovery is going well. This appointment is critical to ensuring proper healing.
  
• Do not rub or touch your eyes. It’s very important that you do not rub or touch your eyes during the healing process. Patients are instructed to avoid this to protect the eye and prevent complications.
  
• Keep water out of your eyes. You should be able to shower after your surgery, but keep tap water out of your eyes for at least one week. Gently clean your eyes with a slightly wet, clean cloth as directed by your surgeon.
  
• Avoid contaminated water. Do not swim or use a hot tub for 1-2 weeks. This includes swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Avoid these water sources to help prevent infections during the critical early healing period.
  
• Limit strenuous activities. Do not strain or lift anything heavy for several days after EVO ICL surgery. As healing progresses, your eye surgeon will let you know which activities you can add back into your routine, such as weightlifting and other strenuous exercise. Most patients can go back to full activities in 1-2 weeks.
  
• Be mindful of screen time. Limit your screen time, as watching too much TV or looking at a laptop or phone for too long can strain your eyes during the early recovery period.
  
• Take care of your overall health. Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. Make a point to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh produce, lean meats, and whole grains. Maintaining your body with proper nutrition and hydration supports healing.
  
• Most people can return to work after a couple of days. While most people can return to work and drive again after a couple of days, it can take a few weeks to completely heal from the ICL procedure. Follow your surgeon’s specific guidance for your individual recovery timeline.

First Month After ICL Vision Correction

Once you feel and see well, it might not feel like you are still recovering. Most patients see continued improvement in their vision; however, it can take a few months for vision to stabilize after vision correction with ICL. 

• Visual fluctuations are normal. As the eye heals, your vision should become more consistent in its improvement as your eye adapts to the new lens. Any significant visual shifts should be discussed with your eye surgeon immediately.
• Continue attending follow-up visits. Your eye surgeon needs to closely monitor ICL patients during the recovery and healing process. In particular, eye pressure is measured. Although it is a rare occurrence after ICL, high eye pressure can lead to vision loss if not treated. Make your follow-up visits a priority.

Your ICL Recovery Guide – Your Eye Surgeon

Working with your eye surgeon and their team throughout the recovery and healing process is essential to an overall good outcome, so keep them updated on how you are doing and ask any questions you may have about your vision.

Following your surgeon’s instructions, taking care of your eyes, and being patient with the healing process are essential to achieving your optimal vision correction outcome. Importantly, having EVO ICL or any vision correction procedure doesn’t end your relationship with your eye doctor; you will still need to have regular eye exams to maintain your eye and vision health. Want to learn more? Read about the experience of The Jonas Brothers and find other information about EVO ICL on the RSC blog or search for qualified surgeons in your area to schedule a consultation.

This post reviewed by RSC’s Editorial Advisory Board, which is comprised of some of the world’s leading refractive surgeons.