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ICL Surgery in Kolkata – Safety, Benefits, Risks & Complete Guide (2025) Hello Reader! Welcome to the official blog page of Dr. Sagar Bhargava, one of the best ophthalmologists in Kolkata and a leading expert in cataract, refractive, and ICL surgery. While LASIK remains popular, many patients have thin corneas, high myopia, or dry eyes — making them unsuitable for LASIK or SMILE. For these individuals, ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is one of the safest, most effective alternatives. This guide covers everything you need to know: Safety of ICL Benefits & risks Recovery timeline ICL vs LASIK vs SMILE Astigmatism correction Long-term expectations Table of Contents What is ICL Surgery? Benefits of ICL Surgery Risks of ICL Surgery Is ICL Surgery Safe? How quickly will I see improvement? Potential Side Effects ICL vs LASIK vs SMILE Can ICL correct astigmatism? Long-term problems associated with ICL FAQ Conclusion What is ICL Surgery? ICL surgery involves placing a special Collamer lens inside the eye—between the iris and the natural lens. Unlike LASIK, ICL does not cut or reshape the cornea. ICL is ideal for patients with: Myopia up to –20 diopters Moderate to high astigmatism Thin corneas Dry eye tendency Unsuitability for LASIK/SMILE The lens is invisible, painless, and biocompatible. You cannot feel it, and it stays permanently—but can be removed later if required. Benefits of ICL Surgery 1. Treats very high power Corrects degrees of myopia and astigmatism beyond LASIK limits. 2. Reversible procedure ICL can be removed or exchanged if required—an advantage over LASIK. 3. Preserves corneal strength Because no corneal tissue is removed, long-term corneal stability is excellent. 4. Excellent night vision quality Fewer higher-order aberrations mean: Better night driving Sharper contrast Reduced glare & halos 5. Rapid visual improvement Most patients notice clarity within 24 hours. 6. UV protection The Collamer material naturally blocks UV rays. Dr. Sagar Bhargava uses advanced diagnostics and custom vault calculations to ensure safe and precise outcomes. Risks of ICL Surgery Although highly safe, potential risks include: Infection (extremely rare) Increased intraocular pressure Early cataract development Halos or glare Endothelial cell changes Rotation of toric ICL (correctable) With proper screening and follow-up, these risks remain minimal. Is ICL Surgery Safe? Absolutely. ICL surgery has one of the highest global satisfaction rates among refractive procedures. Safety at Dr. Sagar Bhargava’s Clinic Includes: Detailed pre-operative eye mapping Advanced vault prediction formulas Strict sterile surgical protocols Long-term postoperative monitoring How Quickly Will My Vision Improve After ICL? 📅 Within 24 Hours Significant clarity in most patients. 📅 Days 1–2 Mild irritation, dryness, or slight haziness is normal. 📅 Weeks 1–2 Vision stabilizes further. 📅 Week 4+ Most patients achieve full visual clarity. 📅 1–3 Months Final stabilization. Potential Side Effects Temporary blurry vision Glare or halos Mild dryness Increased IOP (rare) Lens displacement (very rare) ICL vs LASIK vs SMILE ICL vs LASIK ICL vs SMILE Cornea preserved No corneal cutting Reversible Effective for very high prescriptions Better for high powers Reversible Less dryness Fast healing Safer for thin corneas   Can ICL Correct Astigmatism? Yes. Toric ICL is specifically designed to correct moderate to high astigmatism (1D–4D). Benefits: Accurate alignment Sharp, stable vision Superior quality for high cylinders Long-Term Issues Associated with ICL Rare but possible: Increased eye pressure Early cataract changes Retinal detachment (mainly in high myopes) Endothelial cell reduction Rotation of toric ICL Regular monitoring keeps these risks extremely low. FAQ 1. Is ICL surgery painful? No — it is performed under topical anesthesia 2. How long does the surgery take? 10–15 minutes per eye. 3. When can I return to work? Most patients can return to work within 1 week. 4. Are ICL results permanent? Yes, but the lens is removable if needed. 5. Who is an ideal candidate? Those with high myopia, astigmatism, dry eyes, or thin corneas. Conclusion ICL surgery is one of the safest and most advanced options for long-term freedom from glasses—especially for patients not suited for LASIK or SMILE. With Dr. Sagar Bhargava’s expertise, every ICL procedure is tailored using cutting-edge diagnostics and precision planning. 📞 Book Your Consultation Dr. Sagar Bhargava, MS, FRCSCataract, Glaucoma & Refractive Surgeon – KolkataCall / WhatsApp: +91-9874176663