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Eye · 렌즈삽입술
ICL Implantable Lens Surgery
A thin collamer lens placed behind the iris and in front of your own lens. For high myopia or thin corneas; it can be removed later if needed.
Quick facts
- Korean name: 렌즈삽입술
- Procedure time: About 15 to 20 minutes per eye; many Korean clinics do both eyes the same day
- Anesthesia: Numbing drops, sometimes with mild sedation
- Sessions: Pre-op exam and sizing, surgery, checks at day 1, 1 week, 1 month and yearly
- Downtime: 2 to 3 days; no heavy lifting or swimming for about 2 weeks
- Results: Clear vision within 1 to 2 days for most
- Lasts: Designed to stay long term; can be removed or exchanged
- Typical price: ₩4,000,000–₩6,000,000 (both eyes)
What is ICL Lens Implant?
An implantable collamer lens (ICL) corrects vision without removing corneal tissue. The STAAR EVO ICL is the most widely used; Korean clinics also offer other phakic lenses such as IPCL and Eyecryl. Toric versions correct astigmatism.
It is often suggested when the prescription is too high or the cornea too thin for laser surgery. Unlike laser surgery it is reversible, because the lens can be taken out.
How it works
Sizing is the key step. The clinic measures anterior chamber depth, corneal diameter and often the space behind the iris with ultrasound biomicroscopy or OCT, and counts endothelial cells. Through a roughly 3 mm incision, the folded lens is injected and positioned behind the iris. The gap between the ICL and your natural lens, called vault, is checked after surgery.
Who it suits
- High myopia, often above about -6 D
- Corneas too thin for LASIK, LASEK or SMILE
- Dry-eye-prone patients
- Adults with a stable prescription for a year
Who should skip it or wait
- Shallow anterior chamber, generally under about 2.8 to 3.0 mm
- Low endothelial cell count
- Cataract, glaucoma or uveitis
- Pregnancy
- People with early presbyopia expecting perfect near vision
Side effects and risks
- Raised eye pressure, especially in the first days
- Lens vault too high or too low, sometimes needing a lens exchange
- Cataract formation over the years
- Halos at night
- Infection (rare)
Aftercare
- Use antibiotic and steroid drops as prescribed
- Keep water and soap out of the eyes for about a week
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
- Attend yearly checks of pressure and vault
Planning around your trip
Pre-op exams in Korea usually take about 1.5 to 3 hours and include pupil dilation, so you cannot drive afterwards. Lens stock may need ordering for unusual prescriptions, so send your measurements ahead and allow about a week after surgery.
Eye Clinic clinics near Apgujeong
- Apgujeong St. Mary's Eye Clinic
(압구정성모안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 7 min walk from Apgujeong Station - Seoul Balgeun Sesang Eye Clinic
(서울밝은세상안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 4 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station - The One Seoul Eye Clinic
(더원서울안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station - I Love Eye Clinic
(아이러브안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 3 min walk from Apgujeong Station - Seoul Samsung Eye Clinic
(서울삼성안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station - Shin Eye Clinic
(신안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 1 min walk from Sinsa Station - Apgujeong Barobogi Eye Clinic
(압구정바로보기안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 5 min walk from Apgujeong Station - Apgujeong Balgeun Eye Clinic
(압구정밝은안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 8 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.
ICL Lens Implant price in Apgujeong
₩4,000,000–₩6,000,000
both eyes
Typical range at clinics around Apgujeong, Sinsa and Cheongdam, checked 2026-10. Source: Glasswallet vision-correction cost guide (2025-2026 Korean market, both eyes). Cosmetic treatments in Korea carry 10% VAT; ask whether a quote includes it.
ICL Lens Implant questions
How do they pick the right lens size?
From measurements of the eye's internal width and chamber depth, using nomograms. An ICL that sits too close to or too far from your own lens may need to be exchanged.
Am I too old for ICL?
The US label covered ages 21 to 45 for years, and in 2026 the FDA extended the EVO ICL indication to 60. In your 40s and 50s, early cataract and reading needs are discussed.
What does an endothelial cell count measure?
The density of cells lining the back of the cornea that keep it clear. A low count can rule out a phakic lens.
Do I still need the laser holes in the iris?
The EVO ICL has a central port, so a separate laser iridotomy is usually not needed. Some other lens types still require it.
Can I get ICL if I have astigmatism?
Yes. A toric ICL is aligned to the axis of astigmatism. Rotation can occur and may need repositioning.
Is the lens in stock or custom made?
Common powers may be in stock. Toric and high powers are often ordered, which can take one to several weeks.
Why is ICL priced so much higher than laser surgery?
The lens itself is a costly implant, and the surgery and sizing scans take more time.
Plan your visit
Get a quote before you fly
Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.