Introduction

For many people in Korea, the dream of waking up with clear vision — no glasses on the nightstand, no contacts to put in — has led them to explore refractive surgery. Procedures like LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE have become household names, thanks to their popularity and proven results.

But here’s something not everyone hears during their first consultation: not every eye is suitable for laser-based vision correction. Some patients have thin corneas. Others have very high myopia. Still others suffer from chronic dry eyes or show signs of corneal irregularity. For them, laser surgery may carry more risk than benefit.

That doesn’t mean they’re out of options.

At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, we’ve seen firsthand how ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery can offer a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution — one that avoids many of the limitations of laser procedures while delivering excellent visual outcomes.

This article explains why more patients — especially in Korea — are turning to ICL. Whether you’re just starting your research or have been told you’re not a LASIK candidate, we’ll walk you through what makes ICL different, who it’s for, and how it compares to other vision correction options.

What Is ICL Surgery?

ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. It is a type of phakic intraocular lens that is placed inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. Made from Collamer — a collagen-based, biocompatible material — the lens is designed to correct vision without altering any part of the cornea.

Think of it as a permanent, invisible contact lens that lives inside your eye and provides constant, clear vision — without the need for daily maintenance or corneal reshaping.

ICL is especially suitable for people who are not eligible for LASIK, SMILE, or LASEK. But more than that, it’s increasingly being chosen by patients who want a reversible, long-lasting, and high-definition alternative to laser surgery.

Why Not LASIK or SMILE? Understanding the Limitations of Corneal Laser Surgery

To be clear, laser surgeries like LASIK and SMILE are excellent options — and we perform them regularly at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic using ZEISS’s state-of-the-art VisuMax technology. These procedures offer fast recovery times, minimal discomfort, and excellent results for the right candidates.

However, they are not appropriate for every patient. Here are some of the most common reasons why someone may not qualify for laser surgery:

• Thin or irregular corneas, where reshaping could weaken the eye

• High myopia, often beyond –8.00 to –10.00 diopters, where laser treatment becomes less accurate

• Dry eye syndrome, which can be exacerbated by corneal surgery

• Keratoconus risk or early signs of corneal instability

• Occupational or lifestyle risks, such as frequent eye trauma in sports or military service

For these individuals, laser procedures may present more risk than benefit. This is where ICL becomes a safe and effective alternative — not as a second-best option, but as a superior solution for the right eyes.

The Unique Advantages of ICL Surgery

ICL is fundamentally different from laser eye surgery. It doesn’t remove tissue. It doesn’t reshape your eye. It simply enhances your vision from within. Here’s why more patients are considering ICL over other methods:

1. Preserves the Natural Structure of the Eye

ICL leaves the cornea completely untouched. There’s no flap, no ablation, and no compromise to the structural integrity of your eye. This is particularly important for long-term eye health and is one of the main reasons why ophthalmologists often recommend ICL for younger patients with thin corneas.

2. High-Definition Vision for High Myopia

ICL provides consistently sharp vision even in cases of severe nearsightedness. Patients with –10.00 diopters or more often experience better clarity and contrast after ICL compared to LASIK, which may struggle to deliver the same quality of correction at higher levels of myopia.

3. Excellent Night Vision and Visual Quality

Because ICL doesn’t interfere with the corneal surface, it minimizes the risk of nighttime side effects such as glare, halos, or starbursts. For patients who drive at night or spend long hours on digital screens, this can make a significant difference in comfort and safety.

4. Minimal Risk of Dry Eyes

One of the most common post-LASIK complaints is dry eyes. ICL avoids this altogether because it doesn’t affect the corneal nerves involved in tear production. For patients who already struggle with dry eyes — a common condition among contact lens wearers and office workers — this is a major advantage.

5. Reversible and Upgradeable

ICL is one of the few vision correction procedures that is reversible. If needed, the lens can be removed or replaced. This feature offers peace of mind, especially for younger patients who want to preserve options for the future, such as cataract surgery or multifocal lens upgrades.

What Is the Procedure Like?

ICL surgery is quick, minimally invasive, and performed on an outpatient basis. At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, the process is as follows:

1. Initial consultation with full diagnostic imaging and measurements

2. Customized lens ordering, using ZEISS precision calculations

3. Short procedure day, typically 15–30 minutes per eye under local anesthesia

4. Rapid recovery, with clear vision often within 24 hours

There are no stitches, and most patients resume normal activities within a day or two. The lens is invisible once inside the eye, and patients do not feel it.

Who Is a Good Candidate for ICL?

You may be an ideal candidate for ICL surgery if:

• You have moderate to high myopia (typically –6.00 to –20.00 D)

• You’ve been told you’re not eligible for LASIK or SMILE

• You have thin or irregular corneas

• You experience chronic dry eye

• You want a reversible solution

• You are between the ages of 21 and 45 with stable vision

During your consultation at Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, we’ll conduct a series of eye exams and imaging tests to determine your suitability for ICL or other surgical options.

From the Doctor's Perspective: Dr. Kim Jun-heon on ICL Surgery

“One thing I often tell my patients is that ICL isn’t just a ‘backup plan.’ It’s a premium solution that gives you all the benefits of vision correction, without compromising the eye’s structure. For the right patient, it offers unmatched safety and clarity — especially for high prescriptions or sensitive corneas.”

– Dr. Kim Jun-heon, Medical Director, Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic

Dr. Kim has over 16 years of experience in refractive surgery and is known for his ability to tailor procedures to each patient’s unique visual needs. His philosophy centers on long-term visual health, not just immediate results.

Why Choose Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic for ICL?

Choosing the right procedure is important — but choosing the right clinic is just as critical. At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, we bring the following to every patient experience:

• Extensive experience in refractive and cataract surgery

• Access to ZEISS’s latest diagnostic and surgical technologies

• A non-biased surgical approach, offering all major procedures (SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, and ICL)

• Personalized care, focused on patient safety and long-term outcomes

• International support for expats and medical tourists seeking care in Korea

We don’t push one procedure over another. Instead, we focus on what will serve your eyes best — now and for the decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ICL visible to others?
No, the lens is placed behind the iris and is completely invisible.

Can I feel the lens in my eye?
No, the lens becomes part of your visual system and causes no discomfort.

Does ICL surgery hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and is painless. Some mild discomfort may be felt during recovery, but it resolves quickly.

Is ICL safe long-term?
Yes, ICL has been used worldwide for over 20 years with a strong safety record and high patient satisfaction rates.

Can ICL be removed or replaced later?
Yes. The lens can be removed or upgraded if your vision needs change later in life.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best vision correction surgery is the one that’s right for your eyes — and your life. While LASIK and SMILE are excellent procedures for many patients, ICL stands out as the safest, most effective choice for people with thin corneas, high myopia, or dry eye concerns.

It offers sharp, high-definition vision without reshaping the cornea — and unlike other surgeries, it’s reversible, upgradeable, and minimally invasive. For patients who value long-term safety and flexibility, ICL is often the better fit.

At Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic, we don’t just offer ICL as one of many procedures — we specialize in matching each patient with the treatment that aligns with their unique anatomy, vision needs, and long-term goals.