ICL Surgery Recovery
Implantable Collamer Lens surgery recovery is typically fast and straightforward, with many patients noticing significantly clearer vision within hours. Blue Fin Vision®’s consultant-led protocol delivers practical aftercare advice for a smooth healing process.
First 24 Hours After Surgery
The day of surgery focuses on rest and protection of the treated eye. Most patients go home the same day and notice dramatic improvement in vision within hours.
- Vision may be hazy or blurry due to dilated pupils and mild corneal swelling, but it often clears overnight.
- Mild discomfort, grittiness or watering is normal and settles with prescribed pain relief if needed.
- Use the protective eye shield at night and avoid rubbing the eye completely.
- Rest quietly with dim lights and avoid bending or straining. A companion should drive you home and stay with you for the first day.
- Begin eye drops 2–3 hours after surgery (or immediately if your surgeon advises). Blue Fin Vision® provides all post-operative drops at no extra cost.
Days 2 to 7: Early Healing Phase
By the first morning after surgery, most patients report significantly clearer vision than before the operation. The eye begins to settle, though light sensitivity and mild redness persist.
Follow the drop schedule carefully: antibiotic drops to prevent infection, steroid drops to reduce inflammation, and anti-inflammatory drops for comfort. Expect:
- Significantly improved distance vision for most daily tasks
- Some glare or halos around lights, especially at night, which usually fade over the week
- Mild vision fluctuations as your eye adapts (completely normal)
- First follow-up appointment, often day 1 or 2, to check eye pressure and healing progress
You can usually resume light activities such as walking or reading but avoid dusty environments, direct sunlight without sunglasses, swimming, hot tubs and eye makeup. Showering is fine from day 1, but keep water out of your eyes. Light office work can resume day 2–3 if vision is stable.
Weeks 2 to 4: Steady Improvement
Vision continues to stabilise, with most patients able to return to work, reading and normal screen use by week 2. Full adaptation to the new lens takes place during this period.
Key milestones:
- Driving is usually safe once your surgeon confirms good vision (typically 20/40 or better) and no double vision
- Glare and halos typically fade significantly by week 2
- Mild dryness or fluctuations may continue; use preservative-free lubricating drops as advised
- Eye drops adjust during this phase: steroid and anti-inflammatory drops reduce gradually, with most drops discontinued by week 4
- Second follow-up checks lens position, vault measurements and any need for prescription glasses
You can resume light exercise and gym work (light weights from week 2; avoid heavy lifting until week 4). Swimming with protective goggles is safe from week 1–2 onward. Avoid vigorous exercise, contact sports and eye makeup until cleared, usually around 4 weeks.
Weeks 4 to 6: Full Stabilisation
By 4 to 6 weeks, vision should feel stable and natural, with the eye fully healed. Any remaining haze or adjustment typically resolves now.
- Resume all normal activities without restriction, including sports, travel, hobbies, heavy lifting and swimming.
- Glasses or reading aids can be finalised if needed for near or computer work.
- Final follow-up confirms optimal outcome and plans any enhancements if vision is not at target.
- Most patients report life-changing clarity, free from the pre-operative vision concerns.
Recovery Tips for Optimal Healing
Blue Fin Vision® provides all post-operative drops at no extra cost and detailed written instructions. Follow these practical steps:
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors and avoid dusty or windy conditions in the first 2 weeks. Use the protective eye shield at night for at least the first week. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eyes.
- Use drops correctly: Shake bottles gently, instil only one drop into the lower conjunctival sac, wait 5 minutes between different drops, and complete the full course as prescribed. Mark off each drop use on the chart provided.
- Manage comfort: Cold compresses can soothe mild swelling (place over closed eye for 10 minutes). Avoid heat, saunas and steam rooms for at least 2 weeks. Use preservative-free lubricating drops if dryness develops.
- Diet and rest: Stay well hydrated, eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and get plenty of sleep to support healing. Avoid smoking (impairs healing) and limit alcohol in the first week.
- Bilateral surgery (both eyes): Recovery from both eyes is similar but follow slightly more cautious protocols the first week. Use drops in both eyes as prescribed, even if one feels perfectly healed. Avoid any activity that could injure either eye until both are fully cleared.
When Can You Return to Normal Activities?
Activity | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Driving | 1–2 days to 1 week | Confirm with surgeon at first check; need good visual acuity (typically 20/40 or better) and no double vision |
Work (desk/light) | 2–7 days | Light duties initially; screen breaks advised |
Reading/TV/screens | Day 1–3 | Use good lighting; take regular breaks |
Exercise (light walking) | Day 2+ | Can resume immediately; gradually increase intensity |
Gym/fitness (light weights) | Week 2+ | Avoid heavy lifting until week 4 |
Swimming (with goggles) | Week 1–2+ | Wear protective goggles to prevent infection |
Contact sports | Week 2–4+ | Wait until first month check-up for approval |
Heavy lifting/strenuous activity | Week 4+ | Avoid straining for first 4 weeks |
Flying/travel | 1–2 weeks | Bring eye drops and written aftercare instructions |
Timelines vary by individual healing and whether one or both eyes were treated. Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.
Managing Common Recovery Concerns
Fluctuating Vision: Mild fluctuations during the first few weeks are typical as your eye settles and adapts to the new lens. This usually improves with time. If vision plateaus below your expectations or significant fluctuations persist beyond 8 weeks, enhancement options such as laser refinement are available to fine-tune your vision.
Dryness and Grittiness: Some patients experience dry eye symptoms in the first 2 weeks. This is temporary and improves with regular use of preservative-free lubricating drops. If dryness persists beyond the first month, your surgeon may recommend additional treatments such as lid hygiene measures or punctal plugs.
Glare and Halos: Mild glare or halos around lights, especially at night, are common in the first 2 weeks and typically fade as the eye heals. If these symptoms persist beyond 3 months, discuss them with your surgeon as they may indicate a need for glasses adjustment.
Light Sensitivity: Photophobia is normal immediately after surgery and typically improves within the first week. Wear good quality sunglasses outdoors to manage discomfort. If light sensitivity persists significantly beyond 2 weeks, contact your surgeon.
Mild Bloodshot Appearance: Superficial redness is expected and typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. Avoid rubbing the eye, which can delay healing.
Post-Operative Follow-Up Schedule
Blue Fin Vision® provides a structured follow-up schedule to monitor your recovery and detect any issues early:
- Week 1: Early healing review, drop adjustment if needed
- Month 1: Confirmation of lens position, retinal health and vision stability
- Month 3: Final refractive assessment; discuss any vision refinement if needed
- Annual reviews: Lifetime vault measurements at any of our Blue Fin Vision® clinics (London, Chelmsford, Hatfield) and yearly endothelial cell count (ECC) evaluations using advanced specular microscopy at our Harley Street centre, ensuring your lens positioning and corneal health remain optimal
- Ongoing access: Specialist review if any changes are detected, with prompt intervention if needed
All follow-up appointments and monitoring are included in your ICL surgery package at no extra cost. Regular follow-ups ensure any concerns are addressed promptly and you achieve the best possible outcome.
Bilateral ICL Surgery Recovery
If you have chosen to treat both eyes in one session, your recovery follows a similar timeline but with some additional considerations:
- Both eyes heal at roughly the same rate, though you may notice one eye feels slightly more comfortable than the other.
- Use drops in both eyes as prescribed, even if one feels perfectly healed. Consistent drop use in both eyes ensures optimal healing and vault stabilisation.
- Avoid activities that could injure either eye until both are fully cleared by your surgeon.
- Follow-up appointments will assess both eyes together but with particular attention to any differences in healing, vault positioning or endothelial response.
- The convenience of single-session bilateral treatment often outweighs any minor differences in recovery experience, and most patients appreciate the balanced visual improvement from Day 1.
What to Expect Emotionally
ICL surgery is transformative for many patients. The transition from poor vision requiring glasses or contacts to clear, unassisted sight can take time to adjust to psychologically, even though physically you may feel ready within days. This is completely normal. Some patients report:
- An adjustment period of a few weeks as they adapt to seeing clearly again.
- Occasional mild anxiety about eye comfort or unexpected vision changes.
- A growing sense of freedom and confidence as vision stabilises.
- Renewed enjoyment of activities previously limited by poor vision.
- Joy at their newfound visual independence.
Our team is here to support you emotionally as well as physically throughout your recovery journey.
When to Contact Blue Fin Vision®
Reach out immediately if you notice:
- Sudden, severe eye pain or rapid vision loss.
- Marked redness with increasing light sensitivity.
- Discharge, pus or unusual eye drainage.
- Vision not improving significantly by day 3–5.
- Any symptoms worsening after the first few days.
- Any other concerns, however minor they may seem.
Early intervention prevents complications and ensures you enjoy the full benefits of your ICL surgery as quickly as possible.
Your Recovery, Our Priority
At Blue Fin Vision®, your smooth and successful recovery is our absolute priority. We provide comprehensive aftercare support, clear written instructions, included drops, and accessible follow-up appointments at all our London, Chelmsford and Hatfield locations.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, however minor they may seem, please contact us. Early intervention prevents complications and ensures you enjoy the full benefits of your ICL surgery as quickly as possible.
Book your consultation today to discuss your ICL surgery journey and what recovery will look like for you.
