ICL FAQ — Implantable Lens Questions, Answered Plainly
Short, direct answers about EVO ICL: how a phakic lens works, sizing, safety, cost, recovery and long-term care. Reviewed by BGSS ophthalmologists — the clinic has performed 66,000+ ICL procedures.
- Both eyes ₩5.2M–₩7.0M, exam included
- Clear vision usually within 24 hours
- Lens can be removed if ever needed
Is ICL surgery safe, and is it permanent?
ICL is an established procedure in which a collamer lens is placed inside the eye without removing corneal tissue; it is designed to stay long term but can be removed or exchanged if needed. Like any eye surgery it carries risks, such as raised pressure or cataract, so careful sizing and follow-up matter. At BGSS, EVO ICL costs ₩5.2M–₩7.0M for both eyes, exam included.
- Price (both eyes)
- ₩5.2M – ₩7.0M
- Tissue removed
- None
- Clear vision
- Usually within 24 h
- Reversible
- Yes
EVO ICL at BGSS in brief
Key facts before you read the questions.
| Topic | Answer |
|---|---|
| Best for | High myopia, thin corneas, some astigmatism (V-Toric ICL) |
| Price | ₩5,200,000–₩7,000,000 (≈ $3,670–$4,950), both eyes |
| Anaesthesia | Numbing eye drops |
| Recovery | Clear vision usually within 24 hours |
| Stay in Korea | About one week |
Full guide: ICL surgery in Korea · for farsightedness see ICL for hyperopia.
Your treatment plan and price within 24 hours
- 1 Send a photo of your glasses or prescription
- 2 Get a likely procedure and estimated cost
- 3 Reserve an exam slot for your trip
No obligation · English · 中文 · 日本語 · Tiếng Việt · Монгол · Bahasa Indonesia
BGSS Eye Clinic 2026 prices
Every package includes the pre-operative exam, the surgery and standard post-op medications.
| Procedure | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK (both eyes) | ₩1,900,000 – ₩2,400,000 | $1,340 – $1,690 | 1 day |
| LASEK / PRK (both eyes) | ₩2,200,000 – ₩2,800,000 | $1,550 – $1,980 | 3–5 days |
| SMILE / SMILE Pro (both eyes) | ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000 | $1,760 – $2,830 | 1–2 days |
| EVO ICL (both eyes) | ₩5,200,000 – ₩7,000,000 | $3,670 – $4,950 | 1 day |
| Cataract / presbyopia lens (per eye) | ₩1,500,000 – ₩7,250,000 | $1,060 – $5,120 | 1–2 days |
USD values are approximate and vary with exchange rates. Final pricing is confirmed after your pre-operative exam.
- Full pre-operative diagnostic exam (2–3 hours)
- Surgery performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist
- Standard post-op eye drops and check-ups before you fly
- Medical interpreter and English medical records
Which procedure fits your eyes?
Answer 3 quick questions to see the procedure most often suited to people like you, with the 2026 starting price. Then send it to a coordinator for a free personal review.
- FREE No obligation, no deposit to ask
- 24h Reply from our international team
- MD Final plan confirmed by an ophthalmologist after your exam
How old are you?
Written and reviewed by the surgeons who perform it
Every figure on this page is a published BGSS total or a public credential you can check.
- 160,000+ SMILE / SMILE Pro
- 66,000+ ICL lens implants
- 49,000+ presbyopia & cataract
- Many with M.D., Ph.D. research backgrounds
- Founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee: 56,000+ ICL eyes
- Complex-case and toric ICL positioning
- STAAR Surgical EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit (2024)
- Korea SMILE Forum (2025)
- Korea EVO ICL Forum (2025)
- Among Korea's first to introduce LASIK & LASEK
- Ministry of Health & Welfare–designated regenerative medicine institution
- 2026 prices published openly
- Medical content reviewed by an ophthalmologist
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Lee is a pioneer of first-generation LASIK, LASEK and ICL in Korea and is known internationally for complex-case ICL and custom lens positioning for astigmatism. He reviews the medical content on this website.
Editorial policy: clinical statements on this page are checked against the sources below and BGSS outcome data, and are reviewed at least once a year. Prices are the clinic's published 2026 rates.
ICL: frequently asked questions
What is an ICL?
An Implantable Collamer Lens is a thin, flexible lens placed inside the eye in front of your natural lens. It corrects your prescription without reshaping the cornea.
What does "EVO" mean?
EVO ICL has a small central port that allows natural fluid flow, which removes the need for a separate laser hole in the iris used with older designs.
Who is ICL for?
Typically adults with high myopia, thin corneas or dry eye who are not ideal laser candidates. Anterior-chamber depth must be adequate.
Can ICL correct astigmatism?
Yes. The V-Toric ICL corrects astigmatism; precise rotational positioning is required, an area of focus for Dr. Jong-Ho Lee's team.
How is the lens size chosen?
From measurements of the eye's internal dimensions. Correct sizing helps keep the right distance (vault) between the ICL and the natural lens.
Will I feel the lens?
No. Once in place, the lens is not felt and is not visible to others.
How long does surgery take?
The implantation itself is short — typically well under half an hour in the operating room — followed by a rest and an eye-pressure check before you leave.
How much does ICL cost at BGSS?
₩5,200,000–₩7,000,000 (about $3,670–$4,950) for both eyes, including the exam, surgery and standard medications.
How soon will I see clearly?
Clear vision usually returns within 24 hours. Mild haloes at night can occur early on and often lessen with time.
What are the risks?
Raised eye pressure, cataract formation, endothelial cell loss, inflammation, glare and, rarely, infection. Regular check-ups help detect issues early.
Can the ICL be removed?
Yes. The lens can be removed or exchanged, and it can be taken out later if you need cataract surgery.
Do I need lifelong check-ups?
Periodic eye exams are recommended to monitor pressure, the natural lens and endothelial cells. Your local eye doctor can do these with your English records.
ICL or SMILE Pro?
For moderate myopia with a healthy cornea both may be options; for high myopia or thin corneas ICL is often safer. Your exam decides.
Ready to see clearly? Start with a free consultation.
Send your prescription today and get a personal treatment plan and price estimate within 24 hours.
- Free consultation
- No obligation
- Reply within 24 hours
- Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic
Medical information on this page is for general education and does not replace a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Results vary by individual, and suitability is determined after a full pre-operative eye examination. Statistics: BGSS Seoul + Busan cumulative totals as of December 2025.
