Age considerations
The specific age limits, refractive range and minimum anatomical requirements are determined by the instructions for the ICL model actually used and the surgeon’s decision.
Related services
Sign up for a consultation
About the service
Phakic ICL implantation corrects refractive error while preserving the natural lens. The lens is selected according to optical and anatomical measurements and placed behind the iris.
Who the service is for
Myopia
Adults with stable myopia for whom a refractive surgeon considers ICL more appropriate than corneal laser correction.
Laser correction for astigmatism
Patients with myopic astigmatism who meet the anatomical and optical requirements for a toric ICL.
Early detection of changes
Patients with sufficient anterior chamber depth and a safe endothelial cell density for the selected model.
Natural lens
Patients with a clear natural lens and useful accommodation when there is no clinical advantage to removing the crystalline lens.
Optical correction
A refractive surgery consultation is reasonable when spectacles or contact lenses are burdensome and corneal laser surgery is limited by refractive magnitude, corneal parameters or other ocular factors.
Optical correction
ICL is not automatically the best option: it should be compared with continued optical correction, corneal laser procedures and, for selected older patients , refractive lens exchange.
Myopia
High or moderately high myopia when laser correction is outside the safe range for the individual cornea.
Astigmatism
Myopia with astigmatism that may be suitable for a toric ICL.
Corneal thickness
A thin cornea is not itself an indication, but it may reduce the suitability of corneal tissue-removing procedures.
Refractive stability
Stable refraction and a desire to reduce dependence on spectacles or contact lenses after risk assessment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Unstable refraction increases the risk of residual refractive error and an unsatisfactory result.
Cataract and lens condition
Cataract or other natural-lens opacity may make a phakic lens inappropriate.
Anterior chamber angle
Insufficient anterior-chamber depth, unsafe endothelial cell density or a closed or excessively narrow angle may exclude some phakic IOL models.
Control of intraocular inflammation
Uncontrolled glaucoma, active uveitis, infection, significant corneal disease and some retinal conditions require a separate plan.
Refractive stability
Unstable refraction increases residual-error and unsatisfactory-outcome risk.
Amblyopia
ICL does not treat amblyopia, retinal or optic nerve disease, or provide acuity beyond the eye's anatomical potential.
Age considerations
Even accurate correction may leave halos, glare, residual error, a need for glasses in some situations and later age-related presbyopia.
Anterior chamber and angle
Comprehensive diagnostics confirm ICL suitability in terms of refraction, anterior-chamber depth, endothelium, crystalline lens, retina and other measurements.
Laser correction for astigmatism
The doctor calculates the phakic lens power and size; for Toric lenses, the cylinder and implant axis are also calculated.
Symptoms requiring urgent care
Patients willing to attend short-term and long-term follow-up.
Limitations and safety
Cataract or other natural-lens opacity may make a phakic lens inappropriate.
Book a consultation
Stages
Stage 1
Comprehensive assessment
Comprehensive diagnostics confirm ICL suitability in terms of refraction, anterior-chamber depth, endothelium, crystalline lens, retina and other measurements.
Stage 2
Lens calculation
Phakic lens power and size are calculated, with cylinder and axis also planned for Toric lenses.
Stage 3
Lens implantation
Through a small corneal incision, the lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
Stage 4
Postoperative review
After implantation, the doctor assesses lens position, intraocular pressure and the anterior segment and prescribes drops and a follow-up schedule.
Service benefits
Preserving the natural lens
A phakic lens supplements the eye’s optical system without removing the clear natural lens.
No laser removal of corneal tissue
Correction is achieved with an additional intraocular lens rather than laser reshaping of the cornea.
An option for high myopia
ICL may be considered for high myopia within the indications and range of the specific lens.
Choosing a spherical or toric lens
ICL selection considers both spherical refraction and clinically significant astigmatism.
Methods comparison
Criterion
Visian ICL
Visian ICL Toric
Corneal laser correction
Refractive lens exchange
Principle
An additional posterior-chamber lens; the natural lens is retained
The same, with toric correction
Laser corneal reshaping
The natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL
Main refractive goal
Myopia correction within the instructions for use
Myopia and regular astigmatism
Myopia / astigmatism within safe corneal limits
High ametropia, presbyopia or age-related lens changes, or cataract when indicated
The natural lens is retained
Required
Required
Required
No
Natural accommodation
Retained if present before surgery
Yes.
Yes.
Lost.
Corneal tissue removal
No refractive ablation.
No refractive ablation.
Depends on corneal thickness and shape
No refractive ablation.
Intraocular surgery
Required
Required
No
Required
Astigmatism
May remain and require separate correction
Toric optics correct cylinder
Often treatable within method limits.
A toric IOL may be used
Anterior chamber/endothelium
Critical factors.
Critical factors.
Usually not the main limiting factor
Assessed using other criteria
Corneal limitations
Thin cornea does not automatically exclude ICL.
Same
Pachymetry, topography and ectasia risk are critical
No corneal tissue is removed
Cataract
A specific risk remains
Same
No implant adjacent to the lens.
The natural lens has already been removed
Implant rotation
Clinically significant displacement is possible but uncommon
Rotation may reduce cylinder correction
No intraocular implant
Toric IOLs can rotate
Reversibility
The implant can be removed or exchanged, but surgery is not without consequences
Same
Laser-removed tissue cannot be restored
The natural lens cannot be restored
Future presbyopia
Develops with age
Same
Same
Depends on IOL strategy; natural accommodation is lost
Long-term follow-up.
Pressure, endothelium, vault and natural lens
Additionally, the toric lens axis
Cornea and refraction
IOL and retina when indicated
Visian ICL
Principle
Main refractive goal
The natural lens is retained
Natural accommodation
Corneal tissue removal
Intraocular surgery
Astigmatism
Anterior chamber/endothelium
Corneal limitations
Cataract
Implant rotation
Reversibility
Future presbyopia
Long-term follow-up.
An additional posterior-chamber lens; the natural lens is retained
Myopia correction within the instructions for use
Required
Retained if present before surgery
No refractive ablation.
Required
May remain and require separate correction
Critical factors.
Thin cornea does not automatically exclude ICL.
A specific risk remains
Clinically significant displacement is possible but uncommon
The implant can be removed or exchanged, but surgery is not without consequences
Develops with age
Pressure, endothelium, vault and natural lens
The same, with toric correction
Myopia and regular astigmatism
Required
Yes.
No refractive ablation.
Required
Toric optics correct cylinder
Critical factors.
Same
Same
Rotation may reduce cylinder correction
Same
Same
Additionally, the toric lens axis
Laser corneal reshaping
Myopia / astigmatism within safe corneal limits
Required
Yes.
Depends on corneal thickness and shape
No
Often treatable within method limits.
Usually not the main limiting factor
Pachymetry, topography and ectasia risk are critical
No implant adjacent to the lens.
No intraocular implant
Laser-removed tissue cannot be restored
Same
Cornea and refraction
The natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL
High ametropia, presbyopia or age-related lens changes, or cataract when indicated
No
Lost.
No refractive ablation.
Required
A toric IOL may be used
Assessed using other criteria
No corneal tissue is removed
The natural lens has already been removed
Toric IOLs can rotate
The natural lens cannot be restored
Depends on IOL strategy; natural accommodation is lost
IOL and retina when indicated
Service options
Visian ICL
Visian ICL is a phakic lens placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
Learn moreVisian ICL Toric
Visian ICL Toric is a phakic toric lens that corrects refractive error and astigmatism while preserving the natural lens.
Learn more
Book an appointment
Find out whether ICL implantation is suitable for you Start with a refractive consultation and a comprehensive assessment. The doctor will assess eye parameters, compare correction options and explain the expected result, limitations and risks.
Procedure prices
Service name
Price
Posterior chamber phakic Visian ICL implantation (excluding the IOL cost) (per eye)
from 453 000 ₸
Posterior chamber phakic Visian ICL Toric implantation (excluding the IOL cost) (per eye)
from 486 000 ₸
Our doctors
A team of experienced doctors across specialties.
Experience: 34 years
Head
Dzhumataeva Zaure Asylkhanovna
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 27 years
Head
Tleubaeva Gulmira Bakhytovna
Candidate of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 3 years
Ophthalmologist
Omarova Kymbat Omarovna
Master’s Student in Public Health
Experience: 24 years
Ophthalmologist (pediatric consultations)
Abakaeva Zhanna Bakirzhanovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 13 years
Ophthalmologist
Kalshabekov Alibi Sembaevich
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 50 years
Ophthalmologist, Ultrasound Diagnostics
Maldybekova Raya Bagdauletovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 37 years
Head
Omargalieva Gulnara Kabdulmukhitovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 19 years
Pediatric and Adult Ophthalmologist
Razdykova Dina Atabekovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 15 years
Ophthalmologist, Ultrasound and OCT Diagnostics
Saptaeva Madina Sanatovna
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 49 years
Ophthalmologist, Laser Treatment Unit
Silkin Vasiliy Pavlovich
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Lens calculation
The doctor calculates the phakic lens power and size; for Toric lenses, the cylinder and implant axis are also calculated.
Phakic ICL: how it works, lens selection, and follow-up
A phakic intraocular lens (IOL) is an additional optical element implanted inside the eye while preserving the natural crystalline lens. A posterior chamber ICL sits behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
It changes refraction without laser removal of corneal tissue and preserves natural accommodation if this was intact before surgery.
When is ICL implantation considered?
The method is most often considered for moderate to high myopia, myopic astigmatism, or when corneal laser correction is unsuitable because of anatomical factors.
KazRIED’s current price list separately includes posterior chamber Visian ICL and Visian ICL Toric. Final eligibility is determined after an extended diagnostic assessment and lens calculation.
Anterior chamber and iris-fixated phakic IOLs are separate designs and differ from a posterior chamber ICL.
How is the lens selected?
Diagnostic findings are used to calculate the ICL’s optical power and size. For a toric model, the cylindrical power and implantation axis are also determined.
An important postoperative parameter is vault: the distance between the back surface of the ICL and the anterior capsule of the natural lens. An excessively low or high vault may increase complication risks. Correct sizing and follow-up are therefore important alongside optical power calculation.
How should patients prepare for surgery?
Instructions about medications, contact lenses, and required examinations are provided individually.
Which risks should be considered?
An ICL can be removed or replaced when medically necessary. However, this does not mean that intraocular surgery is free of risks or lasting consequences.
Possible complications include inflammation, infection, changes in intraocular pressure, endothelial cell loss, cataract, and the need for another procedure.
Why is long-term follow-up important?
Postoperative assessments monitor refraction, lens position, vault, intraocular pressure, the natural lens, and the corneal endothelium.
A phakic lens does not stop age-related changes or treat retinal or optic nerve diseases.
Long-term examinations remain necessary even with good vision. Their frequency is determined by the treating clinician.
What does the listed price include?
The listed surgical fee excludes the cost of the IOL.
Facts and offers
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ICL?
An ICL is a type of phakic intraocular lens implanted inside the eye to correct refractive error while preserving the natural crystalline lens.
Is an ICL the same as the artificial lens used in cataract surgery?
No. ICL implantation preserves the natural crystalline lens. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens.
Who may be a suitable candidate for ICL?
ICL is commonly considered in adults with stable refraction and suitable ocular anatomy, including patients with high myopia or when corneal laser correction is limited by corneal thickness, shape or other parameters. Full assessment is required.
Can ICL correct astigmatism?
Yes. Toric phakic lenses are available for myopic astigmatism. Suitability depends on the magnitude and stability of astigmatism, ocular anatomy and the approved range of the specific lens model.
Can ICL be used for hyperopia?
Not every ICL model is intended for hyperopia. Phakic lenses for hyperopic correction exist in some markets, but indications and availability depend on the specific device and its local regulatory approval.
What age is suitable for ICL implantation?
There is no universal age range for every phakic lens. It depends on the specific device labelling, natural lens status and ocular anatomy. For example, current US labelling for EVO/EVO+ ICL covers ages 21–60, while local indications may differ.
Does refraction need to be stable before surgery?
Yes. Stable myopia and astigmatism are important before elective refractive surgery. If refraction is still changing significantly, residual refractive error may develop or increase after surgery.
Is a thin cornea a contraindication to ICL?
Not necessarily. Unlike corneal laser surgery, ICL does not require removal of corneal tissue to change refractive power. It may therefore be considered when corneal parameters limit laser correction, provided the rest of the eye is suitable.
Is the natural lens removed during ICL surgery?
No. The natural crystalline lens remains in place. This preserves the eye's natural accommodative mechanism to the extent that it is still present at the patient's age.
Where is the ICL positioned inside the eye?
A posterior chamber ICL is positioned behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. It does not sit on the cornea and does not replace the natural lens.