ICL Surgery in Busan, Korea
A thin collamer lens placed inside the eye corrects high myopia and astigmatism without removing any corneal tissue. BGSS introduced ICL to Korea in 2002 and has performed more than 66,000 lens implant procedures.
ICL, explained in one minute
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a soft, biocompatible lens placed inside the eye, between the iris and your natural lens. It works like a permanent contact lens that you never see or feel, correcting your prescription without reshaping the cornea.
Because no corneal tissue is removed, ICL is often recommended for high myopia, thin corneas or dry eyes, where laser vision correction is not ideal. The lens can be removed or exchanged later if needed.
BGSS measures the space inside each eye with CASIA2, UBM and anterior-segment OCT so the lens size is matched to your anatomy, including the shape of Asian eyes.
From measurement to clear vision
ICL is a precise intraocular procedure. Careful measurement before surgery is the most important step.
Measure the eye
Anterior chamber depth, endothelial cells and the space behind the iris are measured with CASIA2, UBM, OCT and a specular microscope.
Choose the size
Your lens power and size are calculated from your anatomy, and toric lenses are aligned for astigmatism.
Insert the lens
Under numbing drops, the folded lens is inserted through a tiny incision and unfolds behind the iris.
Check the vault
The next day your doctor checks your vision, eye pressure and the lens position.
Benefits of ICL
ICL is designed for people whose eyes are not ideal for laser surgery, or who want to keep their cornea intact.
No corneal tissue removed
The cornea keeps its natural shape and strength.
High prescriptions
Corrects strong nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Removable
The lens can be removed or exchanged if your needs change.
UV protection
The collamer lens includes a UV absorber.
Same-day both eyes
Both eyes can be treated on the same day when lenses are in stock.
Low inflammation risk
BGSS reports intraocular inflammation in under 0.1% of cases.
ICL vs LASIK vs SMILE Pro
ICL adds a lens; laser procedures reshape the cornea.
| ICL | LASIK | SMILE Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Lens placed inside the eye | Flap + laser reshaping | Lenticule removed through small incision |
| Corneal tissue | Not removed | Removed | Removed |
| Best for | High myopia, thin corneas | Wide range of prescriptions | Myopia with astigmatism |
| Reversible | Lens can be removed | No | No |
Your doctor recommends a procedure after your exam. See EVO ICL and SMILE Pro.
Who ICL suits
ICL may be right for you if you:
- Have moderate to high myopia, with or without astigmatism
- Have thin corneas or are not suitable for laser surgery
- Have enough space inside the eye (anterior chamber depth) and a healthy endothelial cell count
- Have a prescription that has been stable
- Have no active eye disease such as uncontrolled glaucoma
Eligibility is confirmed only after detailed measurements at BGSS.
Experienced ICL surgeons
BGSS has been named “World’s Best ICL Center” eight years in a row (2008–2016) and is the APAC Regional Center of EVO ICL Training in 2026.
Appointed ICL instructor in 2006, developer of the V-Toric ICL technique and the first surgeon in Korea to perform Viva ICL.
ICL Expert Instructor. Visiting Professor, Sungkyunkwan University.
More than 10,000 ICL procedures. Visiting Professor, Dong-A University.
Your ICL trip to Busan
BGSS is a registered facility for international patients. Our coordinators speak English and Chinese and arrange your schedule before you arrive. Appointments are by reservation only.
Send your prescription or medical records and travel dates on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk. A coordinator replies with a suggested schedule.
Detailed diagnostic tests and a consultation with your doctor, who confirms the safest option for your eyes.
Both eyes can be treated on the same day when your lenses are in stock. Bring a companion if you can.
Your doctor checks healing and vision, explains your eye drops, and confirms when you can travel home.
How long to stay in Busan depends on your exam results and the follow-up your doctor recommends. Please confirm your flight dates with your coordinator before booking.
What recovery after ICL looks like
Follow your doctor’s personal instructions; this timeline is a general guide.
Some watering or mild discomfort for a few hours.
Follow-up check of vision, eye pressure and lens position. Many patients already see well.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming and heavy exercise as advised.
Regular eye check-ups help monitor the lens over the years.
ICL in Busan: frequently asked questions
What is ICL surgery?
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery places a thin lens inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, to correct myopia and astigmatism without removing corneal tissue.
Is ICL available in Busan, Korea?
Yes. BGSS Eye Clinic in Seomyeon, Busan introduced ICL to Korea in 2002 and has performed more than 66,000 lens implant procedures.
Is ICL better than LASIK?
ICL is often better for high myopia, thin corneas or dry eyes because no tissue is removed. LASIK may suit lower prescriptions. Your doctor recommends the right option after your exam.
Can ICL be removed?
Yes. The lens can be removed or exchanged if needed.
Are both eyes done on the same day?
At BGSS both eyes can be treated on the same day when your lenses are in stock.
How much does ICL cost in Busan?
The price depends on the lens type and your prescription. See ICL surgery cost in Busan or ask a coordinator for a personal quote.
Can international patients have ICL in Busan?
Yes. Send your prescription and travel dates; coordinators support you in English and Chinese.
Book your ICL consultation
Send us your prescription and travel dates. Our international team will reply with a suggested schedule.
Appointments are by reservation only. We do not accept walk-in patients.
- Address
74 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Ion City Bldg 8–11F · Seomyeon Station Exit 7 - International Desk +82-10-7632-8782
- Busan Clinic +82-51-805-1100
- Mon · Tue · Thu · Fri 09:00 – 18:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00)
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Wed · Sun · Holidays Closed
