Will I Feel a Lens in My Eye? Are Implantable Contact Lenses Comfortable?

 You’ve read the brochures. I watched the testimonials. Maybe even scheduled a consultation. But one question keeps nagging at the back of your mind:

One of the most pressing questions that often arises before undergoing Implantable Contact Lens  ICL surgery is, “Will I feel the lens in my eye after the procedure?”

It’s one of the most common—and most understandable—questions people ask before undergoing Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery.

The idea of having a lens placed inside your eye is fascinating but also a bit unsettling at first. 

After all, we’re accustomed to contact lenses that we can feel or glasses that we can take off. So, how does a lens that lives permanently between your iris and your natural lens feel?

In short, You won’t feel a thing.

But let’s break down exactly why that is—using real science, real patient experiences, and answers to the top ICL questions people ask in 2025.

ICL vs. Contact Lenses: A Sensory Comparison

First Things First: Where Does the ICL Go?

The ICL is placed behind your iris and in front of your natural lens, resting in a space called the posterior chamber of your eye. It’s anchored gently in place without the need for stitches, glue, or physical attachments.

This means:

• It doesn’t touch your cornea
• It doesn’t press against your iris
• It floats securely in the eye’s natural anatomical space

Think of it as invisible scaffolding—doing its job without interference. 

“But Can You Feel It?”—Real Patient Responses

Real ICL patients have shared their experiences post-surgery, providing valuable insights into what it feels like to have the lens in their eyes.

“I forgot I even had lenses in my eyes. The only thing I noticed was how I could see.” –

Ravi S., 2U

“It’s completely different from contact lenses. You don’t feel anything at all—no edge, no dryness, no shift.” – Emma J., 34

“If they hadn’t told me, I’d never have guessed I had something in my eye.” – Daniel M., 40.

The Eye Lacks Sensory Receptors in the Implant Zone

The part of your eye where the ICL is placed lacks pain and touch receptors. Unlike the cornea (which is rich in nerves and very sensitive), the posterior chamber is biologically “quiet.”

ICLs are made from Collamer®, a collagen-based material that blends with your body’s natural chemistry. Your eye doesn’t reject or react to it—no inflammation, no irritation.

• The Fit Is Precision-Tailored
• The lens is custom-sized based on 3D measurements of your eye. That means:
• No rubbing
• No floating
• No sensation of “movement” inside
• No Surface Disruption

Because the cornea and conjunctiva are untouched, you avoid the foreign body sensation

associated with surface procedures or contact lenses. Some patients who are not comfortable with the idea of implantable contact lens can try laser eye surgery in Brisbane. This is a very safe alternative and has a 99% success rate.

 Common Patient Concerns—Addressed

“Will I feel the lens when I blink?”

No. Blinking only involves the surface of your eye. The ICL sits deep behind the iris. There’s no interaction.

“Will I feel pressure in my eye?”

Some patients report mild pressure for a few hours after surgery, but this is usually due to numbing drops or temporary swelling—not the lens itself.“Can I touch or see the lens in the mirror?”

The lens is entirely invisible to the naked eye. Some doctors can see it under a microscope, but even they describe it as “crystal-clear.”

“What happens if I rub my eyes?”

While you should avoid vigorous eye rubbing right after surgery, the ICL itself is secure and unaffected by regular eye movements or blinking.

Are There Any Situations Where You Might Feel Something?

In rare cases, during the first few days post-op, some patients experience:

• Slight dryness (from medicated eye drops)
• Mild pressure or awareness (as the eye heals)

These sensations are typically short-lived and not related to the lens itself.

Once healing is complete, the vast majority of patients report no awareness of the ICL at all— only improved vision.