Treatment guide · Toric ICL

Toric ICL in Korea: Lens Surgery for Myopia with Astigmatism

A toric ICL is an implantable collamer lens with built-in astigmatism correction, placed behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. In Seoul it usually costs about ₩1M more than a standard ICL; 2026 prices run about ₩5M–₩7.5M for both eyes (approximately $3,600–$5,500).
Reviewed November 2026 · Seoul LASIK Clinic Directory
Toric ICL in Korea: Lens Surgery for Myopia with Astigmatism

What is a toric ICL?

A toric ICL is an implantable collamer lens (ICL) with astigmatism correction built into its optic. It sits inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, and corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism at the same time.

The standard ICL corrects nearsightedness only. A toric ICL adds a cylinder power that has to line up with the axis of your astigmatism, so the surgeon rotates it into a precise position during surgery. Most Korean clinics use STAAR Surgical's EVO Visian ICL, which has a small central port that lets fluid flow naturally inside the eye. The FDA approved the EVO and EVO+ Visian ICL, including the toric version, in March 2022 for adults aged 21–45.

Because nothing is removed from the cornea, an ICL is often considered for prescriptions that are too high for laser surgery, or for corneas that are thin or irregular.

Who is a good candidate for toric ICL?

Toric ICL suits adults with moderate to high nearsightedness plus meaningful astigmatism, especially people whose corneas are too thin or irregular for laser surgery. It does not remove corneal tissue.

  • Usually aged about 21–45, with a stable prescription for at least a year
  • Astigmatism of roughly 1.0 D or more; STAAR's earlier U.S. toric approval covered 1.0–4.0 D of cylinder
  • Enough space inside the eye: an adequate anterior chamber depth (the FDA labeling for the earlier toric lens used 3.0 mm or more) and a healthy endothelial cell count
  • No glaucoma, uveitis, cataract or narrow drainage angle

Clinics outside the U.S. may use wider ranges, and every surgeon has their own limits. Your pre-op eye exam measures the space inside your eye and sizes the lens. If you have low astigmatism, a standard ICL or laser surgery may be enough; compare options in ICL vs LASIK and ICL vs SMILE.

How much does toric ICL cost in Korea?

Toric ICL usually costs about ₩1M more than a standard ICL at the same clinic. In 2026, toric ICL in Seoul costs about ₩5M–₩7.5M for both eyes (approximately $3,600–$5,500), against ₩4M–₩6.5M for a standard ICL.

Prices checked in 2026 are not always labelled clearly, so always ask whether a quote is per eye or for both eyes. Toric lenses are often custom-ordered, which can add a wait of days to weeks. See the toric ICL cost guide, the EVO ICL cost guide and ICL cost in Korea vs the USA.

Item Standard ICL Toric ICL
What it corrects Nearsightedness Nearsightedness plus astigmatism
Lens alignment No axis needed Aligned to the astigmatism axis
Lens ordering Often in stock Often custom-made
Typical Seoul quote (both eyes, 2026) About ₩4M–₩6.5M About ₩5M–₩7.5M

How is toric ICL surgery done?

The operation takes about 15–30 minutes for both eyes under numbing drops, often with light sedation. Many Korean clinics treat both eyes on the same day.

  1. The surgeon marks your eye or uses an image-guided system to record the astigmatism axis.
  2. The folded lens is inserted through a tiny incision of about 3 mm.
  3. The lens unfolds behind the iris and is rotated to the planned axis.
  4. Drops are applied and your eye pressure is checked before you leave.

What is toric ICL rotation, and how is it fixed?

Rotation means the lens turns away from its planned axis after surgery, which brings back some astigmatism. It is uncommon, but it is the main risk specific to toric lenses.

Small rotations may not affect vision. A larger rotation can be corrected in a short second procedure to turn the lens back into place, usually within the first weeks. Correct lens sizing reduces this risk, which is why accurate measurements matter. Ask your surgeon how often they reposition toric lenses and whether repositioning is included in the price.

How long is toric ICL recovery?

Most people see clearly within 1–3 days. Plan to stay in Seoul for 5–7 days so the clinic can check your eye pressure and lens position.

Use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as prescribed, avoid rubbing your eyes, and avoid swimming and heavy exercise for about two weeks. Night halos are common at first and usually fade. Our ICL recovery timeline covers the first month.

What are the risks of toric ICL?

ICL surgery is generally well tolerated, but it is surgery inside the eye and carries real risks.

  • Lens rotation needing repositioning
  • Raised eye pressure soon after surgery
  • Glare and halos, especially at night
  • Cataract formation over time
  • Rare infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis) or inflammation
  • Gradual endothelial cell loss, so yearly checks are recommended

An ICL can be removed or exchanged, but no surgery is risk-free and results cannot be guaranteed. See EVO ICL clinics in Gangnam and astigmatism correction in Korea.

What should you ask a Seoul clinic before booking?

Ask enough questions to compare clinics on more than price. A good clinic will answer clearly and in writing.

  • Which lens model will be used, and is it toric EVO or EVO+?
  • Is the lens in stock for your power, or must it be ordered, and how long will that take?
  • Is the quote per eye or for both eyes, and does it include the exam, medicines and follow-up?
  • How is the astigmatism axis marked, and is repositioning included if the lens rotates?
  • How many toric ICL procedures has the surgeon performed?
  • Who will monitor your eye pressure and endothelial cells once you are home?

Long-term follow-up matters with any ICL. Plan a yearly check with an ophthalmologist at home, and keep your lens card and surgical report so another doctor knows exactly which lens you have.

Sources

Key facts

  • Lens: STAAR Surgical EVO Visian ICL, toric version (collamer material)
  • Corrects: Nearsightedness with astigmatism, in one lens
  • Price in Seoul (2026): About ₩5M–₩7.5M for both eyes; see the toric ICL cost guide
  • FDA status: EVO/EVO+ Visian ICL, including toric, approved March 2022 for ages 21–45
  • Stay in Seoul: Usually 5–7 days

Independent directory. Prices are typical ranges reported by Seoul clinics and change often. Always confirm a written quote and get a full eye exam before booking. This page is general information, not medical advice.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does toric ICL cost in Seoul?

In 2026, toric ICL in Seoul costs about ₩5M–₩7.5M for both eyes (approximately $3,600–$5,500), roughly ₩1M more than a standard ICL. Always confirm whether the price is per eye or for both eyes.

Can a toric ICL rotate?

Yes, though it is uncommon. If the lens turns enough to affect vision, a short procedure can rotate it back into position.

Is toric ICL better than LASIK for astigmatism?

It depends on your eye. Toric ICL is often chosen for high nearsightedness, thin corneas or irregular corneas, while LASIK or SMILE may suit lower prescriptions. A full exam decides.

Can a toric ICL be removed?

Yes. An ICL can be removed or exchanged, although removal is still surgery with its own risks.

How long does it take to get a toric ICL in Korea?

Toric lenses are often custom-ordered after your exam, which can take days to weeks. Ask the clinic about lens availability before booking your trip.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.