The biggest long term effect of ICL surgery is having great vision! But of course you already knew that. That’s not what you came here to learn. Of course you want to know what are the potential problematic long term effects of having ICL surgery.
The ICL has been around for over two decades. During this time, the procedure has been extensively studied. The vast majority of ICL patients have NO long term effects with ICL surgery. Once they recover from the procedure, they are good. But there is one potential long term effect worth knowing about.
A small percentage of patients after ICL can go on to develop cataracts
The ICL lens sits real close to the natural lens within the eye. Depending on how the size of the ICL matches up with the eye, the ICL can sit even closer (or further) from the lens. To keep healthy and clear, the natural lens absorbs nutrients from the normal aqueous fluid surrounding the lens. If the ICL lens sits too close to the natural lens, the flow of aqueous fluid around the lens can be reduced. A reduction in the flow of the fluid equals a reduction in the flow of nutrients. Less nutrients to the lens can cause the lens to become “sick". This can cause the lens to become cloudy, ie become a cataract.
The risk of cataracts with ICL is actually quite low. Less than 0.5% of ICL patients will go on to develop cataracts because of the ICL. As you get a little older (such as above the age of 40), this number increases slightly. Thus, the vast majority of people don’t need to worry about developing cataracts after ICL.
So what happens if a cataract develops?
But if a cataract develops, there are options. If the ICL lens is sitting too close to the natural lens and the first signs of a cataract are developing, than the ICL lens can be swapped out to a larger size. By swapping to a larger ICL, more space is created in front of the natural lens. If the vision is still good, this can prevent further development of the cataract and blurred vision.
If the cataract has already progressed and is causing blurry vision, cataract surgery works very well to treat the cataract. During the cataract surgery, the ICL lens is removed, the cataract is removed and a new different lens is placed within the eye in place of the cataract to correct vision. This new lens takes the place of the ICL lens to correct prescription.
The one caveat with cataract surgery is that not all of these intraocular lenses are the same. Basic versions of these lenses can only correct vision at a single focus (typically focusing off in the distance). Reading glasses are required to see things up close. Multifocal or premium versions of these lenses are able to correct vision at multiple different focuses (distance, computer distance and reading distance at the same time). Having a conversation with your eye doctor can determine what is the best option for your eyes if cataract surgery is needed.
Other than the small potential for cataracts, there aren’t any other negative long term effects of ICL on vision or the health of the eye. It’s a safe procedure which works very well.
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