Whether lens replacement or implantable collamer lenses ICL are better depends mainly on age, prescription, and lens clarity.
People often better suited to lens replacement
Lens replacement is more appropriate when presbyopia or cataract is already present. It treats both refractive error and lens ageing in one procedure.
- Adults usually over 45 who need both distance and reading correction
- Early to moderate cataracts affecting vision or lifestyle
- Patients wanting a permanent solution that avoids later cataract surgery
- Hyperopic or mixed prescriptions where internal correction works well
- Willingness to accept intraocular surgery that removes the natural lens
People often better suited to ICL
ICL may be preferable when the natural lens is still clear and flexible, especially in younger adults with strong prescriptions or thin corneas.
- People in their twenties to early forties with high myopia or hyperopia
- Clear lenses and no significant presbyopia yet
- Corneas too thin or irregular for laser but otherwise healthy
- Desire to keep the natural lens, preserving future options
- Understanding that cataract surgery will still be needed later in life
