ICL surgery is less commonly chosen over 50, because presbyopia and cataract risk usually make lens replacement a more logical option.
Reasons ICL is often avoided after 50
The natural lens is starting to age.
- Higher likelihood of existing or developing cataracts
- Established presbyopia requiring reading glasses even with ICL
- Potential need to remove both ICL and natural lens later
- Lens replacement can address both refractive error and lens ageing together
- Risk-benefit balance often favours treating the lens directly
Possible exceptions
Selected cases may still be considered.
- Very high myopia with clear lenses and minimal presbyopia
- Patients wishing to preserve natural lens for specific reasons
- Individuals not yet ready for permanent lens replacement after thorough counselling
- Excellent ocular health and anatomy on imaging
- Understanding that future lens surgery is still likely
