ICL surgery is approached cautiously in the presence of retinal problems, and many patients are better managed without refractive surgery.
Concerns with retinal disease
Vision is limited by the back of the eye.
- Conditions such as lattice, tears, vein occlusions, or inherited dystrophies reduce potential benefit
- High myopes already have elevated detachment risk, which surgery can modestly increase
- Need to ensure any active disease is treated and stable first
- Interfaces with future retinal surgery, where extra lenses may complicate access
- Long‑term prognosis may be uncertain, making elective refractive surgery less attractive
When ICL might still be considered
Careful joint decision‑making is required.
- Stable retinal condition with good residual acuity
- Strong refractive indication, such as extreme myopia
- Retinal specialist agrees that additional risk is acceptable
- Full counselling about visual limits and detachment symptoms
- Regular retinal follow‑up maintained after surgery
