High myopia is a lifelong ocular condition rather than a single refractive problem. Beyond blurred vision, it carries increased risks of retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, and earlier cataract development. ¹
Focusing only on the next procedure may lead to technically successful outcomes that prove strategically limiting later. Long-term planning considers how today’s choices influence future surgery, monitoring requirements, and overall ocular health. ²
ICL, laser vision correction, and lens replacement each have roles at different life stages. The safest outcomes arise from sequencing these options thoughtfully rather than treating each decision in isolation. ¹ ²
Clinics that adopt a decade-scale perspective help patients make durable choices and reduce the likelihood of corrective “rescues” later in life.
References
- Flitcroft DI, He M, Jonas JB, et al. IMI – Defining and classifying myopia: a proposed set of standards for clinical and epidemiologic studies. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2019;60(3):M20–M30.
- Bullimore MA, Brennan NA. Myopia control: why each diopter matters. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96(6):463–465.
Related Topics
- Life After ICL: Why Clear Vision Isn’t the End of the Story
- Can Myopia Still Progress in Adulthood After ICL Surgery, and How Does That Affect Long-Term Vision?
- Why Are Endothelial Cell Counts Monitored After ICL Surgery, and How Often Should They Be Checked?
- What Is ICL Vault, and Why Is It Critical for Protecting the Eye Long Term?
- Is Gradual Vision Change Years After ICL Surgery Normal, and When Should It Be Investigated?
- When Is Laser Enhancement Appropriate After ICL Surgery, and When Is It the Wrong Tool?
- In Your 40s, Is ICL or Lens Replacement More Stable Over the Long Term?
- How Do Modern Clinics Calculate IOL Power Accurately in Eyes That Previously Had ICL Surgery?
- How Accurate and Stable Are Toric Trifocal Lenses After ICL Removal?
- Why Do Two Separate Consultations Improve Safety After ICL?
- Why Should High Myopes Plan Vision Correction Across Decades?
