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- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: January 2, 2025
If you’re considering ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery or have recently undergone the procedure, you may be wondering about the long-term stability of your vision. At Blue Fin Vision®, our Harley Street eye clinic in London, we often encounter this question from patients who are eager to understand the lasting effects of their vision correction. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the likelihood of prescription changes after ICL surgery, potential causes, symptoms to watch for, and available treatments.
Understanding ICL Surgery and Vision Stability
ICL surgery is a revolutionary vision correction procedure that involves implanting a biocompatible lens in front of your eye’s natural lens to correct refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. One of the key benefits of ICL surgery is its ability to provide stable, long-term vision correction for many patients.
The Permanence of ICL Surgery
ICL surgery is designed to offer a permanent solution for vision correction. The implanted lens is intended to remain in place indefinitely, providing consistent vision improvement. However, it’s important to understand that while the lens itself is permanent, your eyes may still undergo natural changes over time.
Factors Influencing Vision Stability After ICL Surgery
Several factors can influence the stability of your vision following ICL surgery:
- Age at the time of surgery: Younger patients may still experience some natural progression of their refractive error.
- Pre-existing eye conditions: Certain eye conditions may affect long-term vision stability.
- Overall eye health: The general health of your eyes plays a crucial role in maintaining stable vision.
- Lifestyle factors: High-intensity activities or occupations may impact eye health and vision stability.
Likelihood of Prescription Changes After ICL Surgery
While ICL surgery provides excellent vision correction, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about potential changes in your prescription over time.
Short-term Stability
In the short term, most patients experience stable vision after ICL surgery. Clinical studies have shown impressive results:
- 94.5% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after ICL surgery
- 99% of patients achieve 20/25 vision or better
These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness and stability of ICL surgery in the immediate post-operative period.
Long-term Considerations
Over the long term, some patients may experience slight changes in their prescription. However, these changes are typically minor and do not significantly impact overall vision quality. It’s important to note that any changes in prescription are usually due to natural age-related changes in the eye rather than a failure of the ICL itself.
Symptoms of Prescription Changes After ICL Surgery
If you experience any of the following symptoms after your initial recovery period, it may indicate a change in your prescription:
- Gradual blurring of vision
- Difficulty reading or seeing objects at a distance
- Increased eye strain or headaches
- Noticeable changes in night vision or contrast sensitivity
It’s crucial to remember that these symptoms can also be indicative of other eye conditions, so regular check-ups with your eye care professional are essential.
Causes of Prescription Changes After ICL Surgery
Several factors can contribute to prescription changes following ICL surgery:
- Natural Age-Related Changes
As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes that can affect our vision. These changes may include:
- Presbyopia: The gradual loss of near vision that typically occurs after age 40
- Changes in corneal shape: Slight alterations in corneal curvature can affect vision
- Natural lens changes: The eye’s natural lens may continue to change, affecting overall vision
- Progression of Pre-existing Conditions
In some cases, pre-existing eye conditions may continue to progress after ICL surgery, potentially leading to changes in prescription. It’s important to be aware of these possibilities:
- Keratoconus: This progressive thinning of the cornea can continue to develop even after ICL surgery. Regular monitoring is essential to manage this condition effectively.
- High Myopia: Patients with severe short-sightedness may experience continued progression of their myopia even after ICL surgery. However, this should not be a cause for concern:
- Easily Manageable: Any progression in high myopia can be readily addressed.
- LASIK as a Solution: Once the refractive error has been significantly reduced by ICL surgery, any residual or progressive myopia can be easily corrected with LASIK.
- Combined Approach: This two-step process of ICL followed by LASIK (if necessary) offers a comprehensive solution for patients with high myopia.
- Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors and lifestyle choices can impact vision stability:
- Prolonged screen time: Excessive use of digital devices may contribute to vision changes
- UV exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can affect eye health
- Nutritional deficiencies: Poor nutrition may impact overall eye health and vision stability
Treatments for Prescription Changes After ICL Surgery
If you do experience changes in your prescription after ICL surgery, several treatment options are available:
- Laser Vision Correction
In some cases, a minor laser vision correction procedure, such as LASIK, may be recommended to fine-tune your vision. This option is particularly suitable for patients who have experienced slight changes in their prescription.
- Piggyback Lenses
A piggyback lens, also known as a secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implant, is a second lens that’s placed on top of an existing lens implant to fine-tune the focus of the eye.
- Regular Eye Examinations
Routine eye check-ups are crucial for monitoring your vision and eye health after ICL surgery. At Blue Fin Vision®, we recommend annual examinations to ensure any changes are detected and addressed promptly.
Preventing Prescription Changes After ICL Surgery
While some changes in vision may be inevitable due to natural ageing processes, there are steps you can take to maintain optimal eye health and potentially minimise prescription changes:
- Protect your eyes from UV radiation: Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients and stay hydrated
- Practice good eye hygiene: Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Attend regular eye check-ups: Schedule annual examinations with your eye care professional
The Blue Fin Vision® Approach to Long-term ICL Care
At Blue Fin Vision®, our Harley Street eye clinic in London, we are committed to providing comprehensive care throughout your ICL journey. Our approach includes:
- Thorough pre-operative assessment: We conduct extensive testing to ensure you are an ideal candidate for ICL surgery
- Customised treatment plans: Our experienced surgeons tailor the ICL procedure to your unique visual needs
- Advanced technology: We utilise state-of-the-art equipment for precise measurements and optimal outcomes
- Ongoing support: Our team provides continuous care and support, from pre-operative consultations to long-term follow-up appointments
Conclusion: Embracing Clear Vision with Confidence
ICL surgery offers an excellent opportunity for long-term vision correction, with most patients enjoying stable, clear vision for many years after the procedure. While some minor changes in prescription may occur over time due to natural ageing processes, these changes are typically manageable and do not significantly impact the overall success of the surgery.
By choosing ICL surgery at Blue Fin Vision®, you’re not just investing in immediate vision correction, but in a comprehensive approach to long-term eye health. Our expert team on Harley Street in London is dedicated to ensuring you achieve and maintain the best possible vision throughout your life.
If you’re considering ICL surgery or have concerns about your vision after the procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our specialists. Together, we can develop a personalised plan to address your unique visual needs and help you enjoy clear, comfortable vision for years to come.
Remember, your journey to optimal vision doesn’t end with surgery – it’s a lifelong commitment to eye health. Trust Blue Fin Vision® to be your partner in this journey, providing expert care and support every step of the way.
