Laser enhancement after ICL surgery, often referred to as bioptics, can be effective when a small, stable residual refractive error remains. ¹ In carefully selected patients, corneal laser treatment can fine-tune vision without disturbing the implant.
However, laser is not appropriate for all post-ICL issues. Performing enhancement in the presence of active myopia progression, unstable refraction, or anatomical concerns such as inadequate vault may mask the underlying problem and increase risk without delivering durable benefit.
Before enhancement is considered, corneal thickness, shape, ocular surface health, and long-term refractive stability must be carefully assessed. ² Patients with dry eye, irregular corneal topography, or evolving lens changes may be better managed with monitoring or alternative strategies.
Laser enhancement should refine a stable system, not compensate for unresolved instability. Experience in both corneal and lens-based surgery is essential for making this distinction safely. ¹
References
- Fernández-Vega L, Alfonso JF, Fernández-Vega-Cueto L, Montés-Micó R. Residual refractive error management after phakic intraocular lens implantation. J Refract Surg. 2014;30(1):53–59.
- Sanders DR, Doney K, Poco M. United States Food and Drug Administration clinical trial of the implantable collamer lens for moderate to high myopia: three-year follow-up. Ophthalmology. 2004;111(9):1683–1692.
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?
