ICL surgery can be suitable for contact‑sports participants, but eye protection and impact risk must be considered carefully.
Advantages compared with glasses or contacts
Internal lenses are less exposed.
- Eliminates the risk of broken glasses causing facial or eye injury
- Removes contact‑lens issues such as dislodgement or contamination during play
- Provides stable vision despite rapid movements and sweat
- Helpful for athletes in sports like rugby, martial arts, or basketball
- Compatible with protective sports goggles or face shields
Risk‑management points
Impact cannot be ignored.
- Strong recommendation to use appropriate protective eyewear in high‑risk sports
- Delay return to full contact until the surgeon confirms adequate healing
- Awareness that severe blunt trauma can injure any eye, operated or not
- Discussion about rare but potential lens displacement or intraocular injury after major trauma
- Shared decision based on sport type, level of contact, and individual risk tolerance
