---
title: Is ICL surgery suitable for extreme myopia?
description: "ICL surgery can be suitable even for extreme myopia, although expectations and retinal risks must be carefully discussed. ## Potential benefits It can dramatically reduce very high prescriptions. - Significant reduction in myopia, often from beyond -18 or -20 dioptres…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/suitability/is-icl-surgery-suitable-for-extreme-myopia/"
updated: "2025-12-24"
category: Suitability
---

# Is ICL surgery suitable for extreme myopia?

ICL surgery can be suitable even for extreme myopia, although expectations and retinal risks must be carefully discussed.

## Potential benefits

It can dramatically reduce very high prescriptions.

- Significant reduction in myopia, often from beyond -18 or -20 dioptres
- Thinner, lighter glasses or sometimes no glasses for distance
- Improved image size and quality compared with thick lenses
- Option to combine with residual laser fine‑tuning in selected cases
- Reversibility if future lens strategies change

## Important cautions

Extreme myopia carries added complexity.

- Higher baseline risk of retinal detachment and macular disease
- May not achieve "perfect" vision if retina is already stretched or damaged
- Need for ongoing retinal surveillance even after successful surgery
- Meticulous measurements to avoid sizing errors and vault problems
- Decision made with full understanding of benefits and limitations