ICL surgery is usually not ideal when early cataracts are already present; lens replacement often becomes a better long‑term option.
Why early cataract shifts the balance
The natural lens is already beginning to fail.
- Cataracts will likely progress, eventually needing lens surgery
- ICL would then need removal at the time of cataract extraction
- Refractive lens exchange can address both cataract and focusing error together
- Visual symptoms may be due more to lens opacity than to refractive error
- Overall risk and cost are higher if two lens operations are required
Rare scenarios where ICL may still be considered
Only after detailed counselling.
- Very mild lens changes with clear priority to preserve accommodation
- Strong preference to delay lens replacement despite knowing it is likely later
- High prescriptions or corneal limits that make ICL attractive short‑term
- Close monitoring for cataract progression over time
- Acceptance that future cataract surgery will also involve ICL removal
