ICL surgery can be considered in some patients with a past herpes eye infection, but only when the disease is fully quiet and risk carefully weighed.
Conditions that may allow ICL surgery
If herpes keratitis has been inactive for a long period and the cornea is clear and stable, surgery might be an option. Antiviral prophylaxis is often used around the time of surgery.
- Long remission without recent flare-ups is reassuring
- Scarring must not significantly distort the cornea or reduce vision potential
- Ocular surface health and tear film are assessed in detail
- Patients are informed about the slightly higher reactivation risk
Situations where ICL may be unsafe
Frequent or severe herpes episodes, especially involving deeper corneal layers, can flare after surgery. In such cases, non-surgical options or different procedures may be safer.
- Active or recently active infection is a clear reason to delay
- Significant scarring or thinning may limit visual benefit
- Systemic immune problems can increase reactivation risk
- A corneal specialist’s opinion is often sought before proceeding
