ICL is often better than laser eye surgery when prescriptions are high, corneas are thin, or reversibility is a key priority.
Situations favouring ICL
Internal correction avoids excessive corneal reshaping.
- High myopia or hyperopia beyond typical LASIK or SMILE limits
- Thin or borderline corneal thickness with otherwise normal scans
- Pre‑existing dry eye or surface disease that laser could aggravate
- Desire for a reversible procedure that preserves corneal biomechanics
- Need for excellent optical quality where removing large amounts of tissue might degrade vision
When laser still has the edge
Surface procedures remain excellent in many eyes.
- Low to moderate prescriptions with robust corneas
- Patients wishing to avoid intraocular surgery
- Those wanting rapid visual recovery without internal lens care
- Situations where corneal reshaping provides all the correction needed
- Decision made after detailed assessment of both options for each eye
