Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, while ICL implants add a lens inside the eye, so the best option depends on age, prescription, and corneal thickness.
People often better suited to laser
Corneal laser works well for many adults with moderate prescriptions and healthy corneas.
- Age usually mid‑twenties to early forties with stable refraction
- Mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism within laser safety ranges
- Normal corneal thickness and shape without ectasia risk
- Desire to avoid an intraocular implant
- Acceptance that presbyopia and cataracts will still arise later
People often better suited to ICL
ICLs are helpful when prescriptions are high or corneas are less suitable for reshaping.
- High myopia or mixed prescriptions beyond safe laser limits
- Thin or borderline corneas even for conservative laser
- Clear natural lens with no significant presbyopia yet
- Preference for a reversible, add‑on correction that preserves the cornea
- Understanding of intraocular risks and the need for future lens surgery
