Will I get cataracts earlier if I have myopia surgery?

Everyone knows that myopia surgery is divided into two categories: laser myopia surgery and lens implantation myopia surgery, but there are many questions about lens implantation myopia surgery. Today we will talk about ICL lens implantation.

1. Will I get cataracts earlier after ICL lens implantation?

Liu Hongting, PhD, associate chief physician, master's supervisor, and deputy director of the refractive department of Wuhan University Aier Eye Hospital (Aier Eye Hospital Group Hubei General Hospital), explained: Although ICL lens implantation is an intraocular surgery, it is to place a small lens with good compatibility with the eye's own tissue in front of the natural lens (the part where cataracts occur in old age). Its presence does not affect the metabolism of the natural lens, nor does it cause changes in the structure of the eye. Although it is designed to be permanent, if there are other correction needs in the future, or a better surgical method emerges, the lens can be removed or replaced again without affecting the eye, and the possibility of causing lens opacity (that is, cataracts) is very low.

2. Can others see the ICL crystal from the outside?

The ICL lens is invisible from the outside, and the only change that can indicate that you have had the lens implanted is improved vision. Once implanted in the eye, the lens can neither be seen nor felt, and is invisible to outsiders.

3. How long can the ICL lens remain in the eye?

There is no age limit for ICL lenses. After surgery, the lens can be placed in the eye for life and can be removed at any time.

4. How long will it take after ICL lens implantation before I can touch water?

Zhang Qingsong, deputy chief physician, member of the Refractive Subcommittee of the Ophthalmology Committee of the China Association of Non-public Medical Institutions, and director of the Refractive Department of the Aier Eye Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University (Aier Eye Hospital Group Hubei General Hospital), reminds: Under normal circumstances, you can wipe your face with a wet towel the day after surgery, but do not splash water into your eyes. When washing your hair and taking a bath, you should also avoid dirty water entering your eyes. Do not swim within six months after surgery and do not dive within one year. Water from the swimming pool can easily enter your eyes during strenuous exercise, causing impact and damage to the lens.