High prescription, thin corneas. Why has ICL not been recommended in my case?

Question

Hi there, I'm eligible for PRK but they suggested me to have a second opinion from a cornea specialist as I have a high prescription and thin corneas therefore progressive ectasia risks. My eyes are -7.50 & -8.25 and my residual corneal thickness after PRK will be about 400 microns. What concerns me is that none of the doctors, the eye laser surgeon and the cornea specialist, recommended me IOL and after some online research, it seems like it would be the best option in my case. Thank you

William Wiley, MD · Answer

Hello!
Based on everything you describe about your circumstances, a lens may be an excellent option for you. If you are under age 40, an ICL could be great, and if you are 40 or over, an IOL might be ideal.  In any case, technology is only as good as a surgeon's experience and expertise with it.  I don't know enough about your eyes to suggest that you are not a candidate for a lens.  I do know that many doctors will only talk about laser vision correction solutions if the patient is a candidate for such.  Some surgeons will only talk lenses if a patient is not a candidate for any type of laser procedure.

Emil William Chynn, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

bc ICL is more risky, will screw up your accommodation or ability to read up close, and it's more expensive
LASEK doesn't hurt or scar unlike PRK and the recovery is a lot shorter

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High prescription, thin corneas. Why has ICL not been recommended in my case?

Answers (2)

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