How Long Do ICLs Last? Longevity, Ageing Eyes and Aftercare
If you are considering an implantable contact lens (ICL), one of the first questions is how long it stays in the eye. People also ask whether the lens “wears out”, whether reading glasses still arrive in mid-life, and what happens if a cataract develops decades later.
This guide explains the ideas behind ICL longevity in plain language, how EyeHub approaches assessment and aftercare with Dr Sonia Moorthy, and what to ask at your assessment. It is educational information only. Suitability and timing are confirmed after a comprehensive assessment. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
What an ICL is designed to do
An ICL is a soft, biocompatible lens placed inside the eye in front of your natural lens, to help light focus more accurately on the retina. Unlike a daily soft contact lens, you do not put it in and take it out. The natural lens stays in place (that is different from refractive lens exchange, where the natural lens is replaced).
Modern ICLs are designed for long-term placement. Manufacturers and surgeons talk about them as lenses intended to remain for many years when the eye remains suitable. “Long-term” doesn’t mean permanent. An ICL can usually be removed or exchanged if your ophthalmologist advises it, for example if a cataract develops or the fit isn’t right. This is uncommon. Removal is another operation with its own risks, and it doesn’t reverse changes that have already happened in the eye. Laser vision correction permanently reshapes the cornea; an ICL does not, which is one reason removability comes up in counselling.
Your written consent discussion covers expected benefits, material risks, alternatives and monitoring for your eyes.
What can change over the years (even when the lens stays put)
An ICL doesn’t have a set expiry date. Studies have followed people for 8 to more than 10 years, and most lenses stay in place, but regular checks are part of having one. What continues to change is your eye around the lens:
Reading glasses and mid-life near vision
An ICL is usually planned to correct distance (and related) refractive error. It does not stop the natural ageing of the lens behind it. From around the mid-40s, many people notice near tasks getting harder (presbyopia), whether or not they have had refractive surgery. Reading glasses, blended vision approaches later in life, or lens-based options such as refractive lens exchange may be discussed then.
Cataract later in life
Most people develop some degree of lens clouding with age. If a cataract becomes clinically significant after an ICL, the usual procedure is to remove the ICL and treat the cataract in a planned operation, with a new intraocular lens chosen for your eye. Timing and technique are clinical decisions, not something a blog can schedule for you.
ICL surgery itself carries a small risk of causing a cataract. With current lens designs that have a central opening, this has been uncommon in studies (well under 2% of eyes over 3 to 8 years), but the risk is higher with older age and higher short-sightedness.
Small prescription drift
Eyes can still show small refractive changes over years.
Monitoring matters
Having an ICL means committing to ongoing eye checks: pressure, lens position (vault), corneal health and clarity of the natural lens. ICL surgery causes a small loss of the cells that keep the cornea clear, mostly around the time of surgery, and studies show slow ongoing loss afterwards. That’s why your corneal cell count is checked before surgery and monitored long term. EyeHub’s ICL package includes aftercare and post-op reviews for 12 months. After that period, routine reviews continue with Dr Moorthy or your local optometrist as advised, with referral back if anything needs her attention.
EyeHub’s published ICL fee
| Pathway | Published EyeHub figure |
|---|---|
| ICL | Approximate $14,000 both eyes* |
What’s included:
- All pre- and post-operative assessments
- Aftercare and post-op reviews for 12 months
*Includes surgeon, lens, anaesthetic and hospital fees
Always check our pricing page for the current published figures before you budget, because fees can change.
Assessment pathway at EyeHub
ICL patients start on the same vision assessment pathway used by us for LASIK, SMILE PRO, PRESBYOND and RLE. This involves:
- Free online video assessment
- In-person assessment with a $100 deposit (redeemable against your surgery)
You will be assessed by the Laser Refractive Clinical team, led by a highly experienced Refractive Optometrist. If suitable to proceed, you will be offered surgery and have an additional discussion with Dr Moorthy.
If found unsuitable for laser, a separate consultation with Dr Moorthy will be advised. A consultation fee of $350 will apply.
If laser or refractive lens exchange is not suitable, Dr Moorthy may advise an ICL procedure.
Comfort
ICL surgery is commonly performed as day surgery with local anaesthetic drops; hospital and anaesthetic arrangements (including any twilight sedation) are confirmed for your case. Your team will explain expected recovery, post-operative drops and activity limits for your case.
FAQs
Do ICLs wear out?
They are designed for long-term placement rather than periodic replacement like soft contact lenses. Your surgeon monitors the eye over time. Removal or exchange is possible if clinically indicated, but it is another operation and doesn’t undo changes already in the eye.
Will I still need reading glasses after an ICL?
Many people still need reading help from mid-life onwards because the natural lens and your eye continue to change with age.
What if I develop a cataract years later?
The ICL can usually be removed as part of planned cataract surgery, with a new lens implant chosen for your eye. Your ophthalmologist will explain timing and risks then.
How does ICL longevity compare with laser?
They are different procedures. Laser reshapes the cornea permanently; an ICL sits inside the eye and can usually be removed later if needed, although removal is a further operation. Which suits you depends on measurements, not a blog comparison table.
Next step
If you would like to explore whether an ICL or another option may suit you, email laser@eyehub.net.au to book an assessment. You can also call our laser coordinators on 1800 EYEHUB. Suitability always comes first. Longevity questions are part of that conversation, not a substitute for it.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
