If you’ve been told your prescription is too high for LASIK—or worse, that you’re not a candidate for laser vision correction at all—you’re not alone.
Millions of people with severe nearsightedness, astigmatism, or thin corneas are left feeling hopeless. Thick glasses, constant contact lens use, and visual compromises become part of everyday life.
But here’s the good news: Implantable Contact Lens (ICLs) are rewriting the rules of what’s possible in refractive surgery. In 2025, they’ve become the go-to solution for patients with high prescriptions—often the only option when everything else fails.
This article is your guide to understanding how ICLs work for high prescriptions, why they’re safer than traditional alternatives, and how they’re transforming lives when other surgeries fall short.
What Is a High Prescription?
A “high prescription” typically refers to:
- Myopia (nearsightedness) greater than -8.00 diopters
- Astigmatism greater than 3.00 diopters
- Or any condition where corneal thickness or shape makes LASIK unsafe
High prescriptions mean stronger lenses, increased image distortion in glasses, and more visual dependence.
Unfortunately, patients in this range are often told:
- LASIK is too risky
- PRK recovery will be long and uncomfortable
- Contact lenses are the only safe option
ICLs change all that.
Why LASIK and PRK Have Limits
Both LASIK and PRK work by reshaping the cornea with lasers. But this comes with trade-offs:
| Problem |
Why LASIK/PRK Falls Short |
| Corneal thickness |
High corrections remove more
tissue, risking structural weakness |
| Dry eye |
Surface nerves are cut, increasing
dryness in high prescriptions |
| Visual quality |
Distortion, glare, and halos are more common with extreme
reshaping |
| Irreversibility |
Once reshaped, the cornea can’t
go back |
For patients with thin corneas, irregular topography, or strong prescriptions, these procedures are either inadvisable or denied outright.
Enter ICLs: A Better Option for High Prescriptions
Unlike LASIK, ICL surgery doesn’t touch the cornea at all. Instead, it involves placing a soft, biocompatible lens inside the eye, between the iris and the natural lens, to correct vision from within.
This makes ICLs especially ideal for:
- -8.00 to -20.00 diopters (or more) of myopia
- High astigmatism (up to G.00 diopters with toric ICLs)
- Patients with thin, irregular, or post-surgical corneas
- People who’ve been rejected for LASIK or PRK
The ICL Advantage for High Prescriptions
ICLs maintain the structural integrity of your eye. Your natural cornea remains untouched.
Studies show ICLs provide sharper, more contrast-rich vision—even in extreme cases.
Fewer Side Effects
Less glare, halos, and dry eye—especially important for patients with strong prescriptions.
Reversible and replaceable, ICLs can be removed or exchanged as needed. LASIK? Not so much.Most patients experience clear vision within 24–48 hours. There’s no long healing phase like in PRK.
Real Success Stories: What Patients Say
“I was at -4.00. My glasses were thick, and LASIK clinics turned me away. After ICL, I walked out seeing better than ever.” – Sonia D., 33
“I have keratoconus and couldn’t even wear contacts. ICLs gave me a vision I thought I’d never have again.” – Arjun T., 40
“I was scared I’d have to live with my thick glasses forever. ICLs were my miracle.” – Jenna M., 28
How Safe Are High-Prescription Medications?
Extremely safe. The EVO ICL system—used globally in over 2 million eyes—has:
- A UU.4% satisfaction rate
- FDA approval
- Over 20 years of safety data
For high prescriptions specifically, ICLs offer more predictable outcomes than LASIK, with lower rates of retreatment.
Even in eyes previously deemed “difficult,” ICLs are often the only viable and effective option.
What the Procedure Looks Like (Simplified)
- Measurements and lens design – Tailored to your eye’s dimensions
- Procedure (15–20 mins per eye) – Done under local anesthesia
- Recovery – Clear vision often begins within hours
- Follow-up – 1–2 post-op visits to ensure stability
That’s it. No bandages. No downtime. No discomfort from corneal reshaping.
How It Feels to Live Without Glasses After -12.00 or -18.00
It’s more than just seeing. It’s a shift in lifestyle. After ICLs, patients say they can:
- Wake up and see the clock
- Swim, travel, hike—freely
- Go without glasses for the first time in decades
- Feel more confident, less dependent
“I cried the first time I saw the world clearly without glasses. It’s something only people with high prescriptions can understand.” – David P., 3G.
Cost and Value: Is It Worth It?
ICL surgery is typically more expensive than LASIK up front—but for patients with high prescriptions, it’s also more cost-effective in the long run.
Consider:
- No need for expensive high-index glasses or custom contacts
- Fewer replacements, infections, or dry-eye treatments
- Long-lasting results, possibly for life
For many, the return on investment is not just in vision but in the quality of life.
Implantable contact lenses offer a permanent solution for those with severe myopia or who may not be ideal candidates for traditional LASIK. These lenses are surgically placed inside the eye, providing high-quality vision correction without altering the corneal structure. For those that are looking for laser eye surgery in Brisbane, it’s worth exploring all available options—including ICLs—by consulting with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine the best fit for your eyes and lifestyle.
