Ocular Evidence
Community experiences

What people report after refractive surgery

Search structured details from individual public forum accounts. These are anecdotes, not clinical evidence or estimates of how often an outcome occurs.

Read this layer differently from study results. Posts are self-reported, selectively shared and may be incomplete or inaccurate. We never combine them into complication, satisfaction or success rates.
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202 reviewed experiences

Only curator-approved records with a currently verified source appear here. No usernames or copied post bodies are published.

Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/30, 20/20, 20/15. Topics included dry eye, halos, haze, night-vision difficulty. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-7 D, -30 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/30, 20/20, 20/15
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, haze, night-vision difficulty, floaters
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 6 months described the result. Topics included dry eye, halos, starbursts, glare. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 6 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, starbursts, glare, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 6 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

ICL experience · 2024

Two weeks after ICL for high myopia and astigmatism, the poster described exceptionally clear daytime vision but substantial halos and ghosting in dim light. The mixed result made nighttime vision the principal concern.

Age
33
Location
Italy

Reported starting point

Approximate sphere-7 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Approximate cylinder-3.75 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Approximate sphere-6 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Approximate cylinder-4.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Approximate corneal thickness600 µm
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Daytime visionVery clear and better than glasses
Both eyes · About 2 weeks · stated by poster
Nighttime symptomsLarge halos and ghosting in dim light
Both eyes · About 2 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 3 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included halos, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-6.75 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
3 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 9 weeks described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, glare, night-vision difficulty. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-8 D, -6 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 9 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, glare, night-vision difficulty
Both eyes · 9 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

Three days after ICL for very high myopia and astigmatism, the poster reported rapid functional recovery. Day-one acuity was recorded as 20/25, while glare and light sensitivity largely cleared by day two with only slight sunlight-related halos.

Age
30
Location
United States

Reported starting point

Sphere-9.5 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Cylinder-3.75 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Sphere-10.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Cylinder-3.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Visual acuity20/25 as reported
Both eyes · Day 1 · stated by poster
Early symptomsSlight sunlight-related halos; no major glare or light sensitivity
Both eyes · Day 3 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

Eleven days after toric ICL for extreme myopia, a 30-year-old reported 20/15 and 20/20 eye-specific acuity and called the result life-changing. Small halos, faint device-related ghosting and occasional lens-edge reflections remained without dry-eye symptoms.

Age
30

Reported starting point

Sphere-13 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Sphere-14 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Visual acuity20/15
Right eye · 1 week · stated by poster
Visual acuity20/20
Left eye · 1 week · stated by poster
Residual visual effectsSmall halos, faint ghosting and rare lens reflections
Both eyes · Day 11 · stated by poster
Dry eyeNone noticed
Both eyes · Day 11 · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included halos, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
30
Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-6 D, -4.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-19.25 D, -18.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedblur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteMixed report

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort. The poster described a mixed result or a recovery with meaningful tradeoffs.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-4 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentmixed
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, blur or fluctuating vision, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 2 weeks described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 6/4, 20/20. Topics included light sensitivity, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values+6.5 D, +5 D, -1.75 D, -2.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 2 weeks · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values6/4, 20/20
2 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedlight sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 2 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 1.5 months described the result. Topics included halos. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1.5 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos
Both eyes · 1.5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported dissatisfied

ICL experience · 2023

A first-person ICL account at 1 year described the result. Topics included dry eye, halos, double vision, regression. The poster's overall assessment was unfavorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, double vision, regression
Both eyes · 1 year · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included halos, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 1 week described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20, 20/30, 20/15. Topics included halos, haze, pain or discomfort. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
46

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-7.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20, 20/30, 20/15
1 week · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, haze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 1 month described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/20. Topics included halos, glare, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
29
Clinic
Eagle Eye Centre

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-4.75 D, -1.75 D, -5.5 D, -0.25 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/20
1 month · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, glare, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 8 days described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included dry eye, halos, double vision, haze. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
30
Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-9.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 8 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, double vision, haze, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 8 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 2 days described the result. Topics included halos, blur or fluctuating vision. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 2 days · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 2 days · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

About six weeks after Visian ICL for severe hyperopia and astigmatism, a 23-year-old reported 20/25 acuity without glasses and about +0.75 D of combined residual error. Dim-light blur remained, but the poster was satisfied with the functional improvement.

Age
23
Device
Visian ICL

Reported starting point

Sphere7 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Cylinder2 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Sphere7.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Cylinder2 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Visual acuity20/25
Both eyes · About 6 weeks · stated by poster
Combined residual error0.75 D
Both eyes · About 6 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteSentiment unclear

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 1.5 months described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Reported acuity included 20/15. Topics included halos, blur or fluctuating vision. The source did not state a clear overall satisfaction judgment.

Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-10 D, -7.5 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentunclear
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 1.5 months · stated by poster
Reported visual-acuity values20/15
1.5 months · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, blur or fluctuating vision
Both eyes · 1.5 months · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A detailed EVO ICL account reported 20/20 vision at one week and 20/15 in both eyes at one month. Thin ICL rings, new floaters and a rare small starburst were noticed but did not materially interfere with vision.

Age
31
Location
United States
Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Sphere-8 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Cylinder0.5 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Sphere-7 D
Left eye · stated by poster
Dark pupil size5.2 mm
Right eye · stated by poster
Dark pupil size4.5 mm
Left eye · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Visual acuity20/20
Both eyes · 1 week · stated by poster
Visual acuity20/15
Both eyes · 1 month · stated by poster
Visual phenomenaThin ICL rings, floaters and rare small starburst
Both eyes · First month · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2022

Two years after ICL, the poster remained highly satisfied and free of dryness, but continued to notice halos and light bursts while driving at night. Suggested PRK for possible astigmatism was declined because the symptoms were tolerable.

Age
23
Location
United States

Reported starting point

Sphere-2.75 D
stated by poster
Sphere-3 D
stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Reported follow-up acuityApproximately 20/16
Both eyes · Follow-up visits · stated by poster
Nighttime symptomsPersistent halos and light bursts while driving
Both eyes · 2 years · stated by poster
Dry eyeNot experienced
Both eyes · 2 years · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account at 3 weeks described the result. Topics included dry eye, halos, ghosting, double vision. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
28
Device
Visian ICL

Reported starting point

Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · 3 weeks · stated by poster
Symptoms discusseddry eye, halos, ghosting, double vision, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · 3 weeks · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

A first-person ICL account with a postoperative follow-up described the result. The source included baseline prescription values. Topics included halos, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity. The poster's overall assessment was favorable.

Age
23

Reported starting point

Reported prescription values-11.5 D, -11.75 D
stated by poster
Overall self-assessmentsatisfied
Both eyes · curator inference

Reported results and symptoms

Follow-up pointPostoperative experience reported
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Symptoms discussedhalos, ghosting, blur or fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, pain or discomfort
Both eyes · Follow-up reported · stated by poster
Self-reported anecdoteReported satisfied

ICL experience · 2024

Four months after monovision EVO ICL for high myopia, the poster described the result as life-changing. The fully corrected eye reached 20/15, adaptation to monovision took time, and early halos had become barely noticeable.

Location
United States
Device
EVO ICL

Reported starting point

Sphere-7 D
Right eye · stated by poster
Sphere-7.5 D
Left eye · stated by poster

Procedure details

Correction strategyMonovision with non-dominant eye undercorrected
Both eyes · stated by poster

Reported results and symptoms

Visual acuity20/15 in the fully corrected eye
1 week · stated by poster
HalosReduced significantly and barely noticed
Both eyes · 4 months · stated by poster