Cataract formation after ICL
Clouding of the natural crystalline lens after phakic-lens implantation, potentially requiring cataract surgery.
FDA recognition source ↗0.16%–1.7% · 2 observations
0.16%1/629 eyes
Recognised issues, evidence and gaps
Procedure issue evidence glossary
Choose a procedure, then see what has cohort evidence, what appears only in structured community reports, and what is recognised but missing from the current dataset.
Phakic intraocular lens
ICL issue evidence
These groups describe the coverage of this database—not a ranking of severity or a personal risk estimate.
- Cohort evidence
- 6
- Community only
- 3
- Current gaps
- 3
Absence is never treated as a zero rate. Only imported cohort observations receive numeric summaries. Community counts indicate an issue-specific structured mention, not necessarily a new, severe or ongoing problem.
Observed in current cohorts
Source-linked study data. Each number stays attached to its cohort, denominator and follow-up period.
Endophthalmitis / intraocular infection
Severe infection or inflammation inside the eye after intraocular surgery. It is distinct from a surface corneal infection.
FDA recognition source ↗0%–0.017% · 3 observations
0%0/100 eyes
One-Stage Versus Two-Stage Bilateral Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation: A Comparison of Efficacy and Safety (2024)Same-day bilateral ICL · Mean 1.1 yearsSource · Results and Discussion
0%0/78 eyes
0.017%3/17954 eyes
Endophthalmitis Rates After Implantation of the Intraocular Collamer Lens: Survey of Users Between 1998 and 2006 (2009)Responding surgeons' ICL implantations · Survey period; per-eye follow-up not standardizedSource · Abstract
Glare and reduced night-vision quality
Scattered or uncomfortable brightness, ghosting or poorer visual quality in low light. Definitions and questionnaires vary.
FDA recognition source ↗64.9% · 1 observation2 community reports
64.9%denominator: 97 patients
Halos
Rings around lights, especially under dim or night-time conditions. Studies may use different questions and symptom thresholds.
FDA recognition source ↗63.9% · 1 observation6 community reports
63.9%denominator: 97 patients
ICL repositioning, exchange or removal
A secondary operation to reposition, replace or remove the implanted phakic lens.
FDA recognition source ↗0.32% · 1 observation1 community report
0.32%2/629 eyes
Loss of best-corrected vision
A reduction in chart lines even with the best glasses or contact-lens correction available after surgery.
FDA recognition source ↗0% · 2 observations
0%0/25 eyes
Structured community mentions only
An anecdotal layer kept separate from clinical evidence; these counts are not incidence estimates.
Raised intraocular pressure or glaucoma
An increase in pressure inside the eye, including early postoperative pressure rise or longer-term pressure-related damage requiring monitoring or treatment.
FDA recognition source ↗2 community reports · no cohort observation
No structured cohort observation is currently imported.
2 approved public-forum reports contain an issue-specific structured mention. This is not an incidence estimate.
Browse ICL community reports →Residual error, regression or additional correction
Under-correction, over-correction, regression or another refractive result that may leave a need for glasses, contact lenses or an additional procedure.
FDA recognition source ↗1 community report · no cohort observation
No structured cohort observation is currently imported.
1 approved public-forum report contains an issue-specific structured mention. This is not an incidence estimate.
Browse ICL community reports →Starbursts
Rays or streaks around point light sources, usually assessed through a patient questionnaire rather than a single universal test.
FDA recognition source ↗1 community report · no cohort observation
No structured cohort observation is currently imported.
1 approved public-forum report contains an issue-specific structured mention. This is not an incidence estimate.
Browse ICL community reports →Recognised issues without a current observation
Coverage gaps remain visible because missing data must not be mistaken for zero events.
Corneal endothelial-cell loss or corneal edema
Loss of the cells that keep the cornea clear; substantial loss can contribute to persistent corneal swelling and reduced vision.
FDA recognition source ↗No current cohort observation
Persistent intraocular inflammation or uveitis
Inflammation inside the eye after an intraocular procedure, assessed separately from infection.
FDA recognition source ↗No current cohort observation
Retinal tear or detachment
Separation or tearing of the retina requiring urgent assessment and sometimes surgery. Baseline retinal risk and procedure context matter.
FDA recognition source ↗No current cohort observation