ICL Surgery & Presbyopia in Japan: Why ICL Doesn't Correct Reading Vision & What Alternatives Exist
- sakai208
- Jul 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 2
As we reach our 40s and 50s, many of us begin to notice a subtle yet frustrating change in our vision: difficulty focusing on close-up objects, like reading a book, seeing a smartphone screen, or working on a computer. This common age-related condition is known as presbyopia, often referred to as "age-related farsightedness." It's a natural part of the aging process, affecting nearly everyone eventually, regardless of whether they've had perfect vision, nearsightedness, or farsightedness throughout their lives.
For individuals who have previously considered or undergone refractive surgeries like LASIK or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) for vision correction, the onset of presbyopia can be particularly confusing. Many wonder if these advanced procedures can also correct their new reading vision challenges. While ICL surgery is a highly effective solution for correcting myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, its role in addressing presbyopia is often misunderstood.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of presbyopia and ICL surgery. We will clarify why traditional ICL surgery does not correct presbyopia, explore the underlying mechanisms of age-related vision changes, and introduce various alternative options available in Japan, including advanced multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) cataract surgery, to help you regain clear vision at all distances.
What is Presbyopia? The Natural Aging of Your Eyes
Presbyopia is a progressive, age-related condition that affects the eye's ability to focus on near objects. It is distinct from farsightedness (hyperopia), which is a refractive error caused by the shape of the eyeball.
The Lens's Role: In a young eye, the natural lens is soft and flexible, capable of changing shape (a process called accommodation) to focus light precisely onto the retina, whether the object is near or far.
The Onset of Presbyopia: As we age, typically starting around age 40, the natural lens gradually loses its flexibility and ability to change shape. It becomes stiffer and less elastic.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include:
Difficulty reading small print, especially in dim light.
Needing to hold reading material farther away to see clearly.
Eyestrain or headaches after close-up work.
Blurred vision at normal reading distance.
Universal Condition: Presbyopia affects everyone, regardless of their previous refractive error. Even individuals who have had LASIK or ICL surgery for nearsightedness will eventually experience presbyopia.
ICL Surgery: A Solution for Nearsightedness, Not Presbyopia
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a highly effective and reversible refractive procedure primarily designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. It involves implanting a thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye, positioned between the iris and the natural lens.
How ICL Corrects Vision: The implanted ICL works by precisely bending light rays to focus them correctly on the retina, thereby correcting the existing nearsightedness or astigmatism.
Why ICL Does Not Correct Presbyopia:
Additive, Not Accommodative: The ICL is a fixed-focus lens. It adds focusing power to correct a static refractive error (like myopia), but it does not restore or enhance the natural lens's ability to change focus for different distances.
Natural Lens Remains: ICL surgery leaves your natural lens in place. Since presbyopia is caused by the aging and stiffening of this natural lens, simply adding an ICL does not solve the underlying problem of lost accommodation.
Focus on Distance: Typically, ICL surgery is performed to achieve excellent distance vision. While this is a significant improvement for nearsighted individuals, it means they will still eventually need reading glasses as presbyopia progresses.
Therefore, while ICL surgery can free you from glasses for distance vision, it does not prevent or correct the need for reading glasses once presbyopia sets in.
Alternative Options for Presbyopia Correction in Japan
For individuals experiencing presbyopia, especially those who have had previous refractive surgery or are seeking spectacle independence at all distances, Japan offers a range of advanced solutions. These options primarily involve addressing the natural aging lens or utilizing advanced IOL technology.
1. Reading Glasses or Multifocal Contact Lenses
Description: The simplest and most common solutions. Reading glasses provide magnification for near tasks, while multifocal contact lenses offer different zones for near, intermediate, and far vision.
Considerations: Convenient and non-invasive, but still require daily management.
2. Cataract (crystalline lens) extraction with Multifocal IOLs
Description: The eye's natural lens (maybe with mild cataract) is removed and replaced with an artificial multifocal or Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL.
Considerations: Offers the potential for clear vision at multiple distances, eliminating the need for glasses for most activities. It also prevents future cataract development. This is a permanent solution.
Types of Multifocal IOLs (as discussed in our dedicated article):
Multifocal IOLs: Designed to provide clear vision at three or more distinct distances: near, intermediate, and far.
EDOF IOLs: Providing a continuous range of clear vision from intermediate to far, with functional near vision. They are designed to minimize visual phenomena like halos and glare while offering excellent visual quality.
Why Japan Excels: Japan offers access to the latest generation of multifocal and EDOF IOLs from global manufacturers, combined with expert surgeons highly skilled in precise implantation.
The Aging Eye and Cataract Development: A Combined Solution
It's important to note that individuals in their 40s and 50s are not only experiencing presbyopia but are also approaching the age when cataracts may begin to develop. If a cataract is present, even in its early stages, cataract surgery with multifocal IOL implantation becomes a highly effective solution that addresses both the cataract and presbyopia simultaneously. This procedure replaces the cloudy natural lens with a multifocal IOL, restoring clarity and providing multi-distance vision.
Why Seek Expert Guidance for Presbyopia Correction in Japan?
Navigating the various options for presbyopia correction, especially when considering advanced surgical solutions like cataract surgery with multifocal IOLs, requires expert guidance. Japan's ophthalmology centers are at the forefront of refractive and cataract surgery, offering unparalleled precision and expertise.
Advanced Diagnostics: Japanese clinics utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to precisely measure your eyes and determine the most suitable IOL type.
Expert Surgeons: Highly trained and experienced Japanese surgeons are meticulous in their approach to multifocal IOL implantation, crucial for optimal outcomes.
Access to Latest IOLs: Japan provides access to a wide array of cutting-edge multifocal and EDOF IOLs, allowing for highly customized solutions.
Uncompromising Safety & Omotenashi: Benefit from Japan's rigorous safety standards and patient-centric hospitality.
Is Presbyopia Correction Right for You?
If you are experiencing presbyopia and seeking to reduce your dependence on reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses, advanced vision correction options are available. An expert evaluation is crucial to determine your eligibility and the most suitable approach for your specific eye health and lifestyle.
If you are interested in exploring options for presbyopia correction in Japan, including advanced multifocal IOLs, we invite you to contact Ophthoagent. Our physician-led service provides expert guidance and connects you to leading specialists and premier institutions in Japan, helping you navigate your path to clear vision at all distances.
This article was reviewed by
Dr. Daiki Sakai, MD
