MGD or Dry Eyes before ICL
Hi! I have about -10 vision and (now) moderate MGD/dry eyes. My dry eyes used to be pretty bad, but after several IPL treatments and making some healthier lifestyle changes, they’re mostly manageable now. I still get dryness first thing in the morning, and if there’s air blowing on my face (fans, wind, etc.), and I have the occasional bad day where I just use drops.
I’ve had two ICL consultations and both surgeons said I’m a good candidate and weren’t concerned about my MGD.
I’m specifically looking to hear from people who already had dry eyes or MGD before getting ICL (or eye care professionals who have seen patients like this). Did ICL make your dry eyes worse long term, or did they eventually go back to your baseline?
The reason I’m leaning toward ICL is because my vision is so bad that it’s honestly becoming a safety issue. I can’t see anything without glasses, and I’m always worried about losing them in the ocean or having them knocked off in a crowd. They’re also so thick they’re uncomfortable on my nose. I can’t tolerate contacts anymore either, they just make my dry eyes worse.
I believe will be okay with halos and all the other fun ICL side effects but what I really don’t think I would be able to tolerate is my eyes getting more dry permanately. I understand this will not HELP my dry eye, I just don’t want to make it worse. I know that by continuing to force contacts into my eyes for sports and swimming I’m making it worse so this feels like the lesser of two evils maybe? Every doctor I’ve talked to said ICL is fine for dry eyes but I’ve seen some conflicting posts.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone with a similar situation!
TLDR: had dry eye before ICL? Please let me know how you’re doing