Vision at 18 to 45

Freedom from glasses, while the eye's own lens still focuses.

Under about 45 the natural lens still changes shape to focus. That makes this the window where reshaping the cornea, or adding a lens in front of it, can do the whole job.

A young woman outdoors on a city street

Why age matters here

Before your mid-forties the natural lens is still flexible, so treatment can concentrate on the cornea. Laser vision correction reshapes it; an EVO ICL sits in front of it and leaves it untouched. Both aim at distance vision, and both leave your own focusing ability to do the near work.

What actually decides your options

A prescription alone does not determine candidacy. Corneal thickness, corneal shape on topography, pupil size, tear film and the stability of your prescription over the last year all matter. Some eyes that want LASIK should have an ICL, and some should have neither.

Planning around work

Most people return to screen work within a few days, though comfort and clarity settle over weeks. If you drive at night, fly frequently or work long screen hours, say so at the consultation — it changes what is recommended, not just what is warned about.