My friend recently had a lens implant consultation at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Kim Seong Hee, and one question she specifically asked was whether lens implant surgery could prevent cataracts later in life.
During the consultation, Dr. Kim Seong Hee explained that it depends on the type of lens implant and the condition being treated. A phakic lens implant, such as an ICL, is placed inside the eye while the natural lens remains in place, so it does not prevent a cataract from developing in the natural lens later on. On the other hand, cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.
My friend found this distinction helpful because she initially assumed that all lens implant procedures worked in the same way. The consultation also gave her a better understanding of why the choice of procedure depends on factors such as age, eye health, vision needs, and the condition of the natural lens.
Her experience at SNU Eye Clinic showed her that discussing long-term eye health with an eye specialist is important before choosing any lens-based procedure.