What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL, also called an Implantable Collamer® Lens, is a refractive implant to correct common vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism. Unlike some other vision correction options, the EVO ICL is an additive technology that corrects vision without the removal of any corneal tissue. The EVO ICL is meant to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses and unlike most permanent refractive surgery solutions, EVO ICL is removable by your doctor, for added peace of mind.
EVO ICL Procedure - What to Expect
Easy 20-30 Minute Procedure
What is Recovery Like after EVO ICL?
Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in their vision nearly immediately after their EVO ICL vision correction surgery. Recovery is brief and comfortable, with many patients returning to work the very next day.
Benefits of EVO ICL
2Packer M. Evaluation of the EVO/EVO+ Sphere and Toric Visian ICL: Six month results from the United States Food and Drug Administration clinical trial. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;16:1541-53.
3Parkhurst G, Psolka M, Kezirian G. Phakic intraocular lens implantation in United States military warfighters: A retrospective analysis of early clinical outcomes of the Visian ICL. J Refract Surg. 2011;27(7):473-481
4Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A. Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017 Jul 3;11:1253-1263.
5Naves J.S, Carracedo G, Cacho-Babillo I, Diadenosine nucleotid measurements as dry-eye score in patients after LASIK and ICL surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.
6Martinez-Plazs E, Lopez-Miguel A, Lopez-De La Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226: 117–125
7Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:2427-2438.
Cost and Financing for EVO ICL
The cost of an EVO ICL procedure can vary depending on your personalized treatment plan. Many EVO ICL patients look forward to spending less in the long run with the EVO ICL compared to the continued costs of contact lenses and glasses. Ask about financing options and payment plans that may be available for your EVO ICL procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is well-suited for a wide variety of people. Ideal candidates for EVO ICL are aged 21 to 45 with nearsightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism and have maintained a stable prescription for at least one year. Candidates should also have healthy eyes with no history of eye conditions such as glaucoma. If you are seeking a solution to decrease or eliminate the cost and frustration of traditional contact lenses or glasses, EVO ICL may be your answer. Contact us to discuss if refractive surgery with EVO ICL is right for you.
Procedure Comparison
The EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is an implant that corrects vision without removing any corneal tissue.
LASIK is a two-step laser vision correction surgery where a flap is made on the surface of the eye called the cornea, and the underlying layers are reshaped with an
excimer laser to correct vision.
PRK is a laser vision procedure similar to LASIK but no corneal flap is created. The top layer of the cornea called the epithelium is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped to correct vision.
Which Option is Right for Me?
During your initial consultation, your eye care professional will discuss your measurements and help you make the right choice depending on your unique vision.
EVO ICL FAQs
EVO ICL is an Implantable Collamer® Lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Collamer is a biocompatible material that works in harmony with the eye. The lens, which is slightly smaller than a typical contact lens, is implanted in the eye during a 20 to 30 minute procedure. Unlike laser vision correction surgeries that permanently change the shape of your cornea, the EVO ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed. Worldwide, more than 2 million EVO ICL lenses have been sold.
EVO ICL offers many benefits for patients who are candidates for the ICL procedure and are seeking a vision solution that allows them the freedom of less dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The advantages of EVO ICL include:
- Sharp, clear vision1
- Excellent night vision2
- Does not cause dry eye syndrome3,4
- Quick procedure and recovery
- No removal of corneal tissue
- Removable by your doctor
- Protection from UV rays
2Martinez-Plazs E, Lopez-Miguel A, Lopez-De La Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226: 117–125
3Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A. Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017 Jul 3;11:1253-1263.
4Naves J.S, Carracedo G, Cacho-Babillo I, Diadenosine nucleotid measurements as dry-eye score in patients after LASIK and ICL surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.
People who want a flexible and biocompatible vision correction option, as well as many patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction, find that EVO ICL is the right procedure for them. Ideal candidates for EVO ICL:
- Are between the ages of 21 and 45
- Are seeking a vision correction solution for moderate to severe nearsightedness (with or without astigmatism)
- Have a stable prescription that has not changed within the last year
- Have good ocular health with no history of glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic eye disease
Vision correction with the EVO ICL is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. After an initial exam with your ophthalmologist to determine that the EVO ICL is right for you, you will schedule your procedure. On the day of the procedure, your eyes will be numbed with an anesthetic eye drop and your refractive surgeon will implant the ICL between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens. Your surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment the same day as the procedure.
Yes; the EVO ICL is intended to provide permanent vision correction, but it can be removed or upgraded by your surgeon.
No, patients should not feel the lens as it does not adhere to any structures within the eye and does not move once in place.
No, the EVO lens is placed behind your iris where only your eye doctor will be able to detect it.
Any medical procedure has certain risks associated with it. Potential complications, although rare, may include need for additional surgical procedures, inflammation, loss of cells from the back surface of the cornea, increase in eye pressure, and cataracts. While these potential risks are mitigated as much as possible, they can all typically be addressed early and without long-term side effects.