Medically Reviewed by: Yasir Ahmed, M.D.
What is EVO ICL, and is it Right for You?
Not everyone who wants laser vision correction is a good candidate for LASIK. While it is an extremely popular procedure, it is not right for everyone due to several factors such as prescription needs, eye anatomy, or personal preference.
The good news is that there are other vision correction options available. One option that can work well for people who are not good candidates for LASIK is the EVO ICL.
The EVO ICL is an implantable Collamer lens that can offer improved vision and reduce your need for glasses and contact lenses. Keep reading to learn more about the EVO ICL, including whether it may be right for you!
What Is EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL is an implantable lens that can correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness and mild astigmatism. An ICL is a thin, pliable lens made from a flexible, biocompatible material called Collamer that can be implanted in the eye.
The ICL is a prescription lens that works like a standard contact lens or glasses to correct vision, except it is placed inside the eye.
It helps focus light on your retina to offer better visual acuity. Unlike glasses or contacts, EVO ICL always remains in your eye (but can be surgically removed, if necessary).
You do not need to do anything to maintain the vision correction effects.
EVO ICL can be a great option for people with moderate to severe nearsightedness as well as individuals who are candidates for LASIK or PRK due to thin corneas.
EVO ICL offers built-in UV protection, which makes it a good option for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
The ideal candidate for EVO ICL is:
- Between 21 and 40 years old.
- In good health
- Has a nearsightedness or nearsightedness with astigmatism
- Has had a stable glasses prescription for at least a year
What Are The Benefits of Choosing the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL has an excellent record of accomplishment for effectiveness. Most EVO ICL patients have significant improvements in visual acuity.
Many people have been able to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts and find that they can see better in various levels of light. Here are some other advantages of the EVO ICL:
Reduced Need for Glasses or Contacts
The EVO ICL can offer individuals significant improvement in vision. Many people achieve 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts after getting the EVO ICL.
Improved Night Vision
One of the benefits of EVO ICL is that it can reduce glare and halos around lights, particularly when driving after dark. In addition, people report clearer, more detailed vision in low light after EVO ICL.
Easy Recovery
The EVO ICL procedure is painless and only takes about 20-30 minutes, and vision improvements are noticeable within days. Because the procedure is so streamlined, recovery usually only takes a few days.
EVO ICL has much less risk of side effects, such as dry eyes, compared to LASIK or PRK.
Reversible
EVO ICL procedures are reversible. Other vision correction procedures, such as LASIK or PRK, involve changing the tissue of the cornea and cannot be reversed. The lens can be removed if necessary, such as if you need cataract surgery in the future.
Are You Ready for Visual Freedom with the EVO ICL?
What to Expect During EVO ICL
The EVO ICL procedure is an outpatient, meaning you will be able to go home right afterward. However, you will not be able to drive yourself. Make sure to arrange for a friend or loved one to give you a ride.
You won’t need general anesthesia during the procedure. Your eye doctor will administer eye drops that numb your eyes so you will not feel any discomfort.
Once your eyes are prepared, your eye doctor will use specialized tools to make a small opening in your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. Your eye doctor will roll up the EVO ICL and insert it through the opening to position it in place. They will open the EVO ICL and make sure it’s in the proper position.
They will repeat all those steps in your other eye. Once both EVO ICLs are placed, the procedure is complete. The incision will heal without the need for stitches or bandage.
Once in place, you will not be able to feel the EVO ICL, and they will not be visible to you or others.
What is Recovery Like After the EVO ICL Procedure?
Recovery from EVO ICL is usually fast and uncomplicated. Your vision will improve within the first few days and get sharper as your eye starts to heal.
In the first few days after your procedure, you may notice mild side effects, including:
- Dryness
- Itchy eyes
- Blurry vision
- Watery eyes
- Halos around lights
Your eye doctor will give you a list of instructions to ensure you are properly caring for your eyes after the procedure. You will need to use medicated eye drops to prevent infection, and it is essential that you use them exactly as directed.
You will be able to shower but try your best to avoid getting soap or water in your eyes. You should not swim or use a hot tub until your eye doctor says it is safe to do so.
You will need to avoid strenuous activities like working out for several weeks. Your eye doctor will tell you when you can return to work and start driving again.
Are you interested in learning more about how EVO ICL could give you better vision without glasses or contacts? Request an appointment with us today to discuss your vision correction options and see if the EVO ICL may be right for you! Visit any of our locations throughout Texas (including Houston/Bellaire, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Clear Lake ,Katy, and The Woodlands/Conroe). Our team is committed to providing the best care for whatever vision correction procedure you choose.
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Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
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Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar Land
15200 S.W. Freeway, Suite 130Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
346-547-7070
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
936-647-1610
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620