Before its FDA approval in March of 2022 in the US, the EVO ICL procedure had been available for many years internationally. Today, EVO ICL is a safe and effective eye surgery that we are excited to offer our patients. As a recognized leader in the field of vision correction procedures, our expert refractive surgeons have been carefully trained in EVO ICL with excellent results.
What exactly is EVO ICL? How does the procedure work? And what are some risks and benefits that should be taken into consideration? Let’s dive into these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.
What is Evo ICL?
The ICL in EVO ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. EVO ICL is a reversible additive technology that corrects vision without removing any corneal tissue. Instead, a soft, thin, biocompatible lens is surgically inserted in the eye to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. The implantable lens is a safe option for many patients, including those who are not eligible for LASIK due to a thin cornea or high prescription.
How EVO ICL Eye Surgery Works
Before undergoing Evo ICL surgery, you will have a thorough consultation with one of CLEI’s eye surgeons. During this consultation, your eye health will be evaluated, and our surgeon will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
If you are, EVO ICL is performed in an outpatient surgical center. Many patients choose to have both eyes done on the same day. An anesthesiologist will give you a mild sedative before the procedure begins. In addition, topical numbing medications keep you comfortable for the duration of the procedure.
During the EVO ICL surgery, an experienced CLEI surgeon creates a small opening in your cornea to insert the lens. The lens is then carefully positioned behind your iris and in front of your natural lens. This lens works in harmony with your eye’s natural focusing system to provide clear and sharp vision. The procedure is quick, typically taking about 20 minutes per eye, and is virtually painless.
After the procedure, you may feel some discomfort and scratchiness when the effect of the topical drops wears off. However, you’ll be given medication to minimize that uncomfortable feeling. A few hours after the procedure, we will give your eyes a brief exam before sending you home. Follow up appointments are generally scheduled for one day, one week, one month, and three months post-operatively. Depending on your specific needs, a laser enhancement can be applied to your EVO ICL between the one and three-month exams.
Benefits of EVO ICL Surgery
One of the significant benefits of Evo ICL surgery is the enhanced vision it provides. Studies show that over 99 percent of patients in general achieve 20/40 or better vision. (20/40 is the level of vision needed to pass the driver’s test.) About 90 percent achieve 20/20 or better. Of course, these results can vary depending on your current degree of refractive error.
How long does EVO ICL last? Another big benefit of this procedure is that the lenses’ biocompatible material ensures long-term comfort and stability. Once the lens is inserted it requires no further maintenance and can be left in place for as long as you are happy with your vision quality.
EVO ICL vs. LASIK: A Comparison
Both EVO ICL and LASIK are popular vision correction procedures, and both offer nearly identical rates of improved vision. However, there are some key differences between the two. In LASIK, a laser reshapes your cornea to correct refractive errors. This procedure is permanent and cannot be undone. The implantable collamer lens in EVO ICL, on the other hand, can be removed at any time, meaning this procedure is reversible.
Additionally, EVO ICL is sometimes a better option for patients with thin corneas or other corneal irregularities, such as keratoconus, or anyone with a high glasses prescription. You can schedule a consultation with one of our board certified refractive eye surgeons to determine which procedure is best suited for your specific needs.
Is EVO ICL Safe?
EVO ICL has been approved by the FDA since 2022 and has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. Outside of the US, over a million EVO ICLs have already been performed.
The biocompatible material of the collamer lens is well-tolerated by the eye and at CLEI the surgery is always performed by our highly-trained and experienced eye surgeons. Of course, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, and it is essential to discuss these risks with a CLEI surgeon before making a decision.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of EVO ICL
While EVO ICL is generally a very safe procedure, like any surgery, there are a few potential risks and side effects to consider. We strive to give each patient the best possible vision correction but undercorrections and overcorrections are a possibility. In these cases, a patient’s vision will likely be improved, but not 20/20. If this happens, we may exchange the ICL for a different power or we can use a laser to refine your vision after ICL.
Another possible ICL side effect is experiencing glare, halos, or double vision, especially in low-light conditions. These effects are usually temporary and subside as the eyes heal. This symptom is less common now that we use EVO ICL optics, which are larger than a traditional implantable collamer lens.
In rare cases, there may be a risk of infection, inflammation, or increased intraocular pressure. If a patient experiences increased eye pressure, the EVO lens may need to be removed or exchanged.
Scar tissue that develops on the front surface of your natural lens after ICL is another potential, but with the new EVO ICL it has become a very rare risk. If scar tissue forms, it can worsen your vision over time. In these cases, the ICL will need to be removed, and you may require cataract surgery to improve your vision.
Carefully following post-operative instructions and going to all of your follow up appointments enables our team of experts to promptly identify and treat any side effects or complications that may develop after the EVO ICL procedure.
Conclusion
EVO ICL represents a groundbreaking advancement in vision correction technology. With its ability to provide enhanced vision and offer long-lasting results, EVO ICL is transforming the lives of countless individuals.
Schedule a consultation today to explore whether or not EVO ICL is suitable for you and take the first step towards unlocking enhanced vision and reclaiming your visual freedom.
