Choosing between EVO ICL vs LASIK surgery? Both are great options for creating life-changing improvements to your vision. But which one is the best for you?
Let’s discuss what EVO ICL and LASIK eye surgery are, what the procedures look like, and the factors that will help you decide on which one you want.
What is EVO ICL Surgery?
The EVO ICL surgery is an alternative to LASIK to help patients correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. EVO is an acronym for the evolution of vision correction, while ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. This procedure was approved by the FDA in 2005, though it was being performed long before.
With the EVO ICL, your surgeon will implant a collamer lens, which looks quite similar to a contact lens, below the surface of your eye. Collamer is a biodegradable polymer and purified collagen designed to be similar to what is already found in your cornea. When EVO ICL is performed, the shape of the cornea isn’t surgically altered, and nothing is being removed, but it enhances your existing vision by having the collagen-based lens implanted.
The EVO ICL is minimally invasive and works with your eye’s natural lens to increase your focusing power, improving your vision.
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK is one of the most popular procedures for vision correction. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is used to change the shape of your cornea to improve your vision. The ideal outcome is that it corrects nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts. With each of those conditions, the way the light enters your eye and hits the retina at the back of your eye is distorted, creating blurry vision that LASIK can ease.
There have been more than 20 million LASIK procedures performed since it was first approved by the FDA more than 20 years ago. The reason that it’s so popular is that it’s fast, patients feel very minimal pain and discomfort, and the effects are almost immediate.
What is the Difference Between EVO ICL vs LASIK Surgery?
There are a myriad of differences between the two eye procedures.
Corneal Tissue Removal
LASIK: LASIK involves shaping the cornea by removing corneal tissue.
EVO ICL: EVO ICL does not remove any eye tissue.
Reversibility
LASIK: The effects of LASIK are irreversible as there’s no way to restore your cornea to its previous condition.
EVO ICL: The ICL is placed above the natural lens, so it can be removed if needed.
Eye Conditions
The EVO ICL is often recommended for patients who cannot have LASIK due to thin corneas and/or high prescriptions.
UV Protection
The EVO ICL adds a layer of protection to the eye. It is built to block out harmful UV rays.
Infection Risk
While the risk of infection is still low, EVO ICL has a higher chance of infection than LASIK due to a foreign object being placed in the body.
Farsightedness
In the US, LASIK can be used to correct hyperopia, but the EVO ICL is only approved for myopia and astigmatism.
EVO ICL Procedure
An EVO ICL is a procedure in which a collamer lens is implanted in front of your eye’s natural lens, right behind the iris. The surgeon will make a microscopic incision in the cornea and insert the soft, flexible lens into place.
Although it takes most surgeons about ten minutes per eye to implant an EVO ICL, the surgical experience may be 1.5-3 hours in total. You will need a driver to pick you up after your procedure and make sure you rest when you get home.
LASIK Procedure
During a LASIK procedure, your surgeon will create a thin flap in your cornea using a laser. The surgeon will then lift and fold the flap back. The laser will be used to reshape your cornea with unbelievable precision, and then the flap will be put back in place, where it begins to naturally heal and seal.
LASIK typically takes around 15 minutes for both eyes, and most patients see an immediate improvement in their vision. You will need a driver after the procedure, and make sure to rest when you get home.
Which Procedure is Best For You: EVO ICL or LASIK?
There is no “best” procedure out of EVO ICL vs LASIK. There are just the factors that make one of them better for your situation than the other.
EVO ICL works best for patients between 21-45 years old with good eye health and a stable prescription for at least a year.
The conditions it treats include:
- Astigmatism
- Moderate to severe myopia
- Prone to dry eyes
- Thin corneas
LASIK is beneficial for patients who are at least 18 years old with good eye health and a stable prescription for at least one year.
The conditions it treats include:
- Mild to moderate myopia
- Astigmatism
- Farsightedness
- Age-related presbyopia
It all comes down to which procedure will be the most beneficial for your specific situation. The best way to choose is to discuss your options with a professional.
FAQs
Is EVO ICL Safer Than LASIK?
Both procedures are very safe.
Does EVO ICL Last as Long as LASIK?
EVO ICL is meant to be in place indefinitely and will last as long as LASIK unless you decide to have it removed.
Is EVO ICL Cheaper Than LASIK?
EVO ICLs tend to be more expensive than LASIK because you are also paying for the EVO ICL lenses, which are customized specifically for your eyes and offer UV protection.
We’ll Take Care of You at Clear Choice Laser
If you believe that LASIK or EVO ICL would be beneficial for you, all you have to do is reach out to our knowledgeable staff at Clear Choice Laser. We will be there every step of the way, from helping you determine which procedure you want, to meticulously performing your procedure, to following up with aftercare.
Get the sight that you’ve always wanted.
