If you struggle to see due to refractive issues with your eyes and would prefer not to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, an excellent, FDA-approved solution is now available to you. EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) eye surgery is a procedure that treats poor eyesight due to refractive issues by implanting a Collamer lens into the eye. This minimally invasive procedure corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism by implanting a lens between your iris and natural crystalline lens. In this article, we will share everything there is to know about EVO ICL surgery and give expert advice from our team of eye care professionals at Clear Choice.
What is EVO ICL Eye Surgery?
ICL stands for ‘Implantable Collamer Lens’. When you receive ICL surgery, a thin, pillale collagen (Collamer) lens is injected into the eye through a tiny incision in the cornea. Collamer is a flexible, biocompatible material that will blend harmoniously with your natural eye, so you won’t even notice it’s there. This quick and reversible procedure lasts about 20-30 minutes in total, is not known to commonly cause dry eye syndrome, and is FDA-approved.
What to Expect During an EVO ICL Eye Surgery
A question we commonly get from patients is, “What can I expect during EVO ICL surgery?” The answer is that it is quick and most patients report little if any discomfort during the procedure as well as during recovery. Prior to starting the procedure, you’ll be given anesthesia that will put you in a twilight state. The anesthesia will leave you aware enough to follow instructions and answer elementary questions, but will likely cause you to feel very relaxed and comfortable. It is likely that you will not remember much or any of the procedure. The surgeon will then dilate and numb the eyes. Next, the surgeon makes a small incision at the base of your cornea. Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outermost layer of your eye. Once the incision has been made, the surgeon will fold and insert the implantable Collamer lens. They will adjust it behind your iris and in front of your lens so that it fits seamlessly into your eye. You most likely won’t require stitches because the incision in your eye is so tiny and will be capable of healing on its own. Your total time at the surgery center will be about 2 to 3 hours, but the procedure itself is quick.
What Does Recovery From EVO ICL Eye Surgery Look Like?
After surgery, the doctor will give you special eye drops to use to prevent infection and keep your eyes clean while the incisions heal. You will most likely use these eye drops for about two weeks, but your doctor will give you personalized instructions for recovery.
You will need to arrange to have someone with you at the surgery center. You will not be able to drive after surgery, so that person should also drive you home.
Your eyesight will improve within 24 hours of surgery, if not immediately after. It will continue to improve in the days following the procedure. Our team of doctors and nurses will give you detailed instructions specific to your recovery, but you will most likely be told to avoid going outside in the sun without sunglasses for a few weeks after surgery as you recover.
Read More: EVO ICL vs LASIK: Which is Better For You?
Benefits and Risks of EVO ICL Eye Surgery
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Keep reading to learn about both.
Benefits of EVO ICL Eye Surgery
- You may be able to have EVO ICL surgery, even if you don’t qualify for other surgeries like LASIK.
- Your vision will improve immediately after the operation.
- You will not need to use contact lenses or glasses after the procedure. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce or eliminate a patient’s need for prescription glasses and/or contact lenses.
- The effects of this surgery are long-term. Some even last a lifetime.
- The surgery is reversible without causing any structural damage to your eye.
- You’ll be less at risk for dry eye if you choose ICL surgery over some other options.
- The procedure has a 95% satisfaction rate from individuals who have undergone ICL surgery.
Risks of EVO ICL Eye Surgery
- Infection.
- Inflammation inside the eye.
- Seeing halos or glare.
- Having higher eye pressure (this usually resolves on its own with time).
- Sensitivity to light (this also typically goes away on its own as time goes on).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does EVO ICL Eye Surgery cost?
The cost of EVO ICL Eye Surgery will vary depending on your personalized treatment plan, but typically the procedure will cost $4,500-$6,000 per eye. Many patients view this surgery as an investment, as you will no longer need to pay for contact lenses or glasses frames after the procedure.
Because EVO ICL Eye Surgery is an elective surgery, it typically is not covered by insurance and will need to be paid for out of pocket. Clear Choice offers a variety of payment plans to make EVO ICL more affordable. If you are interested in the procedure, schedule a consultation.
What conditions can ICL Eye Surgery help with?
The best candidates for EVO ICL surgery will be between the ages of 18 and 45. Candidates for this procedure will have been diagnosed with astigmatism or myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism and will need to have maintained a stable prescription for at least a year. The best way to find out if EVO ICL surgery is a fit for you is to schedule a consultation with our team at Clear Choice to get your questions answered.
Is ICL reversible?
Unlike other corrective eye surgeries, EVO ICL is a reversible procedure. If you decide that it isn’t for you, your surgeon can remove the implanted lens from your eye with little risk or hassle.
What is the difference between EVO ICL Eye Surgery and LASIK?
While EVO ICL and LASIK are both effective procedures for treating refractive issues with your vision, there are some key differences. LASIK involves reshaping the cornea and eye tissue using a laser to improve your vision. Because of this, LASIK is a permanent procedure that cannot be reversed. EVO ICL surgery, on the other hand, is simply the surgical insertion of a thin lens into your eye. It is completely reversible.
Schedule EVO ICL Eye Surgery Today
If you’d like to see without the help of prescription glasses or contact lenses, there is a minimally invasive and long-term solution for you in EVO ICL Eye Surgery. Our trusted team of skilled eye doctors at Clear Choice will be happy to discuss EVO ICL with you and help you determine if it is the right solution for you. To schedule an EVO ICL consultation with one of our doctors, use our online scheduling tool or give us a call.
