EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) Surgery

EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is an FDA-approved lens surgery that safely corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism. EVO ICL surgery is a quick, minimally invasive procedure with several safety features that make it a popular choice among myopia patients. The surgery is reversible, flexible, and works with your natural eye instead of altering it.

EVO ICL surgery has been internationally trusted for several years but was finally approved in the United States in 2022. Studies report that 99 percent of EVO ICL patients achieve a vision of 20/40 or better after the procedure, with about 90 percent reaching 20/20. These are life-changing results, and Midwest Vision Partners is here to provide the same results for you.

How EVO ICL Surgery Works

Let’s look at everything you should know about EVO ICL surgery, and whether you might be a candidate.

EVO ICL isn’t right for everyone. Before undergoing the procedure, you should schedule a consultation with your eye doctor. They will administer an eye exam to determine your eye health and EVO ICL candidacy. If you are approved for surgery, you must book an appointment in an outpatient surgical center.

Most EVO ICL patients need surgery in both eyes. In turn, most patients have both eyes operated on during the same visit. A sedative will typically be administered before the procedure. During the procedure, various numbing medications may be applied to your eye.

EVO ICL surgery usually takes 20–30 minutes per eye. An MVP surgeon begins by creating a tiny opening in your cornea. This is where the EVO ICL will be placed. EVO ICL technology is designed to work in tandem with the rest of your eye, so it is placed between your iris and natural lens. This placement optimizes comfort and quality vision.

It is normal to experience eye discomfort after the procedure. Discomfort may occur because the procedure’s numbing agents have worn off. You will be given additional medication to alleviate this issue.

Your eye doctor will conduct a follow-up eye exam a few hours after your procedure. Once this exam is complete, you are free to go home.

Most patients will have four follow-up appointments after EVO ICL surgery. These occur one day, one week, one month, and three months afterward. The majority of EVO ICL surgeries do not need to be altered, but if necessary, laser enhancements can be given between the one-month and three-month exams.

Benefits of EVO ICL

EVO ICL’s main benefit is its vision correction capabilities. EVO ICL surgery produces incredible results, with an estimated 99% of patients attaining 20/40 vision or better. These benefits apply during daytime and nighttime alike, so you no longer have to worry about poor vision in the dark. Additional benefits include:

EVO ICL vs. LASIK

LASIK is a highly popular choice for myopia correction, but EVO ICL is right on its heels, offering similar visual benefits. EVO ICL vs. LASIK is an important comparison to balance—even though these two procedures produce similar vision, they have different long-term effects on your eyes. Let’s take a look at these key differences:

Permanence vs. Reversibility

LASIK is a permanent procedure and cannot be reversed. This is because LASIK reshapes your cornea with a laser. EVO ICL, on the other hand, is easily reversible. EVO ICL surgery does not alter the structure of your eye—instead, an artificial lens is planted to work with your eye’s existing parts.

Suitability for Thin Corneas

Patients with thin corneas cannot receive LASIK surgery. EVO ICL is a great alternative for these patients, as this surgery is designed for people with high prescriptions and fragile corneas.

Future Flexibility

EVO ICL surgery does not close the door on future alterations. Most patients will not need corrections, but you can receive additional enhancements between your one-month and three-month checkups if desired. LASIK surgeries cannot be altered in this way.

UV Protection

EVO ICL lenses are equipped with superior UV protection. LASIK surgery does not provide this benefit.

Protection from Dry Eye

Occasionally, some LASIK patients develop dry eye after surgery. EVO ICL patients will not develop dry eye from their surgery, as the procedure does not remove corneal tissue like LASIK.

Overall Safety and Outcomes

Despite some rare issues with LASIK, both EVO ICL and LASIK surgery are highly safe and produce similar outcomes. The choice between surgeries truly depends on your preferences and eye health.

Who is a Candidate for EVO ICL?

EVO ICL is not for everyone. However, if you fall within the following categories, then this surgery may be perfect for you and your eyes:

Between 21 and 45 years of age.
Have difficulty seeing at far distances and are diagnosed with moderate to severe myopia.
Uses a prescription between -3D and -20D and has not had a prescription change larger than 0.5D in a year.
Seeking eye correction procedures that do not cause dry eye.

Why Choose Midwest Vision Partners for EVO ICL Surgery

If you’re looking for clear vision with a quick recovery, Midwest Vision Partners is here to help. Millions of Americans deal with myopia each year, with most having to endure the daily annoyance of contact lenses and glasses. So many of us lose our glasses or misplace contacts, leading to rough days with headaches and overwhelming blurriness. EVO ICL can eliminate these difficulties, bringing you the freedom you deserve.

If EVO ICL can bring your vision to 20/20 and eliminate your need for glasses, then what’s the catch? LASIK isn’t reversible, and PRK might cause dry eye—but EVO ICL does not carry either of these weights. EVO ICL surgery is exceptionally safe and works with your eye’s natural parts instead of permanently altering them. If you don’t enjoy your EVO ICL, it can be removed with no permanent side effects. But we think you’ll love this implant for a long time.

Midwest Vision Partners works with 70+ eye care facilities and hundreds of expert doctors to provide quality, personalized solutions that change lives for the better. When you leave a consultation with one of our eye doctors, the path ahead looks clearer than ever. Once your procedure is complete, you can live a life without visual restrictions and revitalize your professional, social, and routine encounters for years to come.

To learn more about how EVO ICL can benefit you, contact Midwest Vision Partners today.