EVO ICL
The EVO ICL, also known as the Implantable Collamer® Lens, is a type of refractive procedure to help correct the most common visual problem, myopia (difficulty seeing at a distance). The ICL is intended to remain in place without maintenance yet can be removed by us if needed in the future. It is an alternative to LASIK and other refractive procedures.
EVO ICL – A great option for highly nearsighted patients with or without astigmatism.
EVO ICL is a quick and easy procedure that treats distance vision problems.
The EVO ICL treats nearsightedness, or myopia, the most common refractive error of the eye, and reduces or eliminates the need for glasses.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface. It also can be caused by the cornea and/or lens being too curved for the length of the eyeball. In some cases, myopia is due to a combination of these factors.
Myopia typically begins in childhood and you may have a higher risk if your parents are nearsighted. In most cases, nearsightedness stabilizes in early adulthood but sometimes it continues to progress with age.
The EVO ICL has been used to treat over 650,000 patients worldwide with a 99% rate of satisfaction.
How the EVO ICL works
The implantable Collamer lens procedure, or ICL for short, is what’s called a phakic procedure, meaning the eye’s natural lens is not removed. An ICL is an artificial lens, similar in function to a contact lens, which is implanted in front of the eye’s natural lens, but behind the iris, so that it is practically invisible to outside observers. The ICL procedure corrects moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness) and can be removed at a later date if needed.
The ICL is capable of correcting a higher degree of myopia (nearsightedness) than LASIK, and since the EVO ICL procedure does not involve reshaping the cornea through the removal of tissue, it can be performed on patients whose corneas are too thin for laser refractive procedures.
This is a quick procedure and recovery is extremely fast and post-operative vision is incredibly sharp, with most patients seeing well enough to drive by the next day.
Pepose Vision plays a key role in clinical studies to attain approval for procedures to treat myopia, as well as a number of other eye conditions and diseases and is experienced with the very latest treatments.
The EVO ICL Procedure
Prior to the procedure
Before you schedule your procedure date, we will perform a series of tests to measure your eye’s unique characteristics.
Day of the procedure
When you arrive for your procedure, we will administer eye drops to dilate your pupils as well as anesthetize your eyes.
To prepare for the implant, we will create one small opening at the base of your cornea to insert the lens. This is painless because of the numbing medication.
We will then fold and insert the lens through the small incision we made. Once the lens is inserted, we will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper positioning in your eye.
At this point the procedure is over and many will have improved vision nearly immediately. We will prescribe more eye drops intended to clean your eyes and prevent infection. You will need someone to drive you home.
The entire procedure should take only 20-30 minutes.
After the procedure
Your eyes will continue to improve over the next 48 hours as they adjust and heal. We will schedule a follow-up exam and tell you when you can drive, but you should be able to quickly return to your normal daily activities.
Questions & Answers
The following are answers to common questions. To learn more about the EVO ICL and see if it’s right for you, please schedule an appointment with us.
What is the EVO ICL?
The Implantable Collamer Lens for Nearsightedness is a refractive lens also known as a phakic IOL. “Phakic” means that the natural lens of the eye is in place, and “IOL” means intraocular lens or a lens inside the eye. The EVO ICL is a posterior chamber implant that is situated through a small incision in the eye behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), and in front of the natural crystalline lens in order to improve your nearsightedness.
What and who is the EVO ICL intended for?
The EVO ICL is designed for the correction of moderate to high nearsightedness (-3.0 to –15.0 diopters (D)), and the reduction of nearsightedness in patients with up to -20 diopters (D) of nearsightedness. It is indicated for patients who are at least 21 years of age. The EVO ICL represents an alternative to other refractive surgeries including laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), incisional surgeries, or other means to correct myopia such as contact lenses and eyeglasses.
The EVO ICL is not intended to correct any astigmatism you may have.
What is the ICL made of?
The material is called Collamer®, a collagen co-polymer that contains a small amount of purified collagen; the remainder is made of a similar material to that found in soft contact lenses. It is very biocompatible (does not cause a reaction inside the eye) and stable. It also contains an ultraviolet light filter.
Can the ICL be removed from my eye?
The EVO ICL is intended to remain in place without maintenance although we can easily remove it if needed in the future.
Is the lens visible to others?
No. The EVO ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and others.
Will I be able to feel it?
The EVO ICL is not typically noticeable after it is implanted. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and does not move around once in place.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure should take 20-30 minutes.
When will I be able to return to normal activities?
Most patients resume normal activities and return to work within 24 hours. We will discuss your specific recovery process with you in more detail.
What’s your next step?
If you have difficulty seeing at a distance, the EVO ICL may be a great solution. Please come see us learn more. Our experienced doctors will use advanced diagnostics to determine if the EVO ICL is right for you, answer all your questions, and provide you with all your options.
