Although LASIK is the most popular vision correction procedure, not everyone is a good candidate for it. This can be disappointing to hear if you want to achieve clearer vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Luckily, even if LASIK isn’t the right choice for you, there are other vision correction procedures available. If you have thin corneal tissue, significant astigmatism, or a prescription too high for LASIK to correct, EVO ICL may be a good alternative.
EVO ICL involves placing implantable corrective lenses in your eyes to improve vision without glasses or contacts. This procedure can also be a good choice for patients interested in a less permanent procedure, as your eye doctor can remove the EVO ICL at any time.
Keep reading to learn more about how to get the clear vision you want with the EVO ICL.
What is the EVO ICL?
ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. EVO ICL is a thin, pliable collamer lens that can be placed in the eye to correct vision.
The EVO ICL is made from a flexible, biocompatible material with a corrective prescription. It works like a typical contact lens or glasses but sits within the eye, so you don’t need to remove it daily.
The lens is placed between your iris and the natural lens of your eye. It changes how light focuses on your retina, improving visual acuity.
EVO ICL is highly effective. Research shows that 90% of EVO ICL recipients achieve 20/20 vision or better. It also can’t be felt in the eye and won’t be visible to anyone looking in your eyes.
Why Should I Consider the EVO ICL?
Like LASIK, EVO ICL corrects vision and offers significant benefits, including:
An Alternative to LASIK
EVO ICL is an option for people with thin corneal tissue, astigmatism, or prescriptions that are too high for LASIK to correct.
Reduced Need for Glasses or Contacts
Like LASIK, EVO ICL can improve vision, so you won’t need to rely on contacts or glasses. You can even achieve clearer vision than you’ve had with visual aids, allowing you to attain the vision you’ve always wanted.
Improves Night Vision
If you wear glasses or contacts, you may be familiar with how they can create halo effects from lights. EVO ICL reduces glare and halos, which can make driving at night easier and safer.
It may also make it easier to see in low light, so you won’t need to worry about issues like reading the menu in a dimly lit restaurant.
Easy Recovery
The EVO ICL procedure is painless and takes only 20-30 minutes. The small incision made by your eye doctor to insert the EVO ICL does not require stitches or sutures.
Recovery usually only takes a few days or less. Most people notice improvement in their vision in two or three days, with many people being able to return to work after just one day.
It’s Reversible
Unlike vision correction procedures that change the shape of the eye, EVO ICL doesn’t make permanent changes to your eyes. The additive lenses can be removed if you change your mind or if necessary for future treatments like cataract surgery.
Is EVO ICL Right for Me?
Your eye doctor can help you decide if EVO ICL is the right vision correction procedure for you. Good candidates for EVO ICL typically meet the following criteria:
- You are between the ages of 21 and 45 years old
- You have moderate to high nearsightedness
- Your prescription has been stable for a year or more
- You have thin corneas and are not a good candidate for LASIK
- You are not pregnant or nursing
- You don’t have glaucoma or cataracts
- You are not farsighted
- You are in good health
- You want to enjoy clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses
If you want to know whether you are a good candidate for EVO ICL, you should schedule a consultation with your eye doctor at Herschel LASIK and Cataract Institute. They will perform an eye exam, discuss your medical history, and help you determine the right vision correction procedure.
What Happens During the EVO ICL Procedure?
EVO ICL is a minimally invasive procedure your eye doctor can perform in their office or an outpatient center. You will be awake the whole time, so you will not need general anesthesia.
The procedure only takes about 20-30 minutes. It’s painless, and most people recover quickly. Most people immediately notice improvements to their vision, with greater clarity developing as the eyes heal completely.
Your surgeon will begin by giving you eye drops to numb your eyes and eye drops to dilate your pupils. They may also offer you a mild sedative to help you relax. Once your eyes are ready, your surgeon will use specialized tools to create a small opening in your cornea.
They will insert the folded EVO ICL lens through this incision. Once the lens is inserted, your surgeon will unfold and adjust it to ensure it’s positioned correctly.
After the procedure, your eye doctor will give you aftercare instructions to protect your eyes and help them heal properly. You may need to wear an eye shield at night to prevent rubbing your eyes. You must also use prescription eye drops your doctor provides to avoid infection and to reduce inflammation.
By attending follow-up appointments as scheduled, your eye doctor can assess your vision and clear you to resume normal activities. You will likely be able to return to most activities within a few days, enjoying them with clearer, crisper vision than you ever had before.
Do you want to learn more about EVO ICL and how it could improve your vision? Schedule your consultation at Herschel LASIK and Cataract Institute in Orlando, FL, today!
