EVO ICL an alternative to LASIK

What Is an EVO ICL?

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) also known as an implantable contact lens, permanently implants an artificial lens in the eye.

EVO Vision ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) vision correction surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a type of refractive surgery that involves the implantation of a contact lens-like device into the eye to improve vision. EVO Vision ICL is a trademarked brand of ICL developed by STAAR Surgical Company.

The EVO Vision ICL is made of a biocompatible material called Collamer, which is a combination of collagen and a hydrophilic copolymer. Collamer is biocompatible, meaning that it is well-tolerated by the body, and it is also highly permeable to oxygen and other nutrients. This allows the lens to be implanted inside the eye without causing any harm to the surrounding tissues.

The EVO Vision ICL is designed to correct a wide range of refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is particularly useful for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery, such as those with thin corneas or high levels of refractive error.

The procedure for implanting the EVO Vision ICL is relatively straightforward and can be completed in about 30 minutes. The surgeon will begin by making a small incision in the cornea to allow access to the eye’s natural lens. The EVO Vision ICL is then inserted through the incision and placed in front of the natural lens.

Once the EVO Vision ICL is in place, it works by bending the light that enters the eye and focusing it on the retina, which improves vision. The lens is designed to stay in place permanently, but it can be easily removed if necessary.

Who can have EVO Visian?

Viable EVO Visian ICL lens candidates should meet the following criteria to qualify for the surgical procedure:

Be between 21 and 45 years old
Have astigmatism ranging from 0.5 to 6.0D

Have mild to severe myopia ranging from -0.5D to -20D
Have mild to severe hyperopia ranging from +0.5D to +10D
Have not changed your prescription eyewear by more than 0.5D in a year

Advantages of EVO Vision ICL

There are several advantages to using EVO Vision ICL for vision correction. One of the biggest advantages is that it is a reversible procedure, meaning that the lens can be easily removed if necessary. This makes it a good option for patients who are hesitant to undergo permanent vision correction procedures.

Another advantage of EVO Vision ICL is that it provides excellent visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, which can improve the quality of life for patients who have been struggling with vision problems. It is also a good option for patients who have a high level of myopia or hyperopia, as it can correct these refractive errors more effectively than other types of vision correction surgery.

There are some potential risks and side effects associated with EVO Vision ICL, as with any surgical procedure. These can include infection, inflammation, and changes in visual acuity. However, these risks are relatively low, and most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision after the procedure.

In a nutshell, Benefits of getting an implantable contact lens include:

It corrects severe myopia, which can’t be fixed by other surgical procedures.
Although it is meant to be permanent, it can be safely removed if need be.

Recovery from the procedure is fast since no tissue is removed.
It’s ideal for people who can’t get laser eye surgery.
No maintenance is required after the procedure.

The surgery is fast and minimally invasive.
The lens can improve your night vision.
The lens doesn’t cause dry eyes.

EVO ICL Vs LASIK

EVO ICL:

Pros:

Can correct a wider range of refractive errors, including high levels of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Provides sharper and clearer vision, particularly in low-light conditions.
Does not involve the removal of corneal tissue, which can be beneficial for people with thin corneas or those who are not good candidates for LASIK.
Can be removed or replaced if necessary.

Cons:

Requires a surgical incision to implant the lens, which can result in potential risks and complications.
May increase the risk of developing cataracts later in life.

Can be more expensive than LASIK.

LASIK:

Pros:

Generally provides quick and effective results, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days.
Involves a relatively quick and painless procedure, with most patients returning to normal activities within a day or two.
Does not require a surgical incision or implantation of a lens.

Has a lower risk of cataract development compared to EVO ICL.

Cons:

May not be suitable for people with certain eye conditions, such as thin corneas or severe nearsightedness or farsightedness.

May cause dry eye symptoms, which can be temporary or long-term.
Can result in a regression of the treatment effect over time, particularly for people with high refractive errors.
Cannot correct presbyopia, which is a condition that affects near vision in people over 40.

Also read : LASIK without cutting the cornea

Historically, the implantable collamer lens (ICL) has been used for the treatment of high myopia due to the decreased efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in these patients. Theoretical comparisons of LASIK and ICL implantation for high refractive error indicate better optical and visual quality after ICL implantation

ow-to-moderate myopes may be better candidates for ICL implantation due to pupil size, dry eyes, inadequate tissue volume for LASIK or abnormal topographic shape. Alternately, patients may have a personal preference for a reversible procedure (ICL implantation) with better visual quality due to the lack of induced higher-order aberrations,⁵ versus a permanent procedure (LASIK) where corneal shape is altered and dry eye may be induced. (study)

How Much Does the Procedure Cost?

The average cost of getting this procedure done is about $4,200 per eye. The cost can, however, range from $3,000 to $5,000 per eye, depending on various circumstances and your specific requirements.

Risks Associated with EVO Visian ICL Lens

You cannot get the procedure if you’re below 18 or above 50 years old.
Annual checkups are still required to monitor the implant.

Although rare, the procedure can lead to vision complications if the implant isn’t put on the right way. These complications include glaucoma, blurry vision, cloudy cornea, early cataracts, and retinal detachment.