What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a trademark of Staar Surgical and the most popular ICL technology today. The Eye Physicians at SoCal Eye in Long Beach are leading partners for EVO ICL in Southern California.
ICL surgery is a type of refractive eye surgery that is becoming increasingly popular and is used to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It is a popular alternative to procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) for people who are not suitable candidates for LASIK or prefer a different approach to vision correction. The EVO ICL lens is inserted behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural lens and is an additive technology meaning your natural eye is left untouched. The procedure does not involve the removal of corneal tissue and makes it potentially reversible.
The EVO ICL lenses have been placed in over a million eyes worldwide since their FDA approval in 2005. These lenses are soft and flexible and are made of a thin pliable material called Collamer that’s a combination of collagen and polymer. Because collagen is made by the human body, the body doesn’t recognize Collamer as foreign. This lowers the lens’ rejection risk to nearly zero.
EVO Visian provides excellent quality vision with over 98 percent of surveyed patients reporting that they would undergo Visian ICL implantation again if given the choice.
What happens during EVO ICL surgery and how it works:
- Procedure Overview:
- EVO ICL surgery involves implanting a thin, biocompatible lens (Collamer) into the eye to correct vision.
- The lens is placed between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens of the eye, without removing any corneal tissue.
- Preoperative Evaluation:
- Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to determine your suitability for EVO ICL surgery.
- This evaluation includes measuring your eye’s prescription, assessing the thickness of your cornea, and evaluating your general eye health.
- Surgery Day:
- EVO ICL surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local or topical anesthesia.
- Once you are numbed and comfortable, a small incision is made in the cornea to insert the folded lens.
- Lens Placement:
- The Collamer lens is carefully inserted through the incision and positioned in front of the eye’s natural lens.
- The lens gently unfolds, allowing it to settle in its proper position.
- Recovery:
- The procedure is usually quick (30 minutes), and you can usually go home the same day.
- Recovery time is relatively short, with most patients experiencing improved vision within a few days.
Difference between an ICL and an IOL
IOL and ICL surgery. Two common procedures with different applications and different application techniques. An ICL is a specific type of IOL called a phakic intraocular lens, or phakic lens. They are implanted into the eye without removing the eye’s natural lens — in contrast to typical IOLs, which replace the eye’s cloudy natural lens that was removed during cataract surgery
Benefits of EVO ICL surgery:
- Provides a safe and effective alternative for people with thin corneas or high refractive errors who may not be eligible for LASIK.
- Can achieve high-quality vision correction, often with better visual outcomes compared to glasses or contact lenses.
- Does not involve the removal of corneal tissue, making the procedure potentially reversible.
- Suitable for individuals with dry eyes, as it does not exacerbate dry eye symptoms like LASIK can.
Who is a good candidate for EVO ICL surgery?
- People with moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism.
- Those who are not suitable candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or other corneal issues.
- Individuals looking for an alternative to LASIK or other laser-based refractive surgeries.
- Adults over the age of 18 who have a stable eyeglass prescription.
EVO ICL vs. LASIK:
- The main difference between EVO ICL and LASIK is the approach to vision correction. EVO ICL involves placing a lens inside the eye, while LASIK reshapes the cornea using a laser.
- EVO ICL is generally considered a reversible procedure, as the lens can be removed or exchanged if needed. LASIK, on the other hand, permanently changes the shape of the cornea.
- People with thin corneas or certain corneal irregularities may be better suited for EVO ICL, as it does not rely on corneal tissue removal.
- Both procedures have high success rates, and the choice between them often depends on individual factors and the recommendations of an eye care professional.
EVO ICL, Long Beach.
All treatment begins with a Consultation with a SoCal Eye Refractive Surgeon in Long Beach. At this consultation, the Ophthalmologist will perform a complete eye exam with dilation and discuss options that are right for you. SoCal Eye feels strongly that patients should be informed and educated on all aspects of the procedure to ensure the best experience. For EVO Visian ICL treatment in Long Beach, Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request
