EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens) has taken the industry by storm, offering a game-changing solution in vision correction. A reversible, lens-based alternative to laser eye surgery, it’s becoming an increasingly popular treatment for near-sightedness and astigmatism.
Unlike traditional treatment options like LASIK, PRK and SMILE surgeries, EVO ICL can treat higher prescription ranges, providing a solution for patients who may not qualify for laser procedures. While LASIK offers a broader range of treatment options including far-sightedness, EVO ICL excels at correcting more severe cases of near-sightedness and astigmatism that fall outside the limits of laser correction.
If you are wondering about EVO ICL and investigating whether it’s the right treatment option for you, you are not alone. Here’s everything you need to know so you can make an informed decision.
What is EVO ICL
EVO ICL stands for Implantable Collamer® Lens. It’s a thin flexible lens that is implanted in your eye between the iris and the natural lens that works to correct your vision from the inside out. It works with your eye’s natural anatomy to provide clearer vision.
As the lens is simply implanted between the iris and natural lens, it means that treatment is reversible. It can be removed or replaced as needed with no impact to the overall structure of your eye, a huge benefit of treatment. It’s a lens that you don’t have to remove or clean and one that you don’t feel or notice in any way.
How EVO ICL Differs from Laser Eye Surgery
While both treatments aim to improve vision, there are some key differences to note. Firstly, the surgical approach differs. In EVO ICL, the procedure involves simply implanting a lens behind the iris. In laser eye surgery, the cornea itself is reshaped to permanently alter its structure. Due to the process of reshaping, laser eye surgery becomes irreversible, unlike EVO ICL.
Other differences include the pricing and recovery time. EVO ICL is generally a more expensive treatment, but the recovery time is shorter than some laser eye surgery options. And it is used to treat a wider variety of issues including near-sightedness and astigmatism.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for EVO ICL?
The ideal candidate for EVO ICL is:
- Between the ages of 18 and 45.
- Someone with a stable prescription.
- Someone with thin or irregular corneas.
- Someone with severe near-sightedness or astigmatism.
- Someone who doesn’t qualify for laser eye surgery.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and that treatment is unique to the patient. If you don’t meet all of the criteria listed here and want to understand whether you could qualify for EVO ICL treatment, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider.
Key Benefits: Reversibility, High Definition Vision, and UV Protection
There are several stand out benefits of treatment.
Reversibility
One of the main benefits of EVO ICL is the ability to reverse treatment. If your needs change, you don’t respond well to the implantation or new treatments become available, surgeons can simply remove or replace the lens.
High Definition Vision
Following treatment, many patients report to have clearer, sharper vision than they ever had with glasses or contact lenses. And this high definition vision is more prominent in those who required higher prescriptions pre-treatment.
UV Protection
A lesser-known benefit of EVO ICL is the UV protection it provides to your eyes. The lenses used naturally block harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes, giving them built-in protection from any sun damage.
The Procedure: What to Expect
EVO ICL treatment is outpatient which means that you will go home the very same day. It generally lasts around 15 to 20 minutes and a comfortable treatment for the majority of patients.
At the start of the procedure, the eye will be numbed with eye drops. Once these have taken effect, treatment will begin. Your healthcare provider will have already taken measurements and scans of your eye prior to treatment so they will be well prepared to begin.
During the procedure, a small opening will be made at the edge of the cornea. The implantable Collamer® lens is then placed through the opening and positioned between your iris and your natural lens.
This will work in harmony with your eye’s natural focusing system to improve your vision. Due to the quick healing nature of the tissue, stitches are generally not required.
Recovery and Results
The EVO ICL recovery process usually takes a few steps; the initial recovery, the first week of recovery and the long-term recovery.
The Initial Recovery
Immediately following treatment, you may experience some discomfort and scratchiness in the eyes as the numbing drops wear off. Rest assured that most healthcare providers will give medication to minimize these symptoms. You may notice some mild sensitivity during this period but in the majority of cases, your vision will be almost instantly clearer and sharper.
The First Week of Recovery
During the first week after surgery, it’s common to experience some blurriness, mild discomfort and light sensitivity but this should subside after a few days. You should take the medicated eye drops as prescribed by your healthcare provider to reduce inflammation and the risk of infection, and rest your eyes where possible.
Long-Term Recovery
While the initial recovery period is short, it can take time for your vision to fully stabilize while your eyes adapt to the new lens. During this time, you should continue to follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
In the weeks and months following treatment, you will have follow up appointments to monitor your progress. These are a great opportunity to air any queries or concerns that you have about your recovery.
Speak to an Expert Today
Are you interested in learning more about EVO ICL? Perhaps you are wondering whether treatment is right for you? Or maybe you are looking for the best healthcare provider for treatment? Regardless of your needs, get in touch with the experts at IQ Laser Vision.
Call us on (888) 727-0253 or complete an online enquiry form to get started.
