Another option for vision correction is an implantable collamer lens (ICL). The ICL is a lens implant developed to correct nearsightedness – myopia, and astigmatism. The EVO ICL is often referred to as an “implantable contact lens.” EVO ICL has many benefits when compared to LASIK or PRK.
The EVO ICL offers an unparalleled quality of vision, providing excellent vision both day and night. Two unique factors help explain this superior performance. First, the EVO ICL is made of Collamer – a soft, flexible lens material that contains collagen – making the lens extremely biocompatible for a lifetime of clear vision. Second, the lens is placed inside the eye, where it continues to focus light accurately without any maintenance required.
The safety and effectiveness of the ICL procedure has been proven with over 2 million implants worldwide. Unlike corneal refractive surgery (LASIK and PRK), the EVO ICL does not permanently alter the structure of the eye and can be easily removed.
The EVO lens is foldable. This feature allows your doctor to implant the lens using a smaller opening. This smaller opening does not require sutures, and allows for a quick recovery.
Although the EVO ICL is meant to stay in the eye indefinitely, it is easily removable, leaving the patient’s options open for future treatments. LASIK and PRK permanently alter the eye structures and cannot be reversed.
One amazing aspect of EVO ICL is that many people report that they see better after the procedure than they had ever seen before with glasses or contact lenses. This is related to the quality of the implant material and the location of placement within the eye. 49% of lens recipients gained one or more lines of best-corrected vision. In other words, if they could see 20/30 with their glasses or contact lenses before the procedure, they improved to 20/20 after the procedure.
Most patients who have had the ICL implant are happy with their decision and feel they had an excellent outcome. 99.4% of patients said they would have the surgery again.