EVO Visian ICL Lens: Who Is a Candidate, Benefits, and More

An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is the key part of an eye surgery that treats nearsightedness and other vision issues, usually eliminating the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. The lens is fitted in between the iris and the eye’s natural lens. ICL procedures are alternatives to laser-based corneal surgeries.

What Is an EVO ICL?

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a revolutionary procedure that works together with your natural eyes to correct and improve your vision. This procedure, also known as an implantable contact lens, permanently implants an artificial lens in the eye.

ICL procedures can solve a myriad of vision problems, including astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), and myopia (nearsightedness). While the surgery may not always correct vision problems, it does eliminate the need to wear contact lenses and eyeglasses.

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How Does EVO ICL Work?                        

ICL does not replace your eye’s natural lens but instead works with it to correct common vision problems. The implant is specially shaped to fit inside the eye, behind the iris and between the eye’s natural lens and the iris.

Once the implant is in place, you are likely not to feel it or notice it, but the implant increases the eye’s focusing power and reduces the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

The implant is made from Collamar, a collagen co-polymer that also includes purified collagen. Eye surgeons have used Collamer lenses for years during their surgeries. 

ICL procedures are an alternative to laser-based corneal surgeries like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK).

Are You a Suitable ICL Candidate?

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

If you fall into these categories, ICL can help you gain crisp and clear vision free of glare and halos.

Age is an important factor as older generations — people aged 45 and above — may develop presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), which can interfere with your vision clarity.

Benefits of Getting Implantable Contact Lenses

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

LASIK is another type of surgical procedure used to treat astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. However, instead of implanting a permanent lens, this procedure uses laser technology to correct specific vision problems.

In LASIK operations, the front of the eye is sliced open before a thin piece of cornea tissue is removed to allow refraction of light, which then improves your vision. However, LASIK is rather limiting, and you might not be a viable candidate if you have irregular or thin corneas.

Doctors can make a case for both surgeries. But ICL is more suitable for many people and carries an array of benefits. However, you should have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the best procedure for you before making a final decision.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A week before the surgery, you will visit your ophthalmologist, who will drill tiny holes between your natural lens and the anterior chamber using a laser. This prevents fluid and pressure buildup during or after the main procedure.

On the day of the procedure, you’ll be given a local or mild topical anesthetic to numb the eye. The eye surgeon may also administer a mild sedative if you’re feeling nervous. They will then clean the eye and the surrounding areas before propping the eye open using a speculum.

The surgeon will then make a tiny incision in the eye and use a lubricant to protect the cornea. The implant is then inserted into place and fixed properly. Finally, the lubricant will be removed, and eye drops or ointment will be applied to the eye.

Depending on the size of the incision, you may require small stitches. The eye is then covered with an eye patch.

The whole procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and you can leave the recovery room in a few hours. Do not drive yourself to or from surgery.

Risks Associated with EVO Visian ICL Lens

Among the risks associated with EVO Visian ICL lens are:        

• 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.

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.

While the initial cost may seem high, it’s important to remember this is a permanent solution. It is also worth noting that insurance typically doesn’t cover the procedure as it is considered cosmetic surgery.

FAQs          

What is Evo ICL?

EVO Visian ICL is a modern surgical procedure that acts as the alternative to prescription eyewear options like contact lenses, glasses, and corrective surgeries like LASIK.

What is the price of Staar Evo ICL?

The procedure can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more per eye. However, if you add up the lifetime cost of contacts or glasses, it could easily surpass $8,000, making ICL a more economically viable option in the long run.

References

1. The History of Eyeglasses. (October 2021). Atlantic Eye Institute.

2. Common Eye Disorders and Diseases. (June 2020). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

3. Comparison of Visual Quality After EVO-ICL Implantation and SMILE to Select the Appropriate Surgical Method for High Myopia. (February 2019). National Center for Biotechnology Information.

4. What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)? (September 2017). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

5. Refractive Outcomes and Safety of the Implantable Collamer Lens in Young Low-to-moderate Myopes. (January 2017). National Center for Biotechnology Information.