EVO ICL
What is the EVO ICL?
Are you tired of depending on glasses or contact lenses for clear vision? If LASIK isn’t an option for you due to thin corneas, severe nearsightedness, or dry eyes, the EVO ICL might be your pathway to visual freedom.
The EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), often described as a “permanent contact lens,” works harmoniously with your eye’s natural anatomy. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit on the surface of your eye, the EVO ICL is carefully positioned inside your eye, between the iris and your natural lens, to correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism.
More About EVO
Because it doesn’t remove or reshape any part of your natural eye structure, the procedure is completely reversible, meaning your eye doctor can remove the lens at any time if needed. What makes the EVO ICL particularly remarkable is its biocompatible collamer material, which contains collagen that naturally integrates with your eye.
This means your body won’t recognize it as a foreign object, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring long-term comfort. The procedure itself involves minimal discomfort both during and after, with most patients experiencing almost immediate visual improvements and returning to normal activities after just one day of recovery.
Who is a Good Candidate for the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL opens doors for many patients who previously thought vision correction surgery wasn’t possible for them. You may be an excellent candidate if you want to reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts and have:
Nearsightedness
The EVO ICL can correct a wide range of nearsightedness, from moderate to severe prescriptions that may be beyond the treatment range of other procedures.
Astigmatism
If you have an irregularly shaped cornea causing astigmatism, the EVO ICL can address this refractive error effectively, often providing clearer vision than glasses or contacts.
Corneas Too Thin for LASIK
Traditional laser vision correction requires a certain corneal thickness. If your corneas are too thin for these procedures, the EVO ICL offers an excellent alternative since it doesn’t alter your corneal structure.
Nearsightedness Too Extreme for LASIK or PRK
Patients with high degrees of nearsightedness often find that laser procedures cannot fully correct their vision. The EVO ICL can effectively correct these more challenging prescriptions.
Severe Dry Eyes
Unlike some vision correction procedures that can worsen dry eye symptoms, the EVO ICL doesn’t increase dryness and may be more comfortable for patients with existing dry eye conditions.
The ideal EVO ICL candidate is typically between the ages of 21 and 50, has had a stable prescription for at least one year, and is not pregnant or breastfeeding. During your consultation at Holland Eye Surgery and Laser Center, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if the EVO ICL is the right choice for your specific vision needs and eye health.
How Does the EVO ICL Procedure Work?
Before beginning the EVO ICL procedure, you’ll receive anesthetic eye drops to ensure your complete comfort throughout the process. Your eye doctor will then create two precise micro-openings at the edge of your cornea.
Next, the EVO ICL is carefully inserted through one of the micro-openings. The lens is designed to gently unfold inside your eye, settling into its optimal position between your iris and natural lens.
Special positioning marks on the lens help your eye doctor ensure perfect placement for optimal vision correction. The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, and because the micro-openings are so small, no stitches or sutures are required.
What to Expect During EVO ICL Recovery
Recovery from EVO ICL surgery is typically quick and comfortable, with most patients amazed at how rapidly their vision improves. Immediately after your procedure, you’ll be able to go home the same day, though you’ll need to arrange for someone else to drive you.
This is a standard precaution to ensure your safety as your eyes adjust to the new lens. Your eye doctor will provide you with specific post-operative instructions to help optimize your healing.
You’ll be asked to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for some time. It’s also important to resist rubbing your eye area as your eyes heal, which helps prevent complications and ensures proper lens positioning.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, with additional check-ups occurring periodically over the following weeks and months. These visits enable your eye doctor to monitor your healing progress and evaluate your vision.
Most patients experience vision improvements within the first few days following surgery and can return to normal activities. However, your individual healing timeline may vary, and your eye doctor will provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
To support the healing process, your eye doctor will prescribe specialized eye drops that help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. You’ll use these drops for several days after returning home, following the specific schedule provided.
Why Choose Holland Eye Surgery and Laser Center for EVO ICL?
At Holland Eye Surgery and Laser Center, Dr. Snyder combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional results. We have the most experience using this lens in West Michigan and have been using ICL lens to correct near sightedness since 2013. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of treatment in a comfortable, professional environment.
Are you ready to discover if the EVO ICL can give you the visual freedom you’ve been seeking? Schedule an appointment at Holland Eye Surgery and Laser Center in Holland or Grandville today!
