Dr. Connor Davenport
If you were excited about having LASIK, but found out you’re not a good candidate, there’s another refractive surgery option, the EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (or ICL), that might be right for you.
In the last 20 years, over 1 million eyes around the world have had vision correction using ICL surgery. It’s like surgically inserting a permanent contact lens.
EVO ICL can be an alternative to LASIK for patients with:
- Thin corneas
- Irregular corneas
- Or a large nearsighted prescription
Many patients who were previously told that they do not qualify for laser eye surgery, often do qualify for the EVO ICL.
The procedure is straightforward and involves placing a small, biocompatible lens inside the eye behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. The procedure is quick, reversible, and patients often notice improved vision immediately after sitting up from the procedure table.
There are many advantages to the EVO ICL:
- Sharp, clear vision
- It won’t cause or worsen dry eye
- There is no removal of corneal tissue so it’s a great option for people with thin corneas
- The EVO ICL treats prescriptions beyond LASIK
- It’s removable
- It offers UV protection
- And it’s a quick outpatient procedure
The EVO ICL lens comes in different sizes and strengths and will be customized based on your pre-operative measurements to provide excellent vision, but will not treat farsightedness or presbyopia (reading vision).
EVO ICL is performed in an outpatient surgery center. Both eyes are done on the same day. It usually takes about 15 minutes per eye with a short 10 minute break in between.
Before the procedure a systemic relaxing medication is administered, as well as, a local anesthetic to ensure you are relaxed and pain free throughout the surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in your cornea and then places the EVO ICL lens inside your eye behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. The surgeon ensures it is properly positioned and secure. The lens is not visible to you or to others. And you can’t feel it after it’s inserted.
Most patients, like Kailey, (watch her video) notice improved vision immediately that continues to sharpen over the coming days. Avoid strenuous activity for the first week. Healing is carefully monitored at follow up appointments.
If you desire to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses schedule a free LASIK consult. There are a number of procedures available today we can help you choose the one that is right for you and your eye health.
Bio: Dr. Davenport is a fellowship trained Ophthalmologist with Eye Surgeons Associates. His surgical specialties include all-laser (bladeless) LASIK, standard as well as laser-assisted cataract surgery, clear lens exchange, PRK, and ICL. For more information, please see our website: www.esaeyecare.com.
For information with potential benefits, risks and complications please visit DiscoverICL.com. Not everyone is a candidate. Individual results may vary. The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.