EVO ICL
The EVO ICL is an innovative option for vision correction that can provide you with greater visual freedom. At North Valley Eye Care, we are proud to offer this option to patients seeking an alternative to glasses, contacts, or traditional laser eye surgery.
What is the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL is a refractive procedure that uses an implantable lens to correct vision problems. During the procedure, your North Valley Eye Care eye surgeon places a customized Collamer lens inside the eye, behind the iris, but in front of the natural lens.
Once in place, the EVO ICL will correct refractive errors. The procedure can be a great option for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, or prescriptions outside the treatable range of other types of refractive surgery, and it can be reversed if necessary.
Unlike traditional corrective procedures that remove tissue, the EVO ICL adds a corrective lens while preserving your eye’s natural structure.
How Does the EVO ICL Work?
Unlike traditional vision correction that focuses on the surface of your eye, the EVO ICL works from within. Once it’s in place, the EVO ICL immediately begins working with your eye to correct vision problems.
When light enters your eye, it passes through the ICL before reaching your natural lens, automatically adjusting to provide clearer vision. Most patients are surprised by how quickly their eyes adapt to the lens – by the next day, many report that their vision is already clearer.
What Happens During the EVO ICL Procedure?
The EVO ICL is a quick, outpatient procedure, meaning you will get to go home the same day. Your eye surgeon will start by ensuring you’re comfortable by applying numbing drops to your eyes – no shots or general anesthesia are needed.
During the procedure, your eye surgeon creates a small opening in your eye to gently insert the specially designed lens. The lens, which is specially selected for your eyes, is then precisely placed through a tiny opening into its optimal position behind your iris, where it naturally unfolds.
Once it is in place, the procedure will be complete, and the tiny incision will heal naturally during your recovery. The entire process takes less than a couple of hours and you’ll be able to rest at home the same day.
How Does the EVO ICL Compare to LASIK?
While both EVO ICL and LASIK effectively correct vision problems, they work in different ways. LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea by removing tissue to correct your vision.
The EVO ICL, on the other hand, adds a lens to your eye while preserving its natural structure, no tissue removal is needed. This key difference can make the EVO ICL perfect for certain patients.
If you have thin corneas, dry eyes, or a high prescription, you might not qualify for LASIK, but could be an excellent candidate for the EVO ICL. The EVO ICL can typically correct a wider range of nearsightedness and astigmatism, including prescriptions that are too strong for LASIK to treat safely.
Many patients report exceptional night vision with the EVO ICL, as the procedure doesn’t create the glare and halos that sometimes occur with LASIK.
Should your vision needs change in the future, the lens can be removed or replaced, offering a level of flexibility that LASIK cannot provide. This reversibility gives many patients peace of mind, knowing they have options to remove it in the future if needed.
How Do I Know If I am a Candidate For the EVO ICL?
The first step in determining if the EVO ICL is right for you is a comprehensive eye examination with your eye doctor at North Valley Eye Care. During this evaluation, your eye doctor will look at several key factors that influence your candidacy for the procedure.
The EVO ICL typically works well for adults between 21 and 45 who have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year. This stability is crucial for optimal long-term results.
Additionally, candidates should be in good general health, as certain medical conditions can affect your eyes’ healing ability. Your eye doctor will measure your corneal thickness, check the space behind your iris where the lens will sit, and evaluate your overall eye health.
Even if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK due to thin corneas, dry eyes, or a high prescription, you might still qualify for the EVO ICL. Many patients who thought they had no options for vision correction discover that the EVO ICL offers them a path to clear vision.
During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, discuss any medications you’re taking, and ensure that your eyes and overall health make you a good candidate for this procedure.
Benefits of Choosing the EVO ICL
- Preserves the natural cornea structure, making it an excellent option for patients with thin corneas
- Provides UV protection to help shield your eyes from harmful rays
- Requires no maintenance once implanted
- Offers a removable and reversible solution, unlike laser vision correction
- Does not cause dry eye syndrome, a common concern with some laser procedures
- Features the latest advancement in lens technology with biocompatible Collamer material
- Quick recovery time
- Works well for patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness
Do you want to learn more about the EVO ICL or determine if you might be a good candidate? Schedule an appointment at North Valley Eye Care in Chico, CA, today!