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EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)

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“EVO ICL has been a game-changer for me.”
– Jimmy O. Yang, Actual Patient of Dr. Lee

At CCRS, we are dedicated to providing advanced vision correction options in Los Angeles. Dr. Paul C. Lee, our refractive surgery specialist and board-certified ophthalmologist, is known for delivering the best possible vision correction results with his finely-honed surgical skill and precise attention to detail. EVO ICL is an innovative and effective vision correction surgery that Dr. Lee has helped to pioneer.
 

What is EVO ICL Eye Surgery?

EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a small, soft, biocompatible lens. During ICL surgery, EVO is positioned inside the eye, between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens. EVO ICL is a clinically-proven implantable lens that corrects moderate to severe nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. EVO functions in a similar way to glasses and contact lenses to correct myopia and myopia with astigmatism by focusing light properly onto the retina.

Jimmy O Yang, Actual Patient of Dr. Lee

What is the Difference Between EVO ICL and LASIK Surgery?

EVO ICL is an additive procedure that corrects vision without altering the natural anatomy of the eye. Laser procedures, such as LASIK and SMILE, work by permanently reshaping the cornea through removal of corneal tissue. Many patients are candidates for both EVO ICL and laser procedures. However, there are several candidacy requirements that set ICL apart from LASIK or SMILE. EVO ICL can be a great option for patients who are disqualified from laser vision correction due to thin or irregular corneas, high levels of nearsightedness (myopia), or dry eye concerns.

EVO ICL graphic

Benefits of EVO ICL

Potential benefits of vision correction with EVO ICL include:

  • Sharp, Clear Vision: ICL surgery is clinically proven to provide excellent vision correction day and night so you can enjoy life with clear vision and less Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life Martinez-Plazs E, Lopez-Miguel A, Lopez-De La Rosa A, et al. Go to Source hassle.
  • High Patient Satisfaction: In a survey of ICL patients, more than 99% reported they would have the EVO ICL procedure Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source United States Multicenter Clinical Trial of a Posterior Chamber Phakic Implantable Lens with a Central Port for Myopia or Myopic Astigmatism Packer M Go to Source again.
  • Wide Range of Correction: ICL surgery can correct a broad range of refractive errors, including high levels of nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.
  • Permanent but Reversible Vision Solution: EVO ICL is designed for permanent vision correction but can be replaced or removed by a doctor, if desired.
  • Quick Procedure and Recovery: ICL surgery typically takes less than 15 minutes per eye and has a quick recovery time.
  • UV Protection: The special collamer material of the ICL provides eyes with UV protection.
  • No Dry Eye Symptoms: Procedures like LASIK are not always the best choice for patients with dry eye concerns, but ICL has been clinically Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A Go to Source proven to not cause dry eye symptoms.

Practicing refractive surgery for over 20 years with the idea that vision correction surgery should go beyond LASIK

Peyton List

Actress Payton List chose the EVO ICL

Peyton List struggled with contacts irritating her eyes on set for years before she learned about EVO ICL. Now, she doesn’t think about her vision anymore–she just wakes up and sees with 20/20 vision.

See Clearly Day and Night

Whether on an adventure or simply reading about one, EVO ICL helps you see clearly – day and night.

See Clearly Day and Night

Whether on an adventure or simply reading about one, EVO ICL helps you see clearly – day and night.

Who is a Candidate for EVO ICL?

EVO ICL may be right for you if:

  • You are seeking a permanent vision correction solution to reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and contact lenses
  • You are between the ages of 21 and 45
  • Your prescription has been stable, without changes, for at least one year
  • You do not have a history of eye disease
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young healthy family hanging out on the beach
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I can't say enough positive things about Dr. Lee and his entire team as well as the procedure itself. I struggled with poor eyesight and wore glasses and contacts for over 25 years. My wife and I recently had a son and I knew it was time to correct my vision with ICL and live life contacts and eye glasses free...

Stephen L.
woman reading while riding public transportation

No Dry Eye Syndrome

Laser vision correction may cause dry eyes as the surgery removes and reshapes the corneal tissue. The Visian EVO ICL procedure does not induce dry eye syndrome.

Preparing for EVO ICL Surgery

If you are interested in EVO ICL, the best next step is to schedule a free consultation appointment. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will evaluate your vision and eye health utilizing the most advanced diagnostic devices). He will also discuss your goals and concerns, answer any questions you have, and let you know more about your vision correction options. If EVO ICL is right for you, we’ll give you detailed pre-operative instructions. Schedule your free consultation appointment.

EVO ICL Eye Surgery: What to Expect

The ICL procedure itself typically takes about 15 minutes per eye, although you should expect to be at our clinic for approximately two hours for pre and post-op care. We will answer any last minute questions you have. Then we will apply anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes; you may be offered an oral sedative as well to help you relax. Once your eyes are numb and dilated, Dr. Lee will make a very tiny incision through which he will insert your collamer lens. Dr. Lee will ensure that the lens is in the correct position. The incision is so small that no stitches or bandage is needed. Patients typically experience immediate vision improvement!

EVO ICL Recovery and Results

You will need someone to drive you home after surgery. Recovery experiences vary, but most patients enjoy excellent vision the next day and experience minimal discomfort during recovery. Patients often return to work or school the next day. We will schedule a follow-up appointment with you the day after your procedure to ensure recovery is going well. We will also prescribe eye drops to encourage healthy healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL

No, only your eye doctor will know that you have an EVO ICL lens.

No, unlike a contact lens, patients cannot feel the EVO ICL lens.

EVO ICL is FDA-approved for safe and effective vision correction. Of course any surgical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications. You can minimize your risk by choosing an experienced, highly qualified surgeon.

No, explanted lenses show no sign of degradation even after many years. As a matter of fact, Dr. Paul C. Lee has removed ICLs from eyes after many years to correct conditions that arise from natural aging of the eye, such as difficulty with reading. EVO ICL is a forward-looking surgical option that anticipates the aging of the eye and is conducive to follow-up procedures owing to its reversibility.

Insurance companies consider vision correction surgeries such as LASIK and ICL to be elective, so they are not typically covered. However, our goal is to provide world-class eyecare at an affordable price which includes no interest financing. We believe that cost should not be the major factor in realizing one’s dream vision. Furthermore, patients often find that the cost of ICL surgery is more economical than the long-term cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Contact Us

Are you ready for life with freedom from the hassle of glasses and contacts? If you think EVO ICL may be right for you, please contact the team at CCRS to schedule a free consultation.

1 Martinez-Plazs E, Lopez-Miguel A, Lopez-De La Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226: 117–125

2 Packer M. United States Multicenter Clinical Trial of a Posterior Chamber Phakic Implantable Lens with a Central Port for Myopia or Myopic Astigmatism. American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting. Washington DC, 24 April 2022

3 Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A. Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017 Jul 3;11:1253-1263

The doctors at CCRS have reviewed and approved this content.