Are you tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses? Have you considered LASIK but discovered that you may not be a suitable candidate?
Many people assume that laser eye surgery is the only way to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. However, advances in vision correction technology have made other options available, including EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens).
Unlike LASIK and other laser procedures, EVO ICL corrects vision without removing corneal tissue. This makes it an option worth exploring, particularly for people with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas.
What Is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is an implantable lens designed to correct nearsightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism. The lens is made from Collamer, a soft, flexible, biocompatible material designed to work with the eye’s natural structures.
Unlike traditional contact lenses, which sit on the surface of your eye, EVO ICL is placed inside the eye, behind the iris (the coloured part of your eye) and in front of your natural lens. Once positioned, the lens is invisible to others, and you generally cannot feel it.
The purpose of EVO ICL is similar to that of glasses or contact lenses: to help light focus properly on the retina, providing clearer vision. The difference is that the corrective lens remains inside your eye, eliminating the need to put in and remove contact lenses every day.
How Is EVO ICL Different from LASIK?
Both EVO ICL and LASIK aim to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, they use different approaches.
LASIK uses laser technology to reshape the cornea, changing how light enters the eye. This involves permanently removing a small amount of corneal tissue. EVO ICL, on the other hand, does not change the shape of the cornea. Instead, a specially designed lens is implanted inside the eye to correct your prescription.
This distinction is particularly important for patients whose corneas may be too thin for certain laser vision correction procedures.
What About SmartSight Laser Vision Correction?
In addition to LASIK, modern laser vision correction includes procedures such as SmartSight, which uses a technique known as keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx). You may have heard of SMILE, another laser procedure that uses lenticule extraction technology.
SmartSight works by creating a small, precisely shaped piece of tissue within the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The surgeon then removes this tissue through a small incision to correct the patient’s prescription. Unlike LASIK, SmartSight does not require creating a corneal flap.
EVO ICL takes a different approach because it does not involve removing corneal tissue at all. Each procedure has its own benefits and considerations. The most suitable option depends on your prescription, corneal characteristics, overall eye health, and individual needs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for EVO ICL?
EVO ICL may be suitable for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses but are not ideal candidates for laser vision correction. It is often considered for patients with moderate to high nearsightedness, particularly when their prescription falls outside the recommended treatment range for certain laser procedures.
People with thinner corneas may also benefit from exploring EVO ICL because the procedure does not require removing corneal tissue. It may also be worth considering for patients with dry eye concerns, since the procedure avoids the corneal tissue removal associated with laser vision correction.
Candidates are generally between 21 and 45 years old and should have a prescription that has remained stable for at least one year. However, age and prescription are only part of the evaluation. Your eye surgeon will also assess the space inside your eye, eye pressure, and overall eye health to determine whether EVO ICL is suitable for you.
What Happens During EVO ICL Surgery?
ICL surgery is a quick, straightforward procedure that typically takes about 10 to 30 minutes per eye. Your surgeon makes a tiny opening in the eye and gently places the lens inside. The lens unfolds and is carefully positioned behind the iris (the coloured part of your eye), where it stays in place.
Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within the first 24 hours and can return to many everyday activities shortly after surgery, although recovery times vary. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for recovery, including eye drops, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
Is EVO ICL Right for You?
Choosing a vision correction procedure is not simply about finding the newest technology. It’s about finding the treatment that is most appropriate for your eyes.
For some people, LASIK or SmartSight may be suitable options. For others, EVO ICL may offer an alternative, particularly when corneal thickness or prescription strength makes laser vision correction less suitable. The first step is a comprehensive consultation to understand your prescription, eye health, and available treatment options.
Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision
At BoydVision, we offer EVO ICL as an alternative to traditional laser vision correction. If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK, or you’re simply interested in exploring other ways to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, we’d be happy to help you understand your options.
Book your consultation with BoydVision today! Call 604-430-9560 to speak with our friendly staff.
Important: EVO ICL is a surgical procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. A comprehensive eye examination is required to determine eligibility. Consult your eye care professional about potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes.