EVO ICL
Your Path to
Visual Freedom
with EVO ICL
Are you ready for clearer vision? If you aren’t a candidate for common procedures like LASIK, EVO ICL may be an excellent option for you. EVO ICL can correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Eye Associates Northwest is proud to offer this advanced vision correction solution to patients who want freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
What is the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL is an implantable lens placed inside the eye to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. It is made from a unique material called collamer, which is derived from collagen.
Collamer is highly biocompatible with the eye’s natural chemistry, so it does not cause dry eye symptoms. One key benefit of EVO ICL is its ability to correct higher levels of nearsightedness compared to procedures like LASIK.
It is also the only vision correction option that is both removable and reversible. This offers added peace of mind, especially for patients who are hesitant about permanently changing the cornea. EVO ICL does not involve removing corneal tissue, as the thin, flexible lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens.
How Does the EVO ICL Work?
The EVO ICL is positioned behind the iris and in front of your natural lens to correct nearsightedness and mild astigmatism in eligible patients.
Once implanted, the EVO ICL feels virtually unnoticeable. The lens is thin and nearly invisible, so no one will know it’s there except you.
As light enters the eye, it passes through the cornea and the EVO ICL. The lens helps focus light directly onto the retina, sending clear visual signals to the brain so you can see sharply.
With EVO ICL, you can expect crisp, clear vision that often surpasses what glasses or contact lenses can provide. It delivers excellent vision during the day and enhanced clarity at night, all without the need for visual aids.
A key benefit of EVO ICL is that it works in harmony with your eye’s natural structures. It does not change the shape of the cornea or require tissue removal, making it a reversible option if desired.
Because of this, EVO ICL is also a strong option for patients with dry eyes or thin corneas, who may not qualify for laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK.
How Does the EVO ICL Work?
Your ophthalmologist at Eye Associates Northwest will provide detailed instructions before your EVO ICL procedure to help you prepare.
On the day of your procedure, you should avoid wearing makeup to keep particles out of your eyes. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as you will not be able to drive yourself home.
On the day of your EVO ICL procedure, you’ll receive numbing and dilating eye drops. These drops help ensure you feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. Once your eyes are numb and properly dilated, the procedure can begin.
Your surgeon will have you lie down and use a device to keep your eye open. A small incision will then be made in your cornea to carefully insert the EVO ICL.
After the EVO ICL is inserted through the incision, your surgeon will position it behind your iris.
No stitches or sutures are needed, as the incision closes and seals on its own. Both eyes are treated on the same day, and the entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
Once our staff confirms everything looks good, you can go home and begin enjoying your new vision! We will schedule several follow-up exams to make sure your eyes are healing properly.
What’s the Recovery Process Like After EVO ICL?
After your EVO ICL procedure, you can expect a quick recovery. Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within 24 hours.
You should be able to resume your normal activities after a day or two. It’s common to experience mild discomfort, itching, or a burning sensation as the numbing drops wear off.
These symptoms typically fade within a few hours. Your eyes may also be red, watery, sensitive to light, or blurry for a few days, which should gradually improve.
Your ophthalmologist at Eye Associates Northwest will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation—be sure to use them exactly as directed. You’ll also need to wear sunglasses outdoors, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, skip eye makeup for two weeks, and refrain from strenuous activities until you are cleared.
Follow-up appointments at Eye Associates Northwest are required to monitor your healing and ensure there are no complications. Most patients can return to work the day after their procedure. The best part? You’ll get to enjoy your beautifully clear new vision!
Are Results of the EVO ICL Permanent?
EVO ICL is designed as a permanent vision correction solution. However, if you decide to change your mind, the procedure can be reversed, restoring your vision to the way it was before the EVO ICL.
The EVO ICL can also be removed if you ever need another procedure, such as refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery. In that case, the EVO ICL is taken out and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, to help you see clearly.
Could EVO ICL be right for you? Schedule your consultation at Eye Associates Northwest today to learn more!
