Eye Associates Northwest — EVO ICL
Visual Freedom
Starts HERE.
If you aren't a candidate for LASIK, EVO ICL may be an excellent option. This removable, reversible lens corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism without removing any corneal tissue.
- Corrects nearsightedness from -3.00 to -20.00 diopters
- Removable and reversible, unlike laser vision correction
- Both eyes treated the same day, in about 30 minutes
Is This Right for You?
Am I a Candidate for EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is worth considering if a few things apply to you. If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time for an evaluation.
A stable prescription matters: Candidates should have a prescription that has remained unchanged for at least a year. Patients with dry eyes or thin corneas who do not qualify for LASIK are frequently good candidates for EVO ICL.
The Procedure
What Is the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL is an implantable lens made of collamer, a material derived from collagen that is highly biocompatible with the eye. It is placed behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens to correct nearsightedness and mild astigmatism, without removing or reshaping any corneal tissue. Because nothing is removed from the eye, the procedure is both removable and reversible, which offers added peace of mind compared with permanent corneal reshaping procedures.
~30 Min
Typical time to treat both eyes, performed the same day
24 Hrs
Time for most patients to notice a significant vision improvement
21-45
Typical candidate age range
Reversible
Lens can be removed if your needs change, unlike laser vision correction
Patient Reviews
Which Option Fits You
EVO ICL vs. LASIK
Both procedures correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, but they work in very different ways. Your surgeon will help you decide which is the better fit at your consultation.
EVO ICL
An implanted lens placed behind the iris
- Does not remove or reshape corneal tissue
- Corrects higher levels of nearsightedness than LASIK
- Removable and reversible if your needs change
- Often suitable for thinner corneas or dry eyes
- Involves a small corneal incision to insert the lens
- Requires an in-office procedure to remove if desired
Removable Option
LASIK
A laser reshapes the cornea itself
- Reshapes the cornea using a laser
- No implant remains in the eye
- Not reversible once performed
- May not be an option for thin corneas or dry eyes
- Typically a faster in-office recovery
Corneal Reshaping
Not sure which is right for you? We'll review your cornea, prescription, and lifestyle before recommending a path forward.
Step by Step
Your EVO ICL Journey
From consultation to clear vision, here's what to expect.
1
Consultation
- Comprehensive eye exam and measurements
- Review of your prescription history
- Discussion of EVO ICL candidacy
2
Procedure Day
- Numbing and dilating drops administered
- Small corneal incision to insert the lens
- Both eyes typically treated the same day, in about 30 minutes
3
Early Recovery
- Vision improvement often within 24 hours
- Prescription drops to prevent infection and inflammation
- Sunglasses recommended outdoors, eye makeup avoided for two weeks
4
Follow-Up Care
- Scheduled visits to confirm healing
- Most patients return to work the next day
- Long-term monitoring at routine eye exams
What to Expect
Expected EVO ICL Outcomes & Recovery
Most EVO ICL patients notice a meaningful improvement in vision quickly, with only a short adjustment period.
What Patients Can Expect in the First 30 Days
- Mild discomfort, itching, or burning as numbing drops wear off, usually fading within hours
- Redness, watering, light sensitivity, or blurriness for a few days
- Prescription drops used as directed to prevent infection and inflammation
- Eye makeup avoided for about two weeks
- Strenuous activity avoided until cleared by your surgeon
- Follow-up visits scheduled to confirm proper healing
Informed Care
Safety & Risk Considerations
EVO ICL is a well-established procedure, but as with any surgery there are risks your surgeon will review with you at your consultation.
Safety Profile
- Involves a small corneal incision that closes and seals without stitches
- Both eyes are typically treated on the same day
- Removable if your prescription or needs change in the future
- Does not involve permanent removal of corneal tissue
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary discomfort, itching, or burning as numbing drops wear off
- Redness, watering, or light sensitivity for a few days after the procedure
- Temporary blurriness while the eye adjusts
How We Minimize Risk
Experienced Surgical Team
Performed by our ophthalmologists using detailed pre-operative measurements to confirm candidacy.
Careful Candidate Screening
Age, prescription stability, and corneal health are all reviewed before recommending the procedure.
Structured Follow-Up
Scheduled post-procedure visits to confirm your eyes are healing as expected.
Why Eye Associates Northwest
What Sets Our EVO ICL Program Apart
A few things patients notice about vision correction at Eye Associates Northwest.
Individualized Evaluation
Your surgeon reviews your full eye history and measurements before recommending EVO ICL over other options.
Reversible Technology
EVO ICL is one of the few vision correction options that can be reversed if your needs change.
Continuity of Care
The surgeon who evaluates you is the surgeon who performs your procedure and follows your recovery.
Our Team
Meet Our EVO ICL Team
Ophthalmologists experienced in advanced, removable vision correction options.
Find Us
EVO ICL in Seattle & the Puget Sound
EVO ICL consultations are available at our Seattle-area locations.
Coverage & Financing
Cost & Insurance
The cost of vision correction depends on your prescription and which option you and your surgeon choose together.
Insurance Coverage
Vision correction procedures like EVO ICL are generally considered elective and are not covered by medical insurance.
- Consultation to confirm candidacy
- Discussion of your specific pricing at consultation
- Review of what is and isn’t insurance-eligible
- Confirmation of coverage before scheduling
Your surgeon will confirm which parts of your visit, such as the initial evaluation, may still be billable to vision or medical insurance.
Payment Options
Because EVO ICL is typically an out-of-pocket procedure, we make payment as straightforward as possible.
- Full pricing reviewed before you commit to a date
- Multiple accepted payment methods
- Prompt-pay discount available for qualifying patients
- Billing questions answered by our office before surgery
We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, and offer a 15% prompt-pay discount for patients without insurance coverage who pay in full the same day.
Insurance & Payment Made Simple. We bill most major medical and vision insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Patients without insurance coverage receive a 15% discount when paying in full the same day. Our billing team can answer questions about your specific coverage before your visit.
locationsCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what patients most often ask before choosing EVO ICL.
Is EVO ICL permanent?
EVO ICL is designed as a long-term vision correction option, but it can be reversed or removed if you change your mind or later need another procedure, such as cataract surgery.
Will people be able to tell I have an implant?
No. The lens is thin and sits behind the iris, so it is virtually unnoticeable to you and to anyone else.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients notice a significant vision improvement within 24 hours and can resume normal activities within a day or two, though eye makeup and strenuous activity should be avoided for about two weeks.
Am I too nearsighted for LASIK to be an option?
EVO ICL was developed in part for patients with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas who may not qualify for LASIK, so it is worth a consultation even if you have been told you are not a laser vision correction candidate.
Ready When You Are
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Most patients see results within 24 hours. Consultations are available at all four locations, online scheduling takes less than two minutes.