Vision correction has come a long way beyond LASIK. The EVO ICL represents the latest advancement in refractive surgery, specifically designed for people who need alternatives to traditional laser procedures.
Continue reading to discover more about the EVO ICL, including 10 signs that may indicate you are a good candidate!
What is the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL, or Implantable Collamer Lens, is a refractive implant that can correct the vision of people with moderate to severe nearsightedness and astigmatism. It corrects vision like a contact lens, but unlike a traditional contact lens, the EVO ICL is permanently implanted in the eye.
The material that the lens is made of, Collamer, is collagen-based and biocompatible. It is extremely thin and flexible.
The EVO ICL is implanted into the eye through a tiny opening in the cornea. Once implanted, it sits behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye.
The implantation procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete for both eyes. Recovery times are often shorter than for other vision correction procedures, and many patients have noticeably improved vision as soon as the following day.
One feature that sets the EVO ICL apart is that the lens can be removed or replaced should your vision needs change or if you require another eye procedure, like cataract surgery. With the EVO ICL, you can enjoy consistently clear vision while maintaining the flexibility to adapt if your needs change in the future.
Signs You Might Be a Good Candidate for the EVO ICL
Like all vision correction options, you must meet specific criteria to be considered a good candidate for the EVO ICL. Here are ten of the signs you might be a good candidate:
1. You have moderate to severe nearsightedness or astigmatism.
If the strength of your prescription has disqualified you for other procedures, like LASIK, you may still qualify for the EVO ICL. It can correct between -3.00 and -20.00 diopters of myopia and up to approximately 4.00 diopters of astigmatism.
2. You can’t tolerate contact lenses.
If you have a higher degree of astigmatism, it can be a challenge to find a contact lens that comfortably fits the surface of your eye. A toric EVO ICL can be implanted within the eye to provide clear, crisp vision without the discomfort of ill-fitting contact lenses.
3. You want long-term, low-maintenance vision correction.
Once implanted, the EVO ICL doesn’t require cleaning, regular replacement, or special care. It never needs to be replaced unless you choose to have it removed.
4. You are between 21 and 45 years old.
Ideal candidates for the EVO ICL are between 21 and 45 years old, when a person’s vision prescription has usually stabilized and the natural lenses of their eyes are still clear and flexible. Individuals within this age group tend to get the longest-lasting results from the procedure.
5. Your vision prescription has been stable for at least a year.
A stable vision prescription is a requirement for EVO ICL candidacy. If your vision continues to change frequently, it’s best to wait until it has stabilized before undergoing any vision correction procedure.
6. You have thin corneas.
If you have thin corneas, you have likely been told that LASIK is not a safe way to correct your vision. Because the EVO ICL doesn’t reshape corneal tissue, it’s a safer option for individuals with thin or irregular corneas.
7. You want a reversible option.
The EVO ICL procedure is reversible, allowing your eye doctor to remove the lens if it is ever necessary to do so, although this is rarely ever required.
8. You have chronic dry eye.
If you have chronic dry eye, procedures like LASIK that involve severing corneal nerves can worsen the condition. The EVO ICL is a minimally invasive procedure that has a low risk of dry eye complications.
9. You have otherwise healthy eyes.
Good candidates for the EVO ICL should have healthy eyes with no history of any serious eye condition, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts. An existing eye condition could affect your recovery and compromise the final results.
10. You have adequate anterior chamber depth.
You must have adequate space between the cornea and the lens of your eye to safely implant the EVO ICL. Your ophthalmologist will measure the depth of your anterior chamber during your initial consultation.
The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for the EVO ICL is by scheduling a consultation with your ophthalmologist. They can assess your prescription, measure your eye anatomy, and determine whether the EVO ICL is the best way for you to achieve your vision goals.
Schedule an appointment at RGB Cataract & LASIK in Sherman, TX, by calling (903) 892-3282!
