LASIK Alternatives (ICL, RLE)

EVO ICL™ is the first lens of its kind to receive FDA approval for use in the United States. It is based on many years of research and development in adapting the proven technology of the IOL (intraocular lens) used for cataract surgery. The IOL cataract procedure is familiar to ophthalmologists and is performed safely on millions of patients each year. While the technology is similar, the EVO ICL™ procedure differs from cataract surgery as the natural lens is not removed from the eye. Instead, a collamer lens is placed in front of the natural lens and works with it to correct vision.

If you are nearsighted, you may be a candidate for EVO ICL™. There are many unique advantages of the lens, including the fact that you may qualify for surgery, even if you have been turned down for LASIK or other surgical procedures. The future of refractive surgery is now available:

• Performance – Provides excellent quality of vision with predictable and stable results
• Simplicity – Inserted through a micro incision utilizing a procedure that is familiar to the surgeon. The lens is invisible to both you and observers. It requires no maintenance
• Versatility – Capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness and is removable if necessary
• Biocompatibility – The lens is made from Collamer, a soft, flexible lens material offering unparalleled biocompatibility
• Safety – Safe, proven procedure that is familiar to ophthalmologists

What happens during the EVO ICL™ procedure?

One to two weeks prior to your EVO ICL™ surgery, your surgeon at Southwestern Eye Center will make a small opening with a laser to allow fluid to pass between the lens and the front chamber of the eye. The actual EVO ICL™procedure typically takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. (Please note that someone will have to drive you to and from surgery.) Normally, very little discomfort is associated with this procedure. A light topical or local anesthetic is administered and a mild sedative may be given. Eye drops or oral medication may be prescribed. You will come back the next day for a follow-up visit.

• Step 1 – Prior to the implantation of the EVO ICL™, you will receive topical anesthetic drops. Your surgeon may also administer a sedative. First, a microscopic incision will be made where the white of your eye meets the colored part.
• Step 2 – A gel-like substance will be injected into your eye and the EVO ICL™ will be inserted in front of your iris.
• Step 3 – The EVO ICL™ is carefully placed behind the iris and the gel is removed from your eye.
• Step 4 – That’s it! Because the incision made is microscopic, it will heal naturally in a very short period of time without needing any sutures. Implanting the EVO ICL™ is an outpatient procedure and takes about 15 minutes. A few hours after the procedure, you will be able to leave the clinic. There will be specific post-operative instructions that you will need to follow and discuss with your EVO ICL™ surgeon.