8 Things You Need to Know Before Getting EVO Implantable Collamer® Lenses
- Posted on: Aug 12 2023
EVO ICL is an exciting new technology that allows people to improve their vision without permanent changes to their eye anatomy. The Implantable Collamer™ Lens has given more than 1 million people around the world better vision. Our board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Gregory Pamel, offers EVO ICL at his Astoria and New York, New York offices and answers the most commonly asked questions below.
1. What Is EVO ICL?
This vision correction option implants a patented Collamer® lens in the eye to correct for nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. The ICL is smaller than a contact lens and made of a biocompatible material that syncs with your ocular tissues. EVO ICL takes just 20 to 30 minutes to implant and does not remove any corneal tissue from the eye, unlike LASIK and PRK.
2. Am I a Good Candidate for Vision Correction with EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is ideal for patients looking for a flexible and reversible way to correct their vision. People who don’t qualify for laser eye surgery can achieve great results with implanted contact lenses. If you’re interested in EVO ICL, you must meet these criteria:
- Patients should be between 21 and 45 years of age
- Vision prescriptions should be stable for at least one year, meaning no fluctuations in your eyesight
- No history of eye disease, including diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and iritis
- Have moderate to severe myopia with or without astigmatism
3. What Happens During the EVO ICL Procedure?
Vision correction with the implantable Collamer® lens takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Dr. Pamel will administer anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes, then position the implant between the colored portion of your eye (iris) and the natural eye lens. He will see you for a follow-up exam on the same day to evaluate your vision with the implanted lens.
4. Are there Benefits to Having EVO ICL?
Patients who qualify for EVO ICL don’t want to rely on contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses anymore. EVO ICL offers a way to improve your vision, freeing you from corrective eyewear without altering or removing anything from your eye. People who are hesitant to have LASIK or don’t qualify for laser vision correction due to dry eyes, thin corneas, or high myopia are often excited to learn EVO ICL is an option. You can have clear, sharp eyesight and crisp night vision without laser eye surgery and its associated risks, such as post-operative dry eyes.
EVO ICL is a quick procedure with a short recovery time. The implanted lens is equipped with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful sun rays. While the device is designed to provide permanent vision improvement, ICL can be removed if necessary.
5. Is EVO ICL Removable?
Yes, EVO ICL does not affect the natural lens or cornea, so your uncorrected vision stays intact. If you’re unhappy with your vision correction, the lens can be surgically removed or upgraded.
6. Will I Feel the Implanted EVO Lens?
No, you will not feel the lens inside your eye because it is not connected to other eye structures and doesn’t move around the eye.
7. Can Other People See EVO ICL In My Eye?
No, the implanted lens is undetectable by you and other people in your life. Only our eye doctors can see the device during an eye exam because it’s positioned behind the iris.
8. Are There Risks with EVO ICL?
All procedures come with risks. EVO ICL has fewer complications compared to laser eye surgery but rarely may cause inflammation or increased eye pressure, and a second procedure to exchange or remove the ICL may be required. These issues can typically be addressed without long-term side effects. During your consultation, Dr. Pamel will discuss the potential risks and how to mitigate them.
If you struggle with nearsightedness, contact Pamel Vision & Laser Group to see if you qualify for EVO ICL. Schedule an appointment at our Astoria or New York, New York, offices at (212) 355- 2215.
Posted in: EVO ICL
