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What is EVO ICL?

People often think that ICL means implantable contact lens, but EVO ICL is not a contact lens and ICL actually stands for implantable collamer lens. Collamer is a unique Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Comparison of implantable collamer lens (ICL) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for low myopia Sanders D, Vukich JA Go to Source biocompatible material and works with your eyes to provide clear, crisp vision. EVO ICL is a first choice for many patients, and it may be an option for patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK. LASIK works by reshaping the cornea while Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Phakic intraocular lens implantation in United States military warfighters: a retrospective analysis of early clinical outcomes of the ICL Parkhurst GD, Psolka M, Kezirian GM Go to Source EVO ICL is an additive procedure and does not remove corneal tissue. EVO ICL offers permanent vision correction, but unlike LASIK, which cannot be reversed, EVO ICL can be reversed or upgraded if needed.

Benefits of Vision Correction With EVO ICL

  • Significant Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Visual performance after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia. Igarashi A, Kamiya K, Shimizu K, Komatsu M Go to Source vision improvement
  • Virtually painless, 20-30 minute procedure
  • Reversible, upgradeable option
  • Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life. Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, McAlinden C, Fernández I, Maldonado MJ. Go to Source Excellent night vision
  • UV protective
  • Quick results
  • A great option for active lifestyles
  • Suitable for patients with Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Management of myopic astigmatism with phakic intraocular lens implantation. Gimbel HV, Ziémba SL Go to Source thin corneas
  • EVO ICL does not cause dry eye syndrome, which is a common side effect of other vision Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A Go to Source correction procedures

Am I a good candidate for EVO ICL?

Ideal candidates for vision correction with EVO ICL are:

  • 21 or older
  • With a stable prescription (no changes for at least six months)
  • Seeking correction for mild to severe nearsightedness with or without astigmatism
  • Have a history of normal eye exams with no sign of cataracts

Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment to determine if you are a candidate.

Comedian Jimmy O Yang Shares His Experience with EVO ICL

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Vision Correction With EVO ICL: What to Expect

Before Your EVO ICL Procedure

First, you will have a consultation appointment at our San Diego office. Your eye doctor will check your vision and eye health, discuss your options, and answer any questions you have. If you choose to schedule your EVO ICL procedure, we’ll give you detailed pre-procedure information.

During Your EVO ICL Procedure

We will apply numbing eye drops prior to surgery and you may be given a mild sedative medication to ease any anxiety. Your surgeon will make a tiny incision in the front of your eye. The collamer lens will be inserted and placed behind the iris, which is the colored part of your eye. The entire procedure is usually completed within 30 minutes.

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After Your EVO ICL Procedure

You will need to arrange for someone to take you home after your procedure. You can expect an immediate improvement in vision. You will be given eye drops and protective eyewear to use during recovery. We will schedule a follow-up appointment for the day after surgery.

Will Levis, an EVO ICL patient

“For me, EVO ICL changed everything.”

– Will Levis, NFL Quarterback

EVO ICL EVO ICL icon
LASIK lasik graphic
PRK PRK graphic
RLE RLE graphic
Long-Term Vision Outcomes
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Recovery Time
Quick
Up to 2-4 Weeks
Up to 2-4 Weeks
Generally Quick (Varies based on IOL choice)
Removable
Yes
No
No
Yes
Procedure Duration
10-15 minutes
10-15 minutes
10-15 minutes
10-15 minutes
Treats Nearsightedness
Yes up to -18D
Yes up to -12D
Yes up to -12D
Yes up to -18D
Treats Extreme Prescriptions
Yes
No
No
Yes
Treats Astigmatism
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Treats Farsightedness
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Contributes to Dry Eye
No
Yes, During Recovery Phase
Yes
No
Ok for Thin Corneas
Yes
Yes, But Limited
Yes
Yes
Can Treat Presbyopia (Near Vision Loss After 40)
Yes with Monovision/ Blended Vision
Yes with Monovision/ Blended Vision
Yes with Monovision/ Blended Vision
Yes

Experience you can trust!

Michael Gordon, M.D., Alison Gordon, M.D. and Julio Echegoyen, M.D. are among the most experienced and well-trained eye surgeons in the world and they have performed thousands of surgical and laser vision correction procedures and continue to lead the way in advanced ophthalmology. Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute, a fixture in San Diego for more than 20 years, is a unique eye care practice with a team of surgeons who have a wide-range of eye care expertise, who hold themselves to the strictest of standards, and who place great emphasis on patient safety and satisfaction.

Group of young people giving thumbs up
EVO ICL patient, Jimmy Yang

“EVO ICL has changed my life. So whether you’re active or just an active couch potato, upgrade your vision with EVO ICL.”

– Jimmy O Yang, Comedian

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Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL

How much does ICL cost?

Like all elective vision correction procedures, ICL is not usually covered by insurance. The overall cost of vision correction surgery can vary depending on your prescription and other factors. At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute, we offer a variety of financing options to help you invest in your vision while sticking to your budget.

Will people be able to see my EVO ICL?

No, unlike a regular contact lens, it is placed underneath the iris so it is invisible once placed.

Will I be able to feel the EVO ICL?

The EVO ICL does not move once placed and you should not be able to feel it.

I have been told I’m not a candidate for other vision correction surgeries, will EVO ICL work for me?

Even if your eye doctor has told you that LASIK or PRK are not right for you, you should ask about EVO ICL because it works for people with a range of lifestyles and vision goals. EVO ICL is designed to treat moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness) and it is an option for patients with thin corneas.

What are the risks of vision correction surgery with EVO ICL?

EVO ICL has a favorable record for safety and success, but all medical procedures carry some risk. Before you have EVO ICL surgery, it is important to have a comprehensive eye exam and discuss all the risks, benefits, recovery time, and possible side effects with your eye doctor.

Schedule a EVO ICL Consultation in San Diego

Do you have more questions about ICL or your other vision correction options? We’re happy to answer them and help you learn more — contact us today.

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The Patient Experience

The Gordon Schanzlin Institute is an excellent facility! When I got laser eye surgery done, Dr Michael Gordon and his staff were thorough in answering all of my questions and conducting my eye exam to make sure I got the best results. My patient coordinator Kay Nicholas was extremely accommodating and helpful when I had to re-schedule several times and was always professional and friendly. I was nervous about getting laser eye surgery, but they helped to allay my fears going into and during the procedure. The actual operation was painless and short, with only mild discomfort following the surgery and immediate results. It's been several months since my surgery, and I'm completely healed and enjoying my new vision. I love that it is one less thing that I have to worry about. I’m extremely happy that I picked the Gordon Schanzlin Institute to get my laser eye surgery!

Lorraine L.
Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 Sanders D, Vukich JA. Comparison of implantable collamer lens (ICL) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for low myopia. Cornea. 2006 Dec;25(10):1139-46. doi:10.1097/ICO.0b013e31802cbf3c. PMID: 17172886. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17172886/. Accessed January 4, 2022.

2 Parkhurst GD, Psolka M, Kezirian GM. Phakic intraocular lens implantation in United States military warfighters: a retrospective analysis of early clinical outcomes of the Visian ICL. J Refract Surg. 2011 Jul;27(7):473-81. doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20110106-03. Epub 2011 Jan 17. PMID: 21243974. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21243974/. Accessed January 4, 2022.

3 Igarashi A, Kamiya K, Shimizu K, Komatsu M. Visual performance after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia. Am J Ophthalmol. 2009 Jul;148(1):164-70.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2009.02.001. Epub 2009 Apr 17. PMID: 19375059. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19375059/. Accessed January 4, 2022.

4 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, McAlinden C, Fernández I, Maldonado MJ. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life. Am J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jun;226:117-125. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.02.005. Epub 2021 Feb 9. PMID: 33577790.Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33577790/. Accessed January 4, 2022.

5 Gimbel HV, Ziémba SL. Management of myopic astigmatism with phakic intraocular lens implantation. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2002 May;28(5):883-6. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(01)01098-7. PMID: 11978472. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11978472/. Accessed January 4, 2022

6 Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A. Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017 Jul 3;11:1253-1263. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S127101. PMID: 28740361; PMCID: PMC5505606.Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28740361/. Accessed January 4, 2022.

The doctors at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

Give us a call at: 858.455.6800 or fill out the form below to request a vision consultation!