At Eagle Eye Centre in Singapore, we offer EVO ICL lens (EVO) as a vision correction option for patients seeking less dependence on spectacles or contact lenses. Patient education is important to our eye care team, so we want to dispel a few myths and share some facts about EVO ICL vision correction surgery.
Myth: ICL Surgery involves implanting a contact lens in the eye
Fact: EVO ICL is a Biocompatible Collamer Lens
People sometimes think that ICL stands for implantable contact lens. However, it actually stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. Collamer contains collagen and a material similar to soft contact lenses. Collamer is also biocompatible and UV protective. Unlike contact lenses, EVO lenses are designed for permanent use. Another big difference from contact lenses is that you will not be able to feel or see the EVO lens once it is in place.
Myth: EVO ICL is a type of laser vision correction surgery
Fact: EVO ICL offers vision correction that is additive and removable
Laser vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, improve vision by using lasers to permanently change the shape of the cornea. EVO ICL is different because it is an additive procedure that does not remove any corneal tissue. Also, EVO ICL can be removed by your eye doctor.
Myth: ICL Surgery is only for the elderly
Fact: EVO ICL is a Vision Correction Option for people between 21 and 45 Years old
One common misconception is that ICL surgery is only suitable for older individuals—this myth may come from people confusing the ICL with an IOL. An IOL, or intraocular lens, is used to replace the eye’s natural lens in cataract surgery. An ICL is an additive procedure in which the EVO ICL is implanted in the eye in front of the natural lens to correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. Candidates for EVO ICL are between 21 and 45 years old.
Myth: I was told that laser vision correction is not suitable for me, so ICL won’t work for me either
Fact: Patients may be suitable for EVO ICL even if they are not suitable for LASIK
Patients who are not suitable for LASIK due to thin corneas may be suitable for EVO ICL.1 Because EVO does not remove corneal tissue, it is an option for some patients who are seeking correction for nearsightedness with or without astigmatism, even with thin corneas. Additionally, EVO ICL can correct higher levels of nearsightedness (up to -20.00 diopters) so it may be an option for patients who were told their prescriptions were too high for LASIK.
There are some considerations, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases that may exclude you from both LASIK and EVO. The best way to decide which vision correction procedure is right for you is to book an appointment with an eye doctor.
Myth: ICL is not a popular Vision Correction Surgery
Fact: More than 2 million ICLs have been distributed worldwide.
EVO ICL is a well-established and popular vision correction surgery. Millions of patients and eye doctors all over the world realize the potential benefits of vision correction with EVO ICL. In a patient survey, 99.4% of patients who have had ICL vision correction surgery reported they would have the procedure again.2
Could EVO ICL Be The Vision Solution for You?
We look forward to helping you achieve your best possible vision. Learn more about EVO ICL or contact us to book your consultation appointment.
1 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;27(7):473-481.
2 Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:2427-2438.