Eagle Eye Centre is committed to prioritising patient care with a range of vision correction options in Singapore. We offer EVO ICL for patients seeking less dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
- What is the EVO ICL?
- How Does EVO ICL Vision Correction Surgery Work?
- Facts About EVO ICL
- Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL Vision Correction Surgery
What is the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL lens (EVO) is a clinically-proven implantable lens that is designed to correct common vision problems, including nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. ICL stands for Implantable Collamer Lens. Collamer is a soft, collagen-containing material that is biocompatible to work in harmony with the eye. The EVO ICL is a type of refractive lens referred to as a phakic IOL. The term “phakic” indicates that the eye’s natural lens remains in place, while “IOL” stands for intraocular lens, meaning a lens positioned within the eye.
How Does EVO ICL Vision Correction Surgery Work?
Refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness) typically occur when the way that light focuses on the retina causes blurry vision. EVO can correct myopia and myopia with astigmatism by focusing light properly onto the retina.
The EVO procedure is usually completed in less than 30 minutes. EVO ICL is placed behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), and in front of the natural crystalline lens.
The EVO procedure follows 3 steps: 1) the doctor will create a small opening at the edge of the patient’s cornea to insert EVO, 2) EVO is folded and gently inserted through this small opening, 3) the doctor will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper positioning in the eye.
Facts About EVO ICL
- The EVO procedure is additive, without removing corneal tissue.
- In a patient survey, 99.4% reported they would have the EVO procedure again.1
- The collamer lens provides UV protection.
- Clinical studies prove that ICL delivers significant improvement in vision, day and night.2
- Studies also show that ICL surgery does not cause dry eye syndrome.3
- EVO is intended to be permanent, but can be removed by a doctor, if desired.
- More than 2 million ICLs have been distributed worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL Vision Correction Surgery
Is EVO ICL a Suitable Vision Correction Option for Me?
EVO ICL is intended as a vision correction option for patients seeking improvement in nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. EVO may be an option for patients who are not eligible for LASIK due to thin corneas or dry eye concerns.
Only a qualified eye doctor can determine your suitability for EVO. General guidelines for EVO suitability include:
- Between 21 and 45 years old
- Nearsighted with or without astigmatism
- A desire for less dependence on glasses or contact lenses
- A stable prescription that has not changed within the last year
- Not currently pregnant or nursing
- No history of prior eye surgery, uncontrolled glaucoma or diabetes
What range of refractive errors can be treated?
EVO can correct or reduce -3.0 to -20.0 diopters of myopia and up to 4 diopters of astigmatism.
Is the EVO ICL procedure painful?
Anesthetic eye drops will be administered to numb the eyes. Patients do not typically feel any pain during the procedure, although a pressure-like sensation may occur.
How is recovery after EVO ICL surgery?
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in vision. Your eye doctor will advise you of eye drops to use during recovery and schedule you for follow-up appointments.
Can patients feel or see the EVO lens once it is in place?
EVO ICL is not typically noticeable after it is implanted. Only your eye doctor will be able to see the lens when your eyes are examined.
How much does EVO ICL cost?
We know that cost is important and we will discuss your individual costs in our office. We also provide financing information. See our Refractive Surgery Pricing and Financing page to learn more.
Can I have EVO ICL surgery while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
EVO ICL, like other electrive refractive procedures, should be postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, and while nursing, vision tends to fluctuate and we want to confirm your stable prescription before performing EVO.
What are the risks associated with EVO ICL vision correction?
Any type of surgical procedure has some risk of potential side effects or complications. EVO ICL is generally considered to be a low-risk procedure. The most common side effects associated with EVO are mild halos and glare in a small percentage of patients. This typically dissipates within one to three months after the surgery without the need for an additional intervention. Another rare complication is an incorrectly sized lens which can be exchanged, but at Eagle Eye we take great care to make sure the lens is the correct size from the start. Please speak with your eye doctor to fully understand the benefits and risks of this procedure.
How long should I wait before engaging in exercise or swimming activities after undergoing Evo ICL surgery?
Most patients resume day-to-day activities one day after EVO ICL. In general you can resume strenuous exercise one week after surgery. You should refrain from swimming or water sports for 2 weeks. Your eye doctor will give you specific postoperative guidelines.
Can I travel by plane shortly after EVO ICL surgery?
There are not any challenges with flying after EVO ICL surgery. However, we advise you to wait at least 5 days after your procedure so you can attend follow-up appointments.
Can EVO ICL surgery be performed on individuals with corneal ectasia?
Patients that experience corneal ectasia, which is typically associated with the weakening of the cornea due to laser vision correction, are not good candidates for EVO ICL. Ectasia changes the shape of the cornea over time making the vision unstable. Any vision correction procedure would likely not be a good choice for these patients.
Will I still need spectacles after EVO ICL surgery?
EVO ICL surgery is designed to permanently reduce or eliminate nearsightedness (myopia) and treat astigmatism. Many EVO ICL patients are able to eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. In rare cases in which a patient has a very high prescription (over -18D), they may still need spectacles, contact lenses, or LASIK to correct the remaining prescription.
Patients may still experience age-related near vision loss (presbyopia) because it is a naturally occurring condition that typically begins when people reach mid-40s to mid-50s. Many EVO ICL patients may find themselves needing reading glasses as they age, but their distance vision will remain permanently corrected without the need for distance spectacles and contact lenses.
1 Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:2427-2438.
2 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125.
3 Naves J.S, Carracedo G, Cacho-Babillo I, Diadenosine nucleotid measurements as dry-eye score in patients after LASIK and ICL surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.
