EVO ICL

Your world, in focus

The EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

Dr. Jimmy Hu is dedicated to offering patients a complete spectrum of vision correction procedures, customized to every patient’s needs. This includes the EVO ICL™, an advanced vision correction implant that is able to permanently correct moderate or severe nearsightedness and astigmatism.

The STAAR EVO ICL is an implantable collamer lens, or ICL, which is a small, flexible lens that is inserted into the eye to improve vision. The ICL is made of a soft, biocompatible material that is tolerated well by the eye and does not cause inflammation or irritation. Chinese (中文)

Though many visions correction methods, such as LASIK, promise an improved level of vision. EVO ICL offers many benefits that you may not see in other vision correction surgeries, such as:
- Significantly lower risk of developing dry eye syndrome
- Sharp, clear vision with improved depth and dimension
- Great night vision
- Suitable for those with thin corneas
- A quick procedure, with a quick recovery
- Built in UV protection
- Removable, in the unlikelihood that you may want it removed
ICL surgery, also known as implantable collamer lens surgery, and LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, are both commonly used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Both procedures have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Here are some of the key differences between ICL surgery and LASIK:
1. ICL surgery involves inserting a small, flexible lens called an implantable collamer lens, or ICL, into the eye to improve vision. The ICL is made of a soft, biocompatible material that is tolerated well by the eye and does not cause inflammation or irritation. LASIK, on the other hand, involves reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, using a laser to improve vision.
2. ICL surgery is typically recommended for people with higher levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, or for people who are not good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or other eye conditions. LASIK may be a better option for people with lower levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, or for people who are looking for a quick recovery time.
3. ICL surgery is a reversible procedure, meaning that the ICL can be removed if necessary. LASIK, on the other hand, is a permanent procedure, and the cornea cannot be restored to its original shape once it has been reshaped.
Overall, both ICL surgery and LASIK can be effective for correcting vision problems, but the best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. It is important to talk to your doctor about your options and to ask any questions you may have before making a decision.
The best candidates for EVO ICL are ages 21-45, are nearsighted, and want to experience an improvement in their vision.
The ideal candidate has no history of eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or iritis, and has not undergone any other eye surgery.

A Quick Procedure

Pre-op Eye Exam

Diagram of eyedrops applied to surface of the eye

Eye Drops Instilled

Diagram of STAAR EVO ICL insertion into the eye

Lens Insertion and Positioning

Post-op Checkup

What to expect with ICL surgery

Your doctor will do a series of measurements of your eye. This will be to evaluate and measure the anatomy of your eye, in order to determine the optimal size for the ICL. These measurements may include a refraction, dilated fundus exam, Corneal Topography and Optical Biometry.
Note: your doctor may choose to space some of these measurements over multiple office visits.
ICL surgery is an extremely safe procedure, typically performed on an outpatient basis. Most people experience a significant improvement in their vision the day after the surgery and do not experience any complications.
The nurse or medical assistant will give you a series of eyedrops that will make you progressively more blurry and light sensitive.
You are brought then to the procedure room, where your surgeon makes a small incision into the eye, inserts the ICL into the eye, unfolds it, and then tucks the ICL into position. The entire procedure generally takes about 20 minutes for each eye.
You will go home the same day, and wear a clear protective eye shield over the eye.
Right after surgery - Your vision will be blurry and out-of-focus. Although you will get some clarity back in your vision within the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should not strain your eyes for several days.
You should also plan to take a nap once you arrive home, or find a way to relax without using your eyes, so no television or reading. You will get medicated eye drops that will help your eye heal, and if you have any discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications (Ibuprofen) can be very helpful.
You can take a shower the day after your surgery, but you may need to use a special shield on your eye to protect it from products like soap and shampoo. You will need to avoid anything that can get in your eye like lotion, hairspray, and makeup.
After ICL surgery, most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. However, it is important to avoid activities that could cause injury to the eye, such as swimming or playing contact sports, until your doctor gives you the okay. You should also avoid rubbing or touching your eye, and avoid exposing your eye to dust or dirt.
Overall, the exact amount of time you will need to rest after ICL surgery will depend on your individual circumstances and how your eye is healing. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions for your recovery and will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
The improvement in your vision by the ICL is intended to be permanent, however if you need the lens to be removed for whatever reason, the ICL can always be removed by your surgeon.