EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is FDA-approved to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Rather than reshaping the cornea with a laser as is done with LASIK, EVO ICL works by placing a small, biocompatible lens between the iris and your natural lens — correcting your vision without removing any corneal tissue.
This makes EVO ICL an excellent option for patients who want visual freedom from glasses or contacts but aren’t ideal candidates for LASIK, including those with thinner corneas or very high myopia. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically taking less than 30 minutes, with most patients noticing clearer vision within a day or two.
Because the lens sits inside the eye rather than altering its structure, EVO ICL is also removable or exchangeable by your surgeon if your vision or needs ever change — offering long-term correction with added flexibility. Many patients also report excellent night vision and contrast sensitivity, with a low risk of the glare or halo effects.
At Carolina Cornea, we typically perform the EVO evaluation in 2 steps – measurement of the sulcus to sulcus width and anterior chamber depth with high frequency ultrasound (ABsolu platform from Quantel Medical) and a second exam which includes Atlas corneal topography, Pentacam, Anterior Segment OCT, IOLmaster 700, measurement of the patient’s refraction similar to a LASIK evaluation and a dilated eye exam.
The surgery is performed in our office-based surgery suite, typically on a Tuesday, and follow up appointments are at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 6 months. At each exam, an anterior chamber OCT is performed.
