EVO Visian Implantable Collamer® Lens

EVO Visian ICL, also called an Implantable Collamer® Lens, is a refractive implant to correct common vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism. Unlike some other vision correction options, the EVO Visian ICL is an additive technology that corrects vision without the removal of any corneal tissue. The EVO Visian ICL is meant to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts and unlike most permanent refractive solutions, EVO Visian ICL is removable by your doctor, for added peace of mind.

EVO Visian ICL is made of biocompatible Collamer material that works in harmony with your eye. The procedure involves creating a small opening in your cornea that will be used to insert and position the EVO Visian ICL. For most patients, the procedure is virtually painless with numbing drops and it typically takes less than 20 - 30 minutes. Patients typically experience improved vision right away and a quick recovery time. 

• Provides clear, sharp vision ^1,2
• 20 to 30 minute procedure
• Quick recovery time
• Removable by your doctor
• Offers UV protection
• Not visible once in place
• Can treat nearsightedness with or without astigmatism
• For patients who may not be candidates for LASIK or other vision correction procedures due to thin corneas ^3,4
• Does not cause dry eye syndrome ⁵
• Excellent night vision ⁶

1. Sanders D, Vukich J. Comparison of implantable collamer lens (ICL) and laser-assisted in situkeratomileusis (LASIK) for Low Myopia. Cornea. 2006

2. 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 Opthalmol. 2009

3. Parkhurst G, Psolka M, Kezirian G. 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

4. Gimbel H, et al. Management of myopic astigmatism with phakic intraocular lens implantation. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Volume 28, Issue 5, 883 – 886.

5. 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.

6. Martinez-Plazs E, Lopez-Miguel A, Lopez-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

EVO Visian ICL is well-suited for a wide variety of people. Ideal candidates for EVO Visian ICL are aged 21 to 45 with nearsightedness with or without astigmatism and have maintained a stable prescription for at least one year. If you are seeking a solution to decrease or eliminate the cost and frustration of traditional contacts or glasses, EVO Visian ICL may be your answer. Contact us to discuss if EVO Visian ICL is right for you.

At Whitten Laser Eye, we always recommend you undergo a vision consultation to determine the best vision correction plan for you. If the EVO Visian ICL is not right for you, other options are available.

What is the EVO Visian ICL Lens?

EVO Visian ICL is an Implantable Collamer™ Lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Collamer is a biocompatible material that works in harmony with the eye. The lens, which is slightly smaller than a typical contact lens, is implanted in the eye during a 20 to 30 minute procedure. Unlike laser vision correction surgeries that permanently change the shape of your cornea, the EVO Visian ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed. Worldwide, more than 1 million EVO Visian ICL lenses have been implanted.

Who is a Candidate for Vision Correction with EVO Visian ICL?

People who want a flexible and biocompatible vision correction option, as well as many patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction, find that Visian EVO ICL is the right procedure for them.

Ideal candidates for EVO Visian ICL:

• Are between the ages of 21 and 45
• Are seeking a vision correction solution for moderate to severe nearsightedness (with or without astigmatism)
• Have a stable prescription that has not changed within the last year
• Have good ocular health with no history of glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic eye disease

How is the EVO Visian ICL Lens Procedure Performed?

Vision correction with the EVO Visian ICL is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. After an initial exam with your ophthalmologist to determine that the EVO ICL is right for you, you will schedule your procedure. On the day of the procedure, your eyes will be numbed with an anesthetic eye drop and your refractive surgeon will implant the ICL between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens. Your surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment the same day as the procedure.

Can the EVO Visian ICL Lens be Removed?

Yes; the EVO Visian ICL is intended to provide permanent vision correction, but it can be removed or upgraded by your surgeon.

Will I be able to feel the EVO Visian ICL Lens?

No, patients should not feel the lens as it does not adhere to any structures within the eye and does not move once in place.

Will other people be able to see the EVO Visian ICL Lens?

No, the Visian EVO lens is placed behind your iris where only your eye doctor will be able to detect it.

Are there any risks with the EVO Visian ICL Procedure?

Any medical procedure has certain risks associated with it. Potential complications of the EVO ICL procedure, although rare, include inflammation, an increase in eye pressure, or the need for an additional procedure, like an ICL exchange. While these potential risks are mitigated as much as possible, they can all typically be addressed early and without long-term side effects.

Important Safety Information

The EVO Visian ICL lens is intended to correct/reduce nearsightedness between -3.0 D up to -20.0 D and treat astigmatism from 1.0 D to 4.0 D. If you have nearsightedness within these ranges, EVO Visian ICL surgery may improve your distance vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Because the EVO Visian ICL corrects for distance vision, it does not eliminate the need for reading glasses, you may require them at some point, even if you have never worn them before. Since implantation of the EVO Visian ICL is a surgical procedure, before considering EVO Visian ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about EVO Visian ICL surgery, especially the potential benefits, risks, and complications. You should discuss the time needed for healing after surgery. Complications, although rare, may include need for additional surgical procedures, inflammation, loss of cells from the back surface of the cornea, increase in eye pressure, and cataracts. You should NOT have EVO Visian ICL surgery if your doctor determines that 1) the shape of your eye is not appropriate, 2) you do not meet the minimum endothelial cell density for your age at the time of implantation, 3) you have moderate to severe glaucoma, 4) your vision is not stable; or 5) if you are pregnant or nursing.

For additional information with potential benefits, risks and complications please visit DiscoverICL.com

The EVO Visian ICL lens is intended to correct/reduce nearsightedness between -3.0 D up to -20.0 D and treat astigmatism from 1.0 D to 4.0 D. If you have nearsightedness within these ranges, EVO Visian ICL surgery may improve your distance vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Because the EVO Visian ICL corrects for distance vision, it does not eliminate the need for reading glasses, you may require them at some point, even if you have never worn them before. Since implantation of the EVO Visian ICL is a surgical procedure, before considering EVO Visian ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about EVO Visian ICL surgery, especially the potential benefits, risks, and complications. You should discuss the time needed for healing after surgery. Complications, although rare, may include need for additional surgical procedures, inflammation, loss of cells from the back surface of the cornea, increase in eye pressure, and cataracts. You should NOT have EVO Visian ICL surgery if your doctor determines that 1) the shape of your eye is not appropriate, 2) you do not meet the minimum endothelial cell density for your age at the time of implantation, 3) you have moderate to severe glaucoma, 4) your vision is not stable; or 5) if you are pregnant or nursing.

For additional information with potential benefits, risks and complications please visit DiscoverICL.com.

Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have, or to schedule a consultation at any of our three convenient office locations at Charlotte Hall, Chevy Chase or Richmond,  to discover if the EVO Visian ICL or an alternative vision correction procedure is right for you.