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EVO ICL™ Lens

Last updated: January 12th, 2024

If you are nearsighted or have astigmatism, you know that relying on glasses and contact lenses can be inconvenient, and may even prevent you from doing the things that you love. Experience an Evolution in Visual Freedom with EVO ICL.

EVO ICL™ Lens in Milwaukee

If you would like to experience life with less dependence on glasses or contacts, you have options beyond LASIK and other laser vision surgeries. At Summit Eye Care in Milwaukee, our experienced vision correction specialists offer EVO ICL, an innovative vision correction option that provides incredibly sharp, clear vision.1

Image of the EVO lens itself

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL, also known as Implantable Collamer® Lens, is an microthin lens implant that is designed to correct common refractive errors such as astigmatism and nearsightedness (myopia). EVO ICL is made of Collamer, which is a specialized material that is biocompatible (which means that it works in harmony with your body) and offers UV protection.

How Does EVO ICL Compare to LASIK or PRK?

Laser vision correction surgeries like LASIK work by permanently changing the shape of your cornea. EVO ICL uses additive technology to improve vision, which means that it works without removing any corneal tissue. This makes it ideal for patients who have thinner corneas.2 EVO ICL is intended to be a long-lasting or permanent vision correction solution, but it is removable and many patients appreciate the flexibility of EVO ICL.

How Does ICL Work?

The first step is a consultation appointment at one of our Milwaukee offices. Your EVO ICL surgeon will assess your eyes and discuss your medical history and vision goals. If you decide that EVO ICL is right for you, we will schedule your surgery and give you preoperative and postoperative instructions.

Graphic depicting the STAAR EVO icl procedure

Benefits of EVO ICL

  • Significant improvement in vision3
  • Over 2 million EVO ICL lenses have been sold worldwide
  • Immediate results
  • Fast recovery time
  • Removable and upgradable 
  • UV protective
  • Undetectable once in place
  • Often option for patients who are not candidates for other vision correction procedures 
  • Does not cause dry eye syndrome, which is a common side effect of other vision correction surgeries4
  • Excellent night vision5
Jimmy O. Yang EVO patient


“Glasses have always been a big part of my life, but they always got in the way. Then I got EVO ICL Lenses.”

Jimmy O Yang, Comedian

Watch the Story of Emergency Room Physician, Madeline, and her experience getting the
EVO ICL surgery at Summit Eye Care!


“I’ve always had vision, but not the best eyesight. For me, EVO ICL changed everything.”

– Will Levis, NFL Quarterback

Will Levis, NFL Quarterback

The EVO ICL Procedure

Anesthetic eye drops will be applied to numb your eyes at the beginning of your procedure to ensure your comfort. Your doctor will make a tiny incision in your eye to place the custom EVO ICL inside the eye in front of your natural lens.

This outpatient procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Recovery is generally quick and you will be given post-procedure instructions and scheduled for a follow-up appointment.

Graphic depicting the EVO ICL procedure on an eyeball

Frequently Asked Questions about EVO ICL

Will I be able to see or feel the EVO ICL in my eye?

No. Once it is implanted, the EVO ICL can’t be seen or felt. The only thing you’ll notice is clearer vision!

Can I Afford EVO ICL?

Pricing for EVO ICL can vary depending on your needs. When compared to the ongoing cost of traditional contact lenses or glasses, many patients find that EVO ICL is a smart investment. We will outline costs for your personalized treatment plan at your consultation appointment and explain your options for financing.

Am I a Candidate for EVO ICL?

People from all walks of life find that EVO ICL is a great option for them. If you are interested in reducing or eliminating the hassle of glasses, it may be for you. 

Ideal candidates for EVO ICL:

  • Are between the ages of 21 and 45
  • Have general good health with no history of eye disease
  • Have maintained a stable vision prescription for at least one year 
  • Are seeking to correct moderate to high nearsightedness and/or treat astigmatism

LASIK
PRK
EVO ICL
RLE
Long-Term Vision Outcomes

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Recovery Time

Quick (24-48 hrs)

2-4 Weeks

Quick (24-48 hrs)

Generally Quick (Varies based on lens choice)

Reversible

No

No

Yes

No

Procedure Duration

10-15 Minutes

10-15 Minutes

15-20 Minutes

15-20 Minutes

Treats Nearsightedness

Yes, Mild to Moderate

Yes, Mild to Moderate

Yes, Mild to Moderate

Yes, Full Range

Treats Astigmatism

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Treats Farsigthedness

Yes, Mild to Moderate

Yes, Mild to Moderate

No

Yes, Full Range

Contributes to Dry Eye

Yes, During Recovery Phase

Yes, During Recovery Phase

No

No

Ok for Thin Corneas

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Can Treat Presbypopia (Near Vision Loss After 40)

Yes with Monovision

Yes with Monovision

Yes with Monovision

Yes

Contact Us for EVO ICL in Milwaukee

Our highly experienced eye doctors are happy to answer any questions about EVO ICL and discuss if this option could be right for you. Contact us to schedule your consultation appointment.


1  Sanders D, Vukich JA. Comparison of implantable collamer lens (ICL) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for low myopia. Cornea. 2006 Dec;25(10):1139-46. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e31802cbf3c. PMID: 17172886. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17172886/. Accessed October 26, 2021.

2  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 Jul;27(7):473-81. doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20110106-03. Epub 2011 Jan 17. PMID: 21243974. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21243974/. Accessed October 26, 2021.

3  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 Ophthalmol. 2009 Jul;148(1):164-70.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2009.02.001. Epub 2009 Apr 17. PMID: 19375059. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19375059/. Accessed October 26, 2021.

4 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. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S127101. PMID: 28740361; PMCID: PMC5505606. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28740361/. Accessed October 26, 2021.

5  Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, McAlinden C, Fernández I, Maldonado MJ. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life. Am J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jun;226:117-125. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.02.005. Epub 2021 Feb 9. PMID: 33577790. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33577790/. Accessed October 26, 2021.


The Doctors at Summit Eye Care of Wisconsin have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Summit Eye Care