Lifetime cost of glasses
and contacts:
EVO ICL™ Lens
The EVO ICL by STAAR Surgical is an Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL), also known as an Implantable Contact Lens. The EVO ICL is implanted in the eye behind the iris and in front of the natural lens to correct nearsightedness that ranges from -3.00 diopters to -20.00 diopters. Vision correction with the EVO ICL is classified as high definition vision due to the sharpness and clearness of the
Trusted Source
Comparison of implantable collamer lens (ICL) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for low myopia
1 Sanders D, Vukich JA
Go to Source
vision achieved.
“EVO ICL helped me upgrade my vision and changed how I see the world.”
– Professional Basketball Player, Max Strus
What is EVO ICL?
Composed of Collamer®, a collagen copolymer, the EVO ICL is compatible with the natural chemistry of the body so there are minimal risks of lens rejection. Additionally, the EVO ICL has anti-reflective properties and provides ultraviolet protection.
The Benefits of EVO ICL
- Quality of
Trusted Source
Visual performance after implantable collamer lens implantation and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia
Igarashi A, Kamiya K, Shimizu K, Komatsu M
Go to Source
vision obtained
- Does not cause
Trusted Source
Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism
Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A
Go to Source
dry eye syndrome
- Excellent
Trusted Source
Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life
Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, McAlinden C, Fernández I, Maldonado MJ
Go to Source
night vision
- Ideal for patients with
Trusted Source
Management of myopic astigmatism with phakic intraocular lens implantation
Gimbel HV, Ziémba SL
Go to Source
thin corneas
- Compatibility of the implant with the body’s immune system
- The broader treatment range for patients with myopia exceeds that of LASIK or PRK
- No additional maintenance
- Safe
- Lens placement is not visible to patient
- Removable and replaceable
- Ultraviolet protection
Candidates for the EVO ICL Procedure
For optimal safety and best results, patients should not have a history of ophthalmic surgery or diseases such as iritis, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. After a thorough medical examination of the eyes and an evaluation of the patient’s vision history the doctor will determine whether or not this treatment is appropriate.
Patients must meet the following requirements for the procedure:
- Must be adults between the ages of 21 years to 45 years of age
- The anterior chamber depth must be 3.00 mm or greater
- Had stable vision for at least a year prior to implantation
- Nearsighted
Patients with thin corneas or dry eyes, who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK, may be eligible for EVO ICL vision correction. EVO ICL vision correction may not be suitable for women who are pregnant or nursing or for patients with certain aspects of eye
Trusted Source
Phakic intraocular lens implantation in United States military warfighters: a retrospective analysis of early clinical outcomes of the Visian ICL
Parkhurst GD, Psolka M, Kezirian GM
Go to Source
anatomy.
“Now I can play, exercise or dance, without worrying about my vision.”
– Jimmy O Yang, Comedian
The EVO ICL Procedure
On the day of the EVO ICL implantation, the surgeon will numb the eyes with a topical anesthetic before making an opening at the base of the cornea to insert and position the lens. A gel-like solution will be used during the procedure to cushion and protect the eye while the lens is being placed behind the iris of the eye.
In most cases, sutures are not needed because the incision is a smaller size. Eye drops will be administered to prevent infection or inflammation during both the procedure and recovery periods. An eye patch or shield may be used for further protection and comfort after the procedure. Patients should arrange to have someone provide transportation after the procedure. In total, the entire procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
Results and Recovery After the EVO ICL Procedure
After the EVO ICL is implanted, patients will likely only need a day or two for recovery, with little to no side effects. Noticeable vision improvement will occur almost right away. The lens remains invisible to others due to its position behind the iris.
The patient will need to return to the surgeon’s office the next day so that the results of the procedure can be evaluated. While the lens is meant to be kept in place for permanent vision correction, it can be removed if necessary. For patients over the age of 40, the EVO ICL can correct your distance vision, but may still require reading glasses for near vision. Your doctor will review your options will you.
Patients will still be able to wear reading glasses for presbyopia after this procedure as well.
Safety of the EVO ICL Implantation
The EVO ICL procedure is not typically associated with the same complications found with either LASIK or PRK. Unlike LASIK or PRK, the EVO ICL procedure is an additive procedure that does not require removal of corneal tissue. Clear distance is achieved without permanently altering the structure of the eye. When complications do occur, they are usually mild and can be corrected by the doctor.
Patients experiencing severe eye pain or a decrease in vision should contact their surgeon immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL
Will I be able to see or feel the implanted lens in my eye?
No. Once the EVO ICL is implanted, it is invisible and cannot be felt in the eye. All you’ll notice is clearer vision.
Can I afford EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is considered an elective procedure, and is not covered by most of our patients’ insurance plans. Pricing varies depending on each patient’s unique needs.
Many of our patients feel that the cost of EVO ICL is well worthwhile when considered against the ongoing expenses of glasses and contact lenses. If you are interested in making this investment in your sight, we will be happy to educate you about the many financing and payment options available here at The Cincinnati Eye Institute.
Is vision correction with the EVO ICL permanent?
EVO ICL is meant to be a permanent solution offering our patients long-term clear vision. Still, a benefit of this option when compared to laser vision correction procedures is that the lens is removable and replaceable. In the very rare event that a patient’s vision needs change after implantation, we can make adjustments to make sure they achieve optimal vision.
How Much are Glasses & Contacts Actually Costing You?
Please enter a valid value
Starting age:
18
Number of years between purchasing new glasses:
0
Average cost of prescription glasses and lenses:
$0
Boxes of contacts purchased in a year:
0
Cost of a box of contact lenses:
$0
Schedule a consultation appointment at Cincinnati Eye Institute to better understand what your EVO ICL procedure will cost.
Convenient Locations in and Around Cincinnati.
We Look Forward to Seeing You!
Blue Ash
Directions 
1945 CEI Drive
Blue Ash OH, 45242
Blue Ash Retina
Directions
9997 Carver Rd, Level 2
Cincinnati OH, 45242
Clermont
Directions
2055 Hospital Dr Suite 255
Batavia OH, 45103
Eastgate
Directions
601 Ivy Gateway Suite 301
Cincinnati OH, 45245
Edgewood Eye Care Center
Directions
580 S Loop Rd Suite 200
Edgewood KY, 41017
Fairfield
Directions
563 Wessel Dr,
Fairfield OH, 45014
Green Township
Directions
6507 Harrison Avenue, Suite E
Cincinnati OH, 45247
Kenwood
Directions
5240 East Galbraith Suite B
Cincinnati OH, 45236
Lawrenceburg
Directions
275 Bielby Rd,
Lawrenceburg IN, 47025
Maineville
Directions
87 US-22 #100,
Maineville OH, 45039
Mason
Directions
6150 Radio Way,
Mason OH, 45040
Middletown
Directions
5850 Innovation Dr,
Middletown OH, 45005
Montgomery
Directions
10615 Montgomery Rd
Suite 202,
Cincinnati OH, 45242
Red Bank
Directions
4760 Red Bank Expy #108,
Cincinnati OH, 45227
University Medical Arts Building
Directions
222 Piedmont Ave Suite 4000,
Cincinnati OH, 45219
West Side
Directions
3310 Mercy Health Boulevard Suite 220
Cincinnati OH, 45211
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about EVO ICL and whether you are a candidate, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
Contact Us
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 December 3, 2021.
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 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 December 3, 2021.
3 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 December 3, 2021.
4 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/. AccessedDecember 3, 2021.
5 Gimbel HV, Ziémba SL. Management of myopic astigmatism with phakic intraocular lens implantation. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2002 May;28(5):883-6. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(01)01098-7. PMID: 11978472. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11978472/. Accessed December 3, 2021.
6 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 December 3, 2021.
The doctors at Cincinnati Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed the content on this site.