EVO ICL™

At NY LASIK, we are proud to offer EVO ICL™ to patients in NYC, New York, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Tri-State area. As a leading provider of this innovative vision correction procedure, we utilize the most advanced technology to deliver personalized solutions tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our expert team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and outstanding results, ensuring that you achieve the clear, sharp vision you deserve.

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL
EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer™ Lens) by STAAR Surgical is an FDA-approved vision correction option designed to treat moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism. Unlike traditional laser procedures, EVO ICL is a biocompatible lens implanted between the iris and the natural lens of your eye. This additive technology works in harmony with your eye’s natural structures to direct light rays effectively onto the retina, producing sharp, clear vision.1,2 EVO ICL does not involve the removal of corneal tissue, making it an excellent choice for patients who may not qualify for LASIK or PRK because they have thin corneas.3

Benefits of EVO ICL

EVO ICL offers numerous advantages for those seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses:

  • Sharp, Clear Vision: Experience immediate improvement in your vision. EVO affords patients exceptional vision, both day and night.4,5
  • High Patient Satisfaction: Over 99% of patients would choose EVO ICL again.6
  • Suitable for Thin Corneas: Ideal for patients who cannot undergo laser vision correction such as LASIK Surgery.7
  • No Dry Eye Issues: Unlike some laser procedures, EVO ICL has been clinically proven not to cause or worsen dry eye syndrome.8
  • Reversible: The lens can be removed by an eye doctor if necessary.
  • UV Protection: Built-in UV protection safeguards your eyes.
  • Quick Recovery: Most patients return to their normal activities the next day.

Who is a Good Candidate for EVO ICL?

The best way to determine if EVO ICL is right for you is to schedule a consultation at NY LASIK. Generally, ideal candidates:

  • Are between the ages of 21 and 45.
  • Have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year.
  • Suffer from moderate to severe myopia with or without astigmatism.
  • Do not have a history of eye diseases including glaucoma.
  • May not be suitable for LASIK or PRK due to thin corneas or high order refractive errors.

Preparing for EVO ICL

Before Your EVO ICL Consultation

Contact Lenses: To ensure accurate measurements, discontinue wearing contact lenses before your consultation.

  • Hard/Gas Perm Lenses: Stop wearing these lenses at least two weeks before your consultation.
  • Soft Lenses: Stop wearing these lenses at least 3-5 days before your consultation.

During Your Consultation

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Your consultation will involve a thorough eye exam, vision assessment, and a review of your medical history and current medications. You will discuss your lifestyle and vision goals with our ophthalmologist to determine if EVO ICL is the best option for you.
  • Questions and Answers: Use this time to ask your eye surgeon any questions you may have and ensure you feel confident about your decision to undergo EVO ICL surgery.
  • Pre-and Post-Operative Care: We will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for EVO ICL surgery and what to expect during the recovery period.
  • Patient Financing Program: If you are interested in financing options, let us know as soon as possible to expedite the process.

Pre-Surgery Instructions

  • Medications: Inform us of any medications you are taking, as certain prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamins/supplements may need to be adjusted before surgery.
  • Avoid Certain Medications: Refrain from taking antihistamines and decongestants for a week before surgery, as they can dry out your eyes.
  • Pregnancy: EVO ICL surgery is not recommended during pregnancy. Please inform us if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Three Days Before EVO ICL Surgery

  • No Makeup or Lotions: Avoid using makeup, creams, or lotions three days before and on the day of surgery. For best results, discontinue eye makeup one week before surgery.
  • Lid Scrubs: Clean your eyelids with a baby shampoo and water solution for one week before surgery, but not on the day of surgery. We will provide detailed instructions.

Day of Surgery

  • Medications and Drops: Pick up your prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatory eye drops, and preservative-free artificial tears from the pharmacy a few days before surgery.
  • Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after your refractive surgery, as you will not be able to drive immediately afterward.
  • Personal Care: Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup, lotions, or perfumes. Do not wear contact lenses or jewelry.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth surgery and optimal healing. Proper preparation is key to achieving the best possible outcome from your EVO ICL procedure at NY LASIK.

What to Expect During EVO ICL Surgery

EVO ICL surgery at NY LASIK is a straightforward outpatient refractive surgery procedure designed to provide you with clear, sharp vision. The surgery itself typically takes about 20-30 minutes per eye, though you should plan to be at our state-of-the-art facility for approximately two hours to accommodate pre-operative and post-operative care.

When you arrive for your surgery, numbing eye drops will be administered to numb your eyes, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure. Additionally, you may be offered an oral sedative to help you relax. Once your eyes are numb and dilated, a small incision will be made at the edge of your cornea. Through this incision, the EVO ICL lens will be carefully inserted and positioned behind your iris and in front of your natural lens. This precise placement is crucial for optimal vision correction.

Throughout the procedure, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. After the lens is securely in place, you will spend a short period in recovery, allowing our team to monitor your initial post-operative progress. Once cleared, you will be ready to go home, where you can begin to enjoy the benefits of your newly improved vision.

It is important to have someone drive you home following the surgery, as your vision will be adjusting. Most patients notice significant visual improvements immediately and experience minimal discomfort during the recovery process.

Recovery After EVO ICL

Recovery from EVO ICL surgery is typically quick and comfortable. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision right after the procedure. Although individual experiences may vary, many patients report minimal discomfort and are able to return to their normal activities, including work, the very next day.

In the first few days after the surgery, you will be prescribed eye drops to help with the healing process and to reduce any potential inflammation. It is important to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions for using these drops. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for the day after your surgery to monitor your progress and address any concerns. During this time, our team will check your vision and ensure that the lens is properly positioned.

Why Choose NY LASIK for EVO ICL?

Choosing NY LASIK for your EVO ICL procedure means selecting a practice committed to excellence and personalized care. Our team brings extensive experience and a patient-centric approach to vision correction. Dr. Bley is EVO-Certified and has performed more than 30,000 refractive procedures. We serve patients from NYC, New York, Manhattan, and Brooklyn with state-of-the-art technology and a dedication to optimal outcomes. At NY LASIK, we customize each treatment plan to meet your specific vision needs, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care. Trust us to guide you through your vision correction journey with expertise and compassion.

How Much Does EVO Cost?

EVO ICL is a long-term investment in clear vision that can save you money compared to the ongoing costs of glasses and contact lenses. For instance, the cost of contact lenses over a lifetime can be around $12,000.9 Since EVO ICL is a one-time procedure, it often pays for itself in the long run. Beyond the financial savings, many of our patients find that the improvement in their quality of life after EVO ICL is invaluable.

Before your surgery, we will review the cost of your specific EVO ICL treatment plan in detail. Additionally, we offer flexible and convenient payment options to help make EVO ICL more accessible. Our team is here to assist you in understanding these options and choosing the best plan for your needs.

Vision Correction Surgery Comparison Chart

At NY LASIK, our patients benefit from Dr. Bley’s extensive experience with a range of refractive procedures in addition to LASIK. Having performed more than 30,000 vision correction surgeries, he is able to customize each patient’s experience to meet their unique needs.

LASIKSMILEEVO ICL
RLE
Long-Term Vision OutcomesExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
Recovery TimeQuickQuickQuickQuick
Procedure Duration10-15 Minutes10-15 Minutes15-20 Minutes5-10 Minutes
Treats NearsightednessYes up to -12DYes up to -10DYes up to -20DYes up to -15D
Treats Extreme PrescriptionsNoNoYesYes
Treats AstigmatismYesYesYesYes
Treat FarsightednessYesNoNoYes
Ok for Thin CorneasNoNoYesYes
Can Treat Presbyopia
(Near Vision Loss After 40)
Yes with
Monovision/Blended Vision
Yes with
Monovision/Blended Vision
NoYes

Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL

EVO ICL is designed to offer permanent vision correction for patients with myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. One of the significant advantages of EVO ICL is its reversibility; the lens can be removed if a patient’s needs change over time, providing a flexible solution for vision correction. However, it’s important to understand that while EVO ICL can correct your current vision issues, it does not prevent age-related changes. For instance, presbyopia, which affects near vision as you age, may still require the use of reading glasses.

EVO ICL, LASIK, and PRK are all effective vision correction methods, but they work differently. LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to enhance light focusing on the retina. EVO ICL, however, is an additive procedure that places a lens inside the eye without altering the corneal tissue. This makes EVO ICL a preferable option for those with thin corneas, higher prescriptions, or dry eye concerns. Additionally, the EVO ICL lens can be removed if needed, offering a reversible solution.

EVO ICL surgery is not painful. Numbing eye drops are applied to numb your eyes before the procedure, ensuring you feel no discomfort. The recovery period is generally smooth and comfortable, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort.

No, the EVO ICL lens is implanted behind the iris, the colored part of your eye, making it invisible to others. You also won’t be able to feel the lens once it is in place.

EVO ICL surgery is usually considered an elective procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. At NY LASIK, we believe everyone should have access to clear vision, so we offer various financing options. You can also use funds from your FSA or HSA to help cover the cost of the surgery, making it more affordable.

Contact Us

Ready to experience the benefits of EVO ICL? Schedule your consultation at NY LASIK today. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve sharp, clear vision. Serving patients from NYC, New York, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and throughout the Tri-State area, we are committed to providing world-class care and exceptional results. Contact us now to take the first step towards visual freedom.

EVO ICL Patient Stories

“I had my first opportunity to put my Visian ICL eyes to the test recently in the Brazilian Rainforest, and it couldn’t have been more exciting to be able to spot rare species better than ever.”

Phil Torres Entomologist-TV Show Host

“I would never be able to just wake up and go, and now I can literally just roll out of bed and go straight to the farmers market.”

Sara – TSO, Chef


1 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-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. Accessed May 23, 2024.
2 Packer M. Evaluation of the EVO/EVO+ Sphere and Toric Visian ICL: Six month results from the United States Food and Drug Administration clinical trial. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;16:1541-53. Accessed May 23, 2024.
3 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;27(7):473-481. Accessed May 23, 2024.
4 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-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. Accessed May 23, 2024.
5 Parkhurst GD. A prospective comparison of phakic collamer lenses and wavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:1209-1215. Accessed May 23, 2024.
6 Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:2427-2438. Accessed May 23, 2024.
7 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;27(7):473-481. Accessed May 23, 2024.
8 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;11:1253-1263. Accessed May 23, 2024.
9 American Refractive Surgery Council. Understanding Costs: Is LASIK Worth It? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/category/considering-costs. Accessed May 23, 2024.