What's EVO?
An Evolution in Visual Freedom™
Also known as the Implantable Collamer® Lens, EVO is the FDA approved new generation in vision correction. Think of it as an implantable lens that works with your natural eye to correct your vision. Our procedure creates options for a much wider range of prescriptions that can free you from glasses and contacts. EVO offers benefits which people suffering from nearsightedness and farsightedness should consider.
What’s EVO Made Of?
Our Advanced Collamer Lens Material
Collamer is a proprietary material used exclusively by STAAR Surgical in our EVO and other corrective lenses. This material consists of collagen which naturally occurs in your body. EVO Collamer technology has some unique characteristics that make it an ideal material for a vision correction lens.
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Biocompatibility
Collamer is a collagen based material which means the lens is made to naturally be in harmony with your eye.
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Soft and Pliable
EVO ICLs are easy to implant in the eye because of the soft and flexible structure. And they feel natural in the eye.
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UV Protection
The unique Collamer material provides UV protection while visible light passes through unaltered.
Who is a Good Candidate for EVO?
EVO Candidates
- Are between 21 and 45 years old.
- Are near-sighted with mild to severe myopia (-0.5D to -20D).
- Are farsighted with mild to severe hyperopia (+0.5D to +10.0D)
- Have astigmatism between 0.5 and 6.0 D
- Have not had a change in prescription of more than .5D in a year.
- Are looking for a procedure that doesn’t create dry eye syndrome.
What Can I Expect During The Procedure?
Easy 20-30 Minute Procedure
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Pre-Op Eye Exam
Before you schedule your ICL procedure date your doctor will perform a series of standard tests to measure your eye’s unique characteristics for the procedure.
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Eye Drops Administered
When you arrive for your procedure your doctor will administer eye drops to dilate your pupils as well as anesthetize your eyes.
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Small Incision
To prepare for the implant your doctor will create one small opening at the base of your cornea to insert the EVO lens. The procedure is painless because of the numbing medication.
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Lens Insertion & Positioning
The EVO lens then can be folded and inserted through the small incision your doctor has made. Once the lens is inserted the doctor will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper positioning in the eye.
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Final Step
At this point the procedure is over and many will have improved vision nearly immediately. Your doctor will prescribe more eye drops intended to clean your eyes and prevent infection following the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home, your doctor will tell you when your vision allows driving.
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Post Op & Check-up
You should return to the clinic as directed by your doctor for a required follow up visit after your procedure. Your eyes will continue to improve over the next 48 hours as they adjust and heal from the procedure. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions after the implantation of the EVO lens.
How Much Does EVO Procedure Cost?
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EVO
Variable by Doctor and Region
*Financing AvailableRead MoreEVO costs vary depending on your prescription, location and provider. Upon consultation with an EVO doctor, they will provide you with actual costs, financing options and payment plans.
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How much do glasses and contacts cost?
On Average CDN$23,000 Over Lifetime*
Your personal cost will vary.Read MoreBecause EVO is a long term solution, your costs are fixed to a one time fee. When you compare with the long term costs of glasses and contacts, EVO pays for itself. *Based on your age (assuming 30-39 years old) and type of contact lenses and glasses. Costs are estimates provided for comparison purposes only.
What Are The Risks?
It’s important to consider that the EVO is approved by the local health authority, which means it has been determined to be safe and effective. As with any procedure, there are risks to consider. See Important Safety Information and read more about the risks below. If you have any questions or concerns it's always best to speak with a certified EVO doctor.
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Over or Under Correction
The most common complication with any refractive procedure are overcorrection or undercorrection. EVO physicians take every precaution to take meticulous measurements before your appointment to ensure the right amount of correction is prescribed. Because of the removable properties of EVO, adjustments can be made to reduce any sort of overcorrection or undercorrection. The same risks apply to the second surgery.
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Risk of Infection
All surgical or refractive procedures involve some form of invasiveness which means there is a risk of infection. While uncommon, it’s important to realize that an eye infection can have a range of results, from delayed healing to serious eye damage. We try to reduce this risk by starting with sterile products used in a minimally invasive procedure and preventative treatments administered to the affected area.
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Halos & Night Glare
In any refractive procedure like Lasik, PRK or EVO there is a possibility of residual halos and glare around lights at night.
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Loss of Visual Acuity
While extremely rare, all refractive procedures can result in damage to the eye including the loss of visual acuity including in most severe cases loss of functional vision.
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Damage to Crystalline Lens
Since the EVO lens is placed inside the eye, there is potential risk in touching the eye’s natural (crystalline) lens. While occurring in less than 1.5% of patients, any damage to the natural (crystalline) lens may cause an opacity (cataract) of the lens and, in the most serious case may require removal of the cataractous natural lens and replacement of the natural (crystalline) lens with a synthetic lens. The surgical risks for IOLs are similar to ICLs.
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Iridotomy Complications (If Iridotomy is required)
During the iridotomy phase of the pre-op treatment a laser is used to make small incisions in the eye. Complications from this incision rarely occur but can cause natural lens or corneal damage, inflammation, increase in intraocular pressure, bleeding and scar formation. Iridotomies are not required for all lens models. Speak with your ophthalmologist to see if your lens model requires this step.
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Increase in Eye Pressure
In some cases, an increase in eye pressure can occur as a result of the procedure. In the event of this occurence your doctor may quickly correct the problem with additional medication or surgical intervention. If not corrected or left untreated the increased pressure could result in loss of vision.
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Remember to speak with your doctor about your personal situation and considerations.
Some Common Questions
If you’ve got specific questions about EVO, the procedure or other details, visit our FAQ in the Help Center
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What's life like with Visian ICL?
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How does EVO compare to LASIK?
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