On the Field with Will Levis

NFL Quarterback

Will Levis’ struggle with glasses and contacts

As a quarterback for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Will Levis knew the importance of clear vision. Every move, every pass, and every decision depended on it. But being nearsighted and wearing contact lenses posed challenges that often impacted his game.

“I've had to deal with glasses and contact lenses for my whole adolescent and adult life. I've even had my contact lenses knocked out during a game, taking away my ability during a play or a drive.”

When he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2023, the stakes became even higher. Transitioning to professional football meant he couldn't afford any distractions, especially from his vision.

“I wanted to do what was best for me and have the best edge that I could get. When looking at all the options, it became clear that EVO ICL was the best option for me.”

Why Will Levis chose EVO ICL lenses

When doing his research on EVO ICL, a couple of benefits stood out to Will:

  • Safety: Unlike other procedures, EVO ICL doesn’t involve the permanent removal of corneal tissue.
  • Comfort: The EVO ICL procedure doesn't cause dry eye syndrome.
  • Removability: EVO ICL lenses can be safely removed by a doctor if ever needed. This added flexibility gave Will peace of mind.

On the field, EVO ICL gives me more confidence in my game and my ability. EVO ICL lets me play more freely, not having to worry about the daily hassles that come with wearing contact lenses.”

My day-to-day life has changed drastically. Being able to wake up and see clearly right away is such an underrated aspect of life. The difference in my eyesight from before and after the EVO ICL procedure is night and day. I truly know that getting EVO ICL is one of the best decisions I've made in my entire life.

Ready to Discover Visual Freedom With EVO ICL? Find a Doctor Today

Important Safety Information

The EVO/EVO+ ICLs are indicated for patients who are 21 to 60 years of age and are available in spherical powers ranging from -3.0 D to -18.0 D for the correction/reduction of myopia with or without a cylinder power range from 1.0 D to 6.0 D. The hyperopic ICLs are indicated for patients who are 21 to 45 years of age and are available in powers ranging from +3.0 D to +10.0 D for the correction/reduction of hyperopia. In order to be sure that your surgeon will use an ICL with the most adequate power for your eye, your nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism should be stable for at least a year before undergoing eye surgery. ICL surgery may improve your vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses. ICL surgery does not eliminate the need for reading glasses, even if you have never worn them before. ICL represents an alternative to other refractive surgeries including, laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), incisional surgeries, or other means to correct your vision such as contact lenses and eye glasses. Implantation of an ICL is a surgical procedure, and as such, carries potentially serious risks. The following represent potential complications/ adverse reactions reported in conjunction with refractive surgery in general: additional surgeries, cataract formation, loss of best corrected vision, raised pressure inside the eye, loss of cells on the innermost surface of the cornea, conjunctiva I irritation, acute corneal swelling, persistent corneal swelling, endophthalmitis (total eye infection), significant glare and/or halos around lights, hyphaema (blood in the eye), hypopyon (pus in the eye), eye infection, ICL dislocation, macular oedema, non-reactive pupil, pupillary block glaucoma, severe inflammation of the eye, iritis, uveitis, vitreous loss and corneal transplant. Before considering ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about ICL surgery, especially the potential benefits, risks, and complications. You should discuss the time needed for healing after surgery.

References

References

1. Patient Survey, STAAR Surgical ICL Data Registry, 2018

2. 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. Patient Survey, STAAR Surgical ICL Data Registry, 2018

3. Naves, J.S. Carracedo, G. Cacho-Babillo, I. Diadenosine Nucleotid Measurements as Dry-Eye Score in Patients After LASIK and ICL Surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012.

4. Shoja, MR. Besharati, MR. Dry eye after LASIK for myopia: Incidence and risk factors. European Journal of Ophthalmology. 2007; 17(1): pp. 1-6.

5a. Lee, Jae Bum et al. Comparison of tear secretion and tear film instability after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery , Volume 26 , Issue 9 , 1326 - 1331.

5b. Parkhurst, G. Psolka, M. Kezirian, G. Phakic intraocular lens implantantion in United States military warfighters: A retrospective analysis of early clinical outcomes of the Visian ICL. J Refract Surg. 2011;27(7):473-481.

*American Refractive Surgery Council