EVO ICL™ FAQs

The eye surgeons at nJoy Vision in OKC offer EVO ICL surgery, an Implantable Collamer Lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. We are excited to offer this unique vision correction technology to patients throughout the Oklahoma City (OKC) region, including Edmond, Norman, Moore, and surrounding areas. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting implantable lens technology to find out if it is right for you.

Worldwide, more than 2 million EVO ICLs have been implanted.

EVO ICL logo

What is EVO ICL surgery?

EVO ICL is an implantable collamer lens (ICL) that is implanted in the eye behind the iris (the colored part of your eye) to correct common vision problems like nearsightedness and astigmatism.

The lens is smaller than a contact lens, making it a safe and simple procedure for vision correction. Collamer is a biocompatible material that works in harmony with the eye, making it safe for surgical use. Unlike laser vision correction surgeries like LASIK that permanently change the shape of your cornea, the EVO ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed.

How is the EVO ICL procedure performed?

Vision correction with the EVO ICL procedure is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. After an initial exam with your eye doctor to determine if the EVO ICL is right for you, you will schedule your procedure.

On the day of the procedure, your eyes will be numbed with an anesthetic eye drop and your refractive eye surgeon will implant the ICL between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens. The procedure is painless, and your vision will be improved immediately.

Your surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment the same day as the procedure.

How much does EVO ICL cost?

The cost of EVO ICL in Oklahoma City varies depending on various factors that may include your prescription, location and provider. During your free nJoy Vision consultation, we will provide you with your specific cost, financing options and payment plans.

On average, contact lenses cost $12,000 over a lifetime. Your personal cost will vary.

Because EVO ICL lenses are a long-term solution for distance vision, your procedure cost is generally fixed to a one-time fee. When you compare with the long-term costs of contact lenses, the EVO ICL procedure typically pays for itself.

Can I finance my EVO ICL procedure?

Yes! CareCredit can be used to finance your EVO ICL procedure. Care Credit offers minimum monthly payments, no upfront costs or pre-payment penalties, and $0 down, 0% interest plans are available.
See if you prequalify with CareCredit. This is a soft credit check so it will not go against your credit score to see if you are pre-approved.

Ultimately, EVO ICL can be a temporary cost for a permanent solution to your vision problems, and this one-time fee is typically less than the lifetime expense of glasses and contact lenses.

Can I use my HSA or FSA account to cover the costs of the EVO ICL procedure?

EVO ICL is a qualified expense for tax-free contributions made to Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts as well as Care Credit.

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to use those funds to correct your myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism with EVO Implantable Collamer® Lenses (ICL). Just a reminder that if you don’t use your FSA before December 31, 2024, you’ll lose that money.1

Here is a link from a CareCredit to see if you would qualify for financing for EVO ICL. This is a soft credit check so it will not go against your credit score to see if you are pre-approved.

What are the benefits of EVO ICL Surgery?

EVO ICL surgery offers many benefits for patients who are candidates for the ICL procedure and are seeking a vision solution that allows them the freedom of less dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

The advantages of EVO ICL include:

  • Sharp, clear vision
  • Excellent night vision
  • Does not cause dry eye syndrome
  • Quick procedure and recovery
  • No removal of corneal tissue
  • Removable by your doctor
  • Protection from UV rays

How long does EVO ICL last?

EVO ICL surgery is designed to be a permanent distance vision correction solution. EVO ICL can be removed by your surgeon if for some reason it is needed in the future. If your doctor removes the EVO ICL lens, you will lose the benefit of your vision correction.

Who is a candidate for EVO ICL surgery?

People who want a flexible and biocompatible vision correction option, as well as many patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction (LASIK), find that EVO ICL is the right procedure for them.

Ideal candidates for EVO ICL surgery:

  • Are between the ages of 21 and 45
  • Are seeking a vision correction solution for moderate to severe nearsightedness (with or without astigmatism)
  • Have a stable prescription that has not changed within the last year
  • Have good ocular health with no history of glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic eye disease

Who is NOT a candidate for EVO ICL?

At nJoy Vision, we always recommend you undergo a vision consultation to determine the best vision correction plan for you. If the EVO ICL is not right for you, other options are available.

EVO ICL may not be the best course of action for:

  • Patients whose eye prescription has changed significantly in the last six months
  • Patients without enough posterior corneal cell density
  • Patients with an anterior chamber depth of less than 3.00mm
  • Patients who are pregnant or nursing
  • Patients with uncontrolled dry eye or blepharitis
  • Patients with corneal endothelial dystrophy

Is the EVO ICL FDA approved?

Yes. The EVO ICL received approval from the FDA for a wide range of myopic (nearsightedness) correction needs, with and without astigmatism.

The EVO ICL received FDA approval in 2005 and the new generation EVO ICL in 2022.

What is the success rate of EVO ICL surgery?

Extensive research and development preceded the introduction of the EVO ICL. To date more than 2,000,000 EVO ICLs have been implanted in patients worldwide. The satisfaction rate among patients is extremely high – above 99%. The EVO ICL surgery provides unparalleled quality of vision and has excellent and stable outcomes for patients with mild to severe myopia with or without astigmatism. The EVO ICL has been available internationally for over 20 years.

Can the EVO ICL be removed from my eye?

Although the lens is intended to remain in place permanently, a surgeon can remove the implant if necessary.

Is the EVO ICL visible to others?

No. The EVO ICL is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and observers.

Will I be able to feel the EVO ICL once it is in place?

The EVO ICL is designed to be completely unobtrusive after it is put in place. It stays in position by itself and does not interact with any of the eye’s structures.

If I’m interested in the EVO ICL, what are my next steps?

Feel free to contact us at (405) 842-6060 with any questions that you may have, or to schedule your free consultation to discover if the EVO ICL or an alternative vision correction procedure is right for you.

1HealthCare.Gov: “You generally must use the money in an FSA within the plan year.” https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/

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