EVO ICL: Implantable Contact Lens, London

runner_frame1.jpg

Implantable Contact Lens Surgery

EVO ICL™, previously called the EVO Visian ICL and commonly known as the “implantable contact lens” is a type of refractive surgery for those where the required correction is too high or the cornea is too thin for laser vision correction, or they have significant dry eye symptoms.

ICL surgery involves inserting a small, soft, flexible bespoke lens inside the eye, in front of the natural lens. As a lens is implanted and nothing is removed, ICL is a reversible procedure as the implant can be easily removed- if ever needed to be.

Mr Alex Day only uses Staar EVO ICL™ which are FDA approved and CE marked.

Procedure and Results

ICL surgery is pain free and typically takes about 10 minutes per eye. The vision clears very quickly following ICL surgery, meaning most patients have very good vision the next day and can return to work 48 hours after surgery. The vast majority patients can achieve spectacles independence. Similar to laser vision correction, over or under correction can occasionally happen and this can be treated if necessary. For very high or complex prescriptions, ICL is combined with laser vision correction to treat residual refractive error, this is termed “bioptics.”

The Staar EVO Visian EVO+ ICL™ for the correction of short-sightedness has a tiny central drainage hole (KS-aquaPORT) to ensure healthy fluid flow inside the eye. Whilst this can induce some early halos and glare, in 95% of cases this significantly reduces or disappear in the first 3 to 6 months after surgery. There are a few people who still see haloes after ICL implantation when the pupil is very large at night. This is due to some light entering the eye around the edge of the ICL lens.

For further details about Staar EVO Visian EVO+ ICL™, please see here.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Implantable contact lens surgery is typically performed for those between 21 and 50 years when laser vision correction cannot be recommended due to high prescriptions, thin corneas or dry eyes.

    • The only way to determine if you are suitable for EVO Visian ICL surgery is for you to attending for a consultation. A series of eye scans are carried out to check the health of your eyes and check there is enough space inside the eye for the lens implant to be safely positioned.

    • Star EVO+ ICL™ surgery safely and effectively corrects myopia (up to -18 dioptres) and astigmatism up to 6D.

    • We will advise you fully on the benefits of EVO Visian ICL surgery and possible risks, as well as the other treatment options available to you.

  • * If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not wear them for a minimum of one week before your appointment, or two weeks if they are gas permeable contact lens.

    • Implantable contact lens surgery takes about 10-15 minutes per eye and is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation.

    • Most patients choose both eyes to have surgery on the same day, and surgery on different days is possible if preferred.

    • The vast majority of patients achieve similar vision to that preoperatively when wearing their glasses or contact lens.

    • All patients should expect to notice a little glare or halo in their vision that will settle over the first few months.

    • Visual recovery after implantable contact lens surgery is fast with most patients achieving close to the final result within 48 hours. Most patients are able to return to work within 48 hours.

    • There is a mild, gritty discomfort for the first few days and your may be light-sensitive too.

    • You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use.

    • You must not rub your eyes for the first few weeks after surgery and you will be given an eye shield to protect the eyes at nights for the first few days.

    • There are minimal restrictions after surgery. Swimming should be avoided for the first 3 weeks after surgery (due to risk of infection).

  • Yes, the lens implant can be removed in the future and the focus of the eye returns to how it was before the surgery. This is different to laser vision correction.

Start your journey

The best way to find out more about how to improve your vision is to give us a call or use this form to request a call back.