Discover the advanced LASIK alternative designed for clarity, comfort, and peace of mind. Berkeley Eye Center offers the state-of-the-art EVO Implantable Collamer® Lens.
EVO ICL™: A Powerful LASIK Alternative in Houston
Are you seeking clear vision without the daily reliance on glasses or contacts, but perhaps aren’t an ideal candidate for LASIK? Berkeley Eye Center is proud to offer the advanced EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens), a revolutionary alternative providing sharp, clear vision for patients with nearsightedness (myopia), with or without astigmatism.
Discover how this additive technology corrects vision without removing corneal tissue, offering unique benefits like UV protection and removability for added peace of mind. As leading ICL surgeons serving Houston, Katy, Kingwood, The Woodlands, Corpus Christi and beyond, we’re here to help you explore this state-of-the-art option.
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What Is the EVO ICL™?
The EVO ICL is an advanced refractive implant designed to correct common vision problems, primarily myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike laser vision correction procedures like LASIK or PRK that reshape the cornea, the EVO ICL is an additive technology.
Here’s what that means:
- No Corneal Tissue Removal: The procedure preserves the natural structure of your cornea.
- Internal Lens: The EVO ICL is a micro-thin lens made of biocompatible Collamer® material (which works in harmony with your eye’s natural chemistry). It’s gently placed inside the eye, between the iris (the colored part) and your eye’s natural lens.
- Removable: Although designed for long-term vision correction, a unique benefit of the EVO ICL is that it can be removed by your surgeon if ever needed or desired, offering flexibility for the future.
EVO ICL has been successfully implanted in over 3 million eyes worldwide and is approved for use by the U.S. military, reflecting its proven safety and effectiveness.
Key Benefits of Choosing EVO ICL
Patients choose EVO ICL for several compelling reasons:
- Sharp, Clear Vision: Designed to provide high-definition vision quality, often described as sharp and vivid, day and night.
- Excellent Option for Many LASIK Non-Candidates: Particularly beneficial for patients with:
- High levels of nearsightedness.
- Thin corneas unsuitable for LASIK reshaping.
- Does Not Cause Dry Eye Syndrome: Because it doesn’t involve reshaping the cornea’s surface nerves like LASIK, EVO ICL does not induce or worsen dry eye syndrome.
- Built-in UV Protection: The Collamer material naturally filters harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Biocompatible & Harmonious: Made from material that works naturally with your eye’s chemistry.
- Quick Procedure & Recovery: The implantation procedure is brief, and many patients experience improved vision very quickly.
- Removability: Offers peace of mind knowing the lens can be removed if necessary.
How the EVO ICL Procedure Works
The EVO ICL implantation is a sophisticated outpatient procedure performed by our experienced surgeons:
- Preparation: Your eyes are numbed using topical anesthetic drops. You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax. A gel-like substance protects the eye during the procedure.
- Micro-Opening: The surgeon creates a tiny, precise opening in the cornea.
- Lens Insertion: The flexible EVO ICL, customized to your prescription, is folded and inserted through the micro-opening.
- Positioning: The lens gently unfolds and is carefully positioned behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
- Completion: The procedure is typically completed in less than 20-30 minutes for both eyes. The micro-opening is often self-sealing.
Vision improvement is often noticed almost immediately. You’ll receive protective eye shields and prescription eye drops to use during recovery. A designated driver is needed to take you home.
Are You a Candidate for EVO ICL in Houston?
EVO ICL is an excellent option for many, but like all procedures, specific criteria determine suitability. Ideal candidates generally meet the following:
- Age: Typically between 21 and 45 years old.
- Prescription: Suffer from myopia (nearsightedness), with or without astigmatism. EVO ICL can correct a wide range, including higher levels often outside the treatable range for LASIK.
- Stable Vision: Your prescription should have been stable for at least one year.
- Good General Eye Health: Free from conditions like glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy.
- Sufficient Anterior Chamber Depth: Your surgeon will measure the space inside your eye to ensure there is enough room for the lens.
- Not Pregnant or Nursing: Hormonal changes can affect vision stability.
Who Often Benefits Most?
- Patients seeking an alternative to glasses or contacts.
- Those with high nearsightedness.
- Individuals with thin corneas who may not be suitable for LASIK.
- People concerned about dry eye symptoms associated with LASIK.
Finding Out if You Qualify: Many patients learn they are excellent EVO ICL candidates after coming in for a free Refractive consultation and discovering LASIK isn’t their optimal choice. A comprehensive eye exam and discussion with our refractive team is the only way to definitively determine your candidacy for EVO ICL or other vision correction procedures.
Understanding EVO ICL Cost & Financing in Houston
Investing in clear vision is a significant decision. While the cost of EVO ICL can be higher than LASIK — primarily due to the advanced technology of the custom-made implantable lens itself and the procedure often being performed in a dedicated surgery center — many patients find the unique benefits and long-term value worthwhile.
Berkeley Eye Center strives to make advanced vision correction accessible:
- Financing Options: We partner with leading healthcare financing companies like CareCredit® and Alphaeon® Credit (subject to credit approval) to offer convenient monthly payment plans.
- FSA/HSA: You can use pre-tax dollars from your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for your EVO ICL procedure, offering significant savings.
During your free consultation, our refractive counselors will provide a personalized cost breakdown and thoroughly explain all payment and financing options available to you.
Why Choose Berkeley Eye Center for EVO ICL?
As pioneers in refractive surgery in Houston, Berkeley Eye Center offers:
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Ready to explore if EVO ICL is the key to unlocking your best vision? Learn more about this exciting LASIK alternative and determine your candidacy.