EVO ICL™ vs. LASIK vs. PRK: Comparing Your Vision Correction Options in Houston

Choosing the right vision correction surgery is a significant decision. While LASIK is the most well-known procedure, advanced alternatives like the EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens) and PRK offer unique benefits for different types of patients. Understanding the key differences between these state-of-the-art procedures offered at Berkeley Eye Center is crucial for making an informed choice about your vision journey.

This page compares EVO ICL, LASIK, and PRK across key factors like how they work, who they’re best suited for, the recovery process, and potential considerations.

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How Each Procedure Works: A Quick Overview

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): Uses two lasers. A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap on the cornea’s surface. This flap is lifted, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue to correct vision. The flap is then repositioned.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Uses one laser. The cornea’s thin outer layer (epithelium) is gently removed. An excimer laser then reshapes the exposed corneal surface. A protective contact lens is placed while the epithelium heals over several days.
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens): This is not laser vision correction. It’s an additive procedure where a tiny, biocompatible lens (similar to a contact lens but permanent and maintenance-free) is placed inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, to focus light correctly. No corneal tissue is removed.

Candidacy Comparison: Who Is Best Suited for Each?

While many people are candidates for multiple procedures, certain factors often make one option more suitable:

Feature/Condition	Best Suited for LASIK	Best Suited for PRK	Best Suited for EVO ICL™
Prescription Range	Mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism	Similar to LASIK	Wide range of nearsightedness (including high levels), astigmatism
Corneal Thickness	Requires sufficient thickness	Good option for thinner corneas	Excellent option for thin corneas (doesn’t rely on thickness)
Dry Eye Concerns	May potentially worsen dry eye (usually temporary)	May potentially worsen dry eye (usually temporary)	Does not cause/worsen dry eye syndrome
Lifestyle/Profession	Most lifestyles	Preferred for high-impact sports / some jobs	Most lifestyles
Age (Typical Range)	18 – early 40s	18 – early 40s	21 – 45
Reversibility?	No (Corneal reshaping is permanent)	No (Corneal reshaping is permanent)	Yes (Lens is removable by surgeon if needed)
Keratoconus?	No	No	No (Though sometimes used after CXL treatment in specific cases – consult surgeon)

The Patient Experience: Procedure & Recovery Time

Procedure Time: All three procedures are relatively quick outpatient procedures. LASIK and EVO ICL often take around 15-30 minutes for both eyes in the suite. PRK laser time is similar, but the initial surface preparation adds slightly to the overall time.
Initial Comfort: LASIK generally offers the most initial comfort due to the flap protecting the treated area. PRK involves more initial discomfort (scratchiness, light sensitivity) for the first few days as the epithelium heals. EVO ICL discomfort is usually minimal and brief.
Visual Recovery:
- LASIK: Vision is often significantly improved within 24 hours.
- PRK: Functional vision takes several days to a week as the epithelium heals; full stabilization takes longer (weeks to months).
- EVO ICL: Many patients experience improved vision almost immediately, with stabilization over days/weeks.

Visual Outcomes & Long-Term Considerations

Quality of Vision: All three procedures aim for excellent visual acuity. EVO ICL is often noted for producing very sharp, high-definition quality vision, particularly in patients with high myopia. Custom LASIK/PRK also aim for high-quality vision by addressing higher-order aberrations.
Long-Term Stability: All three procedures offer long-lasting results. The corneal reshaping in LASIK/PRK is permanent. The EVO ICL lens is designed to remain in place indefinitely but doesn’t prevent natural age-related changes like presbyopia or cataracts.
UV Protection: EVO ICL offers the unique benefit of built-in UV protection within the Collamer lens material. LASIK/PRK do not inherently add UV protection (sunglasses still essential).
Reversibility: Only EVO ICL offers the option of removal, providing flexibility if significant changes occur in vision or eye health decades later, or if future technologies emerge.

Side Effects & Safety Profile Comparison

All three procedures have excellent safety records when performed on properly selected candidates by experienced surgeons using advanced technology.

Dry Eye: LASIK and PRK carry a higher potential to cause or temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms because they interact with corneal nerves. EVO ICL does not affect these nerves and doesn’t cause dry eye.
Night Vision (Glare/Halos): Possible temporary side effect with all three, often related to higher prescriptions or pupil size. Custom LASIK/PRK and the EVO ICL design aim to minimize these. Often diminishes significantly during healing/adaptation.
Procedure-Specific Risks:
LASIK: Extremely rare flap-related complications (managed effectively with modern tech).
PRK: Slightly higher risk of corneal haze (rare, usually temporary), longer healing time increases initial infection risk window (mitigated by bandage contact lens and drops).
EVO ICL: Extremely rare risks associated with an internal procedure, such as infection, inflammation, increased eye pressure, or cataract development (minimized with proper sizing and technique).

Your surgeon will discuss the specific risk profile relevant to your eyes and the recommended procedure during your consultation.

Cost Considerations

For over 60 years, Houstonians have trusted Berkeley Eye Center for their vision needs. When you choose us for vision correction surgery, you benefit from:

General Trend: Typically, LASIK and PRK have similar costs. EVO ICL generally has a higher upfront cost due to the manufacturing expense of the custom implantable lens and the procedure often being performed in a dedicated surgery center environment.
Insurance: All three are typically considered elective by insurance and not covered, though some vision plans may offer minor discounts.
Financing: Financing options (CareCredit, Alphaeon) and use of FSA/HSA accounts are available for all three procedures at Berkeley Eye Center.

Making the Right Choice for You: Free Consultation

Ultimately, there isn’t one single “best” procedure — the best choice depends entirely on your individual eye health, prescription, corneal anatomy, lifestyle, and vision goals. EVO ICL, LASIK, and PRK are all excellent options when matched to the right candidate.

The crucial step is a comprehensive eye evaluation and discussion with an experienced refractive surgeon at Berkeley Eye Center. We will assess your unique situation and provide a clear recommendation for the procedure best suited to help you achieve your vision goals safely and effectively.

Schedule Your FREE Vision Correction Consultation

Navigating your vision correction options can be complex, but the next step is simple. Schedule your free consultation to get a clear, personalized recommendation from our experts on which procedure is the perfect fit for your eyes and lifestyle.

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Explore Each Option in Detail

Learn more about EVO ICL™

Discover how this advanced lens works with your natural eye to correct vision without removing corneal tissue, making it a great option for high prescriptions.
Learn more about LASIK

Explore the most popular vision correction procedure, known for its remarkable precision and incredibly fast visual recovery, often in just 24 hours.
Learn more about PRK

Find out why this powerful, flap-free laser procedure is an excellent alternative for patients with thinner corneas or those with highly active lifestyles.