Achieve Crystal-Clear Vision Without Glasses or Contact Lenses
Are you tired of depending on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly? If you have moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia) with or without astigmatism, EVO ICL surgery might be the life-changing solution you’ve been searching for. At Aurora LASIK in Lacey, WA, our board-certifiedophthalmologists have helped hundreds of patients from Tacoma, Olympia, and throughout the Pacific Northwest achieve exceptional vision through this innovative, reversible procedure.
Unlike traditional laser vision correction surgery, EVO ICL is advanced vision correction that doesn’t remove any corneal tissue. Instead, a biocompatible lens is gently implanted inside your eye to correct your vision—and if your prescription changes or you simply want the procedure reversed, it can be removed. With 99% patient satisfaction rates and FDA approval, EVO ICL represents the future of vision correction for patients who want the best possible outcomes.
- What Is EVO ICL? Understanding Implantable Collamer Lens Technology
- How EVO ICL Works: The Science Behind the Vision
- The Benefits of EVO ICL: Why Patients Choose This Vision Correction Option
- Who Is a Good Candidate for EVO ICL?
- The EVO ICL Procedure: What to Expect Step-by-Step
- Recovery and Results: When Will I See Clearly?
What Is EVO ICL? Understanding Implantable Collamer Lens Technology
EVO ICL, also known as an Implantable Collamer® Lens, is a revolutionary vision correction procedure that uses a tiny, prescription-specific lens to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK or PRK, which reshape your cornea, EVO ICL works by implanting a biocompatible lens inside your eye—positioned between your natural lens and your iris—to focus light directly onto your retina.
The “EVO” in EVO ICL stands for “Enhanced Vision Optics,” representing the latest generation of this proven technology. The lens itself is made from Collamer, a biocompatible material that has been safely used in eye surgery for over 20 years. Your body recognizes Collamer as a natural part of your eye, which is why the procedure is so well-tolerated and produces such excellent long-term outcomes.
Key Facts About EVO ICL:
- FDA-Approved: The EVO ICL received FDA approval in 2018 and has been performed over 1 million times worldwide
- Biocompatible Material: Made from Collamer, a material your eye naturally accepts
- Additive Technology: No corneal tissue is removed—the lens is added to your eye
- Reversible: The procedure can be reversed if your prescription changes or you choose to have it removed
- Invisible: The lens is positioned behind your iris and cannot be seen by others
- Maintenance-Free: Once implanted, the lens requires no special care or maintenance
How EVO ICL Works: The Science Behind the Vision
To understand how EVO ICL corrects your vision, it helps to know how your eye focuses light. In a normal eye, light enters through the cornea and lens, which bend (refract) the light rays to focus them on the retina at the back of your eye. The retina then sends this focused image to your brain, allowing you to see clearly.
In nearsighted eyes (myopia), the cornea or lens bends light too much, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear.
How EVO ICL Corrects This:
The EVO ICL lens is custom-made to your exact prescription. When implanted in front of your natural lens, it works alongside your eye’s natural focusing system to bend light rays to the correct angle, ensuring they focus precisely on your retina. This allows you to see clearly at all distances—near, far, and everything in between.
The procedure corrects myopia ranging from -3.0 D to -20.0 D and astigmatism from 1.0 D to 4.0 D, making it ideal for patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness who may not be candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or high prescriptions.
Why Collamer Material Matters:
Collamer is a revolutionary material that combines the best properties of silicone and acrylic. It’s:
- 100% biocompatible: Your eye’s immune system doesn’t reject it
- Anti-reflective: Minimizes glare and halos, especially at night
- UV-protective: Built-in UV protection helps shield your eye from harmful rays
- Stable: Maintains its shape and optical properties indefinitely
The Benefits of EVO ICL: Why Patients Choose This Vision Correction Option
EVO ICL offers a unique combination of benefits that make it an attractive option for vision correction. Here’s why our patients choose this procedure:
1. Exceptional Visual Clarity
EVO ICL delivers sharp, crisp vision–day and night1,2 Many patients report that their vision is even clearer than it was with glasses or contact lenses, with reduced glare and halos compared to other vision correction procedures.
2. No Dry Eye Induction
One of the most significant advantages of EVO ICL is that it does not cause or worsen dry eye syndrome.3 Unlike LASIK, which can reduce tear production by disrupting corneal nerves, EVO ICL leaves your cornea completely untouched. This makes it an ideal choice for patients who already suffer from dry eyes or those concerned about developing this common post-LASIK complication.
3. Ideal for High Prescriptions
If you have severe myopia (extreme nearsightedness), you may not be a candidate for LASIK or PRK due to the amount of corneal tissue that would need to be removed. EVO ICL can correct prescriptions up to -20.0 D, making it perfect for patients with very high prescriptions who want excellent vision correction.
4. Perfect for Thin Corneas
Patients with naturally thin corneas often cannot undergo LASIK because there isn’t enough corneal tissue to safely reshape. EVO ICL doesn’t require corneal reshaping, making it an excellent option for these patients.4
5. Reversible and Removable
Unlike LASIK or PRK, which permanently reshape your cornea, EVO ICL can be removed if your prescription changes significantly or if you simply want the procedure reversed. This reversibility provides peace of mind and flexibility for your long-term vision care.
6. Quick Recovery
Most patients experience significant vision improvement within 24-48 hours and can return to normal activities, including work, within a few days. This rapid recovery means less disruption to your life.
7. Built-In UV Protection
The Collamer material includes built-in UV protection, helping to shield your eye from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This is an added benefit that provides long-term eye health protection.
Who Is a Good Candidate for EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is an excellent option for many patients, but not everyone is a candidate. Here’s what you need to know about candidacy:
Ideal Candidates Have:
- Age 21-45: Your eyes should be fully developed and your prescription stable
- Stable Prescription: Your prescription should not have changed significantly for at least 1 year
- Moderate to Severe Myopia:Nearsightedness between -3.0 D and -20.0 D
- Astigmatism (Optional): Up to 4.0 D of astigmatism
- Healthy Eyes: No significant eye diseases or conditions
- Adequate Anterior Chamber Depth: Your eye must have sufficient space for the lens (measured during your consultation)
- Good Overall Health: No systemic conditions that would interfere with healing
EVO ICL May Be Right for You If:
- You have thin corneas (not a candidate for LASIK)
- You have dry eye syndrome or are concerned about developing it
- You have a very high prescription (beyond LASIK limits)
- You want a reversible vision correction option
- You’re looking for minimal downtime and quick recovery
- You want to avoid corneal reshaping
Who May NOT Be a Candidate:
- Patients under 21 or over 45 years old
- Patients with unstable prescriptions
- Patients with certain eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, retinal conditions)
- Patients with insufficient anterior chamber depth
- Patients with active eye infections or inflammation
- Pregnant or nursing women (should wait until after pregnancy and nursing)
- Patients with certain systemic conditions affecting healing
The best way to determine if you’re a candidate is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an eye doctor at Aurora LASIK. We’ll perform detailed measurements and eye health assessments to determine if EVO ICL is right for you.
The EVO ICL Procedure: What to Expect Step-by-Step
Understanding what happens during your EVO ICL procedure can help ease any anxiety and prepare you for the experience. Here’s exactly what to expect:
Before Your Procedure:
Pre-Operative Measurements: During your consultation, we’ll perform a comprehensive eye exam and take precise measurements of your eye, including your prescription, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth. These measurements are used to custom-create your EVO ICL lens specifically for your eye.
Contact Lens Discontinuation: If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to stop wearing them before your procedure:
- Soft contact lenses: Stop 3-5 days before surgery
- Hard or rigid gas-permeable lenses: Stop 2-3 weeks before surgery
This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape, ensuring accurate measurements.
Pre-Operative Exam: The day before or morning of your procedure, we’ll perform a final eye exam to ensure everything is ready and your eyes are healthy.
The Outpatient Procedure (Approximately 20-30 Minutes):
Step 1: Numbing Drops
Your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops. You won’t feel pain during the procedure, though you may feel slight pressure or mild discomfort.
Step 2: Creating the Incision
Our surgeon will create a small incision (2.6-3.0mm) at the edge of your cornea. This tiny incision is self-sealing and typically doesn’t require stitches.
Step 3: Inserting the EVO ICL
The folded EVO ICL lens is gently inserted through the small incision using a specialized injector. Once inside your eye, the lens unfolds to its proper position.
Step 4: Positioning the Lens
The surgeon carefully positions the lens behind your iris and in front of your natural lens. The lens is designed to stay in place permanently, though it can be removed if needed.
Step 5: Closing the Incision
The small incision is checked to ensure it’s properly sealed. In most cases, no stitches are needed as the incision is self-sealing.
The entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes per eye. If you’re having both eyes done, they’re typically performed on the same day, one after the other.
During the Procedure:
- You’ll be awake but relaxed (optional sedation is available)
- You may see light and feel slight pressure
- You won’t experience pain due to numbing drops
- You may hear the sound of surgical instruments
- The procedure is quick and straightforward
Recovery and Results: When Will I See Clearly?
One of the biggest advantages of EVO ICL is the rapid recovery and quick vision improvement. Here’s what to expect:
Immediate Post-Op (First Few Hours):
- Your vision will be blurry immediately after surgery
- Your eyes may feel slightly scratchy or uncomfortable
- You may experience mild irritation or a foreign body sensation
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Rest at home for the remainder of the day
First 24-48 Hours:
- Vision Improvement: Most patients notice significant vision improvement within 24-48 hours
- Mild Discomfort: You may experience mild discomfort, which is easily managed with prescribed eye drops
- Light Sensitivity: Your eyes may be sensitive to light; wear sunglasses when outdoors
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, and contact sports
- Eye Drops: Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as directed
First Week:
- Vision Continues to Improve: Your vision will continue to sharpen throughout the first week
- Return to Work: Most patients can return to desk work and normal activities within 3-5 days
- Mild Symptoms: You may experience mild dryness, slight halos around lights at night, or minor fluctuations in vision
- Follow-Up Appointment: You’ll have a post-op exam 24 hours after surgery
- Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and contact sports
First Month:
- Vision Stabilization: Your vision will continue to stabilize and improve
- Reduced Symptoms: Any halos, glare, or dryness typically diminish significantly
- Normal Activities: You can resume most normal activities, including exercise
- Contact Sports: You can typically return to contact sports after 1-2 weeks (with protective eyewear)
- Swimming: Avoid swimming and hot tubs for at least 1-2 weeks
Long-Term (3+ Months):
- Stable Vision: Your vision reaches its final, stable state
- Excellent Outcomes: 99% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
- Minimal Maintenance: The lens requires no special care or maintenance
- Permanent Results: Your vision remains stable for decades
Important Recovery Guidelines:
- Use Prescribed Drops: Follow your doctor’s instructions for eye drops exactly
- Avoid Rubbing: Don’t rub your eyes for at least 1 week
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors and avoid dusty environments
- Attend Follow-Ups: Keep all scheduled post-op appointments
- Report Problems: Contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, vision loss, or other concerning symptoms
Patient Success Stories
Hearing directly from patients who have undergone EVO ICL surgery is one of the best ways to understand the real-world impact of this procedure. At Aurora LASIK, we’re proud to share the experiences of our patients from Tacoma, Olympia, Lacey, and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In these videos, you’ll hear directly from patients about:
- Why they chose EVO ICL over other vision correction options
- What the procedure experience was actually like
- How their vision has improved since surgery
- How EVO ICL and clearer vision has changed their daily lives
- Their honest feedback and recommendations
Potential Risks & Complications: What You Should Know
While EVO ICL is a safe and effective procedure, like all surgical procedures, it carries some risks. We believe in complete transparency about potential complications so you can make an informed decision. Here’s what you should know:
Common Side Effects (Usually Temporary):
These side effects typically resolve within days to weeks:
- Mild eye discomfort or irritation
- Temporary blurred or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- Mild dryness
- Halos or glare around lights (especially at night)
- Mild inflammation
Rare but Serious Complications:
1. Cataract Development
- Incidence: Approximately 0.03-0.1% of patients develop cataracts within 5 years
- Cause: The lens can occasionally touch the natural lens, potentially accelerating cataract formation
- Mitigation: Our surgeons use precise positioning techniques to minimize this risk. Regular eye exams can detect early cataract formation
- Treatment: If cataracts develop, they can be surgically removed
2. Lens Displacement or Rotation
- Incidence: Less than 1% of cases
- Cause: The lens can occasionally shift from its intended position
- Mitigation: Proper surgical technique and adequate anterior chamber depth reduce this risk
- Treatment: The lens can be repositioned or removed if necessary
3. Infection
- Incidence: Extremely rare (less than 0.1%)
- Cause: Bacterial contamination during or after surgery
- Mitigation: Strict sterile surgical techniques and proper post-op care prevent infection
- Treatment: Antibiotics and close monitoring; in rare cases, lens removal may be necessary
4. Regression or Undercorrection
- Incidence: Approximately 5-10% of patients experience some regression
- Cause: The eye’s prescription may shift slightly over time
- Mitigation: Precise pre-operative measurements and custom lens creation minimize this risk
- Treatment: Enhancement procedures or contact lens use can address undercorrection
How We Minimize Risks:
- Precise Measurements: We use advanced technology to ensure accurate lens sizing
- Experienced Surgeons: Our board-certifiedophthalmologists have extensive EVO ICL experience
- Proper Positioning: Meticulous surgical technique ensures optimal lens placement
- Comprehensive Pre-Op Evaluation: We screen for conditions that might increase risk
- Detailed Post-Op Care: We provide clear instructions and close monitoring during recovery
- Regular Follow-Up: We monitor your eyes closely to detect any complications early
Important Safety Information:
EVO ICL is not recommended for:
- Patients with active eye infections or inflammation
- Patients with certain retinal conditions
- Patients with glaucoma or elevated eye pressure
- Patients with insufficient anterior chamber depth
- Pregnant or nursing women
If you have concerns about any of these risks, please discuss them with our doctors during your consultation. We’re committed to helping you make the best decision for your vision.
EVO ICL vs. LASIK vs. PRK: A Detailed Comparison
If you’re considering vision correction surgery, you may be wondering how EVO ICL compares to other popular options like LASIK and PRK. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences:
| Factor | EVO ICL | LASIK | PRK |
|---|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Implants lens inside eye | Reshapes cornea with laser | Reshapes cornea with laser (no flap) |
| Corneal Tissue Removed | None (additive) | Yes (subtractive) | Yes (subtractive) |
| Ideal Prescription Range | -3.0 to -20.0 D myopia | -1.0 to -12.0 D myopia | -1.0 to -10.0 D myopia |
| Astigmatism Correction | Up to 4.0 D | Up to 6.0 D | Up to 6.0 D |
| Thin Cornea Candidates | Excellent option | Not suitable | Not suitable |
| Dry Eye Risk | No induction | 20-30% experience dry eye | 10-15% experience dry eye |
| Recovery Time | 24-48 hours for significant improvement | 24 hours for significant improvement | 3-7 days for significant improvement |
| Return to Work | 3-5 days | 1-3 days | 3-7 days |
| Reversibility | Yes (can be removed) | No (permanent) | No (permanent) |
| Long-Term Stability | Excellent (10+ years) | Excellent (10+ years) | Excellent (10+ years) |
When to Choose EVO ICL:
- You have a very high prescription (-12.0 D or higher)
- You have thin corneas
- You have dry eye syndrome or are concerned about developing it
- You want a reversible procedure
- You want to preserve your corneal tissue
When to Choose LASIK:
- You have a moderate prescription (-1.0 to -12.0 D)
- You want the fastest recovery
- You want to return to work within 1-3 days
- You have adequate corneal thickness
- You’re not concerned about corneal tissue removal
When to Choose PRK:
- You have a moderate prescription
- You have thin corneas but don’t want an implant
- You’re willing to accept a longer recovery period
- You want to avoid the corneal flap creation of LASIK
The best choice depends on your individual prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, and personal preferences. Our doctors will help you determine which option is best for you during your consultation.
Insurance & Financing Options
EVO ICL is considered an elective procedure and is typically not covered by insurance. However, we offer several financing options to make this life-changing procedure affordable:
Insurance Coverage:
- Typically Not Covered: Most insurance plans classify EVO ICL as an elective cosmetic procedure
- Check Your Plan: Some plans may offer partial coverage; we recommend contacting your insurance provider
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You may be able to use FSA funds to pay for EVO ICL
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA): HSA funds can typically be used for vision correction procedures
Financing Options:
We work with our team to create affordable payment solutions tailored to your budget. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all available financing options and help you find a plan that works for you.
Cost Considerations:
The cost of EVO ICL varies based on several factors:
- Your prescription complexity
- Whether you’re having one or both eyes treated
- Any additional testing or consultations needed
We provide transparent pricing during your consultation and can discuss financing options that work for your budget.
What’s Included in Your Cost:
- Pre-operative consultation and testing
- Custom EVO ICL lens creation
- Surgical procedure
- Post-operative care and follow-up visits (typically for 6 months)
- Post-operative medications and eye drops
FAQs About EVO ICL
No. Your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops before the procedure, so you won’t feel pain. You may feel slight pressure or mild discomfort, but this is not painful. Most patients describe the experience as quick and comfortable.
The actual surgical procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes per eye. If you’re having both eyes done, plan for about 45-60 minutes total, including preparation time.
No. The EVO ICL is positioned behind your iris (the colored part of your eye) and cannot be seen by others. Your eye will look completely normal.
Yes. One of the unique advantages of EVO ICL is that it can be removed if your prescription changes significantly or if you simply want it removed. The procedure to remove or replace the lens is similar to the implantation procedure. If you need a different prescription, we can replace it with a new lens.
If your prescription changes slightly, you may be able to wear glasses or contact lenses over the EVO ICL for additional correction. If your prescription changes significantly, the lens can be removed and replaced with a new one, or you can have it removed and pursue another vision correction option.
EVO ICL provides stable, long-term vision correction. Clinical studies show that patients maintain excellent vision stability 10+ years after the procedure. The lens is designed to remain in your eye permanently, though it can be removed if needed.
Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better and don’t need glasses or contacts for distance vision. However, like all people, you may eventually need reading glasses as you age (presbyopia), typically around age 40-45. This is a natural part of aging and is not related to the EVO ICL procedure.
Why Choose Aurora LASIK for Your EVO ICL Surgery?
When it comes to something as important as your vision, you want to choose a practice with expertise, experience, and a commitment to excellence. Here’s why Aurora LASIK is the right choice for your EVO ICL procedure:
Our surgical team consists of board-certifiedophthalmologists with extensive training and experience in refractive surgery. Our doctors have:
- Completed medical school and ophthalmology residency
- Passed rigorous board certification exams
- Completed specialized fellowship training in refractive surgery
- Performed hundreds of successful EVO ICL procedures
We don’t just perform surgery—we ensure you’re the right candidate and that we understand your unique vision needs:
- Advanced diagnostic testing and measurements
- Thorough eye health assessment
- Detailed discussion of expectations and risks
- Customized treatment plan
We use the latest diagnostic and surgical technology to ensure optimal outcomes:
- Advanced anterior segment imaging
- Precise lens measurement systems
- Modern surgical equipment
- Continuous technology updates
Our entire team—from pre-operative coordinators to surgical nurses to post-operative staff—is trained and experienced in EVO ICL procedures. This ensures a smooth, professional experience from your first consultation through your final follow-up.
We treat each patient as an individual with unique needs and concerns:
- Detailed consultations to answer all your questions
- Clear explanation of the procedure and what to expect
- Compassionate, patient-focused care
- Accessible doctors and staff
Your care doesn’t end when surgery is complete. We provide:
- Detailed post-operative instructions
- Prescribed medications and eye drops
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Immediate access to our doctors if you have concerns
- Long-term vision monitoring
Located in Lacey, WA, Aurora LASIK is conveniently accessible to patients from Tacoma, Olympia, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy life.
We believe in complete transparency about costs and offer flexible financing options to make EVO ICL affordable for our patients.
Our patients consistently rate their experience highly, with 99%+ satisfaction rates. We’re proud of the life-changing results we’ve helped our patients achieve.
Take Your First Step Toward Visual Freedom
If you’re ready to experience the freedom of clear vision without glasses or contact lenses, EVO ICL may be the perfect solution for you. The first step is a comprehensive consultation with one of our board-certifiedophthalmologists.
Schedule Your Free EVO ICL Consultation Today
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Perform a thorough eye examination
- Take precise measurements to determine if you’re a candidate
- Discuss your vision goals and expectations
- Answer all your questions about the procedure
- Explain your financing options
- Help you decide if EVO ICL is right for you
Contact Aurora LASIK today to schedule your consultation.
1 Parkhurst GD. A prospective comparison of phakic collamer lenses and wavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:1209-1215. Accessed December 3, 2025.
2 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125. Accessed December 3, 2025.
3 Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A. Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017;11:1253-1263. Accessed December 3, 2025.
4 Parkhurst GD, Psolka M, Kezirian GM. Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in United States Military Warfighters: A Retrospective Analysis of Early Clinical Outcomes of the Visian ICL. J Refract Surg. 2011;27(7):473-481. Accessed December 3, 2025.
