EVO ICL, Implantable Contact Lenses in Minneapolis

At the end of March 2022, the FDA approved the new and improved EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) by Staar Surgical!

What is EVO?

This is an exciting technology for vision correction. This tiny lens is inserted into the eye to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness (usually a prescription of more than -3.0). While contact lenses sit on the front surface of your eye, implantable contact lens is a permanent contact lens that sits inside the eye, right behind the pupil and in front of the natural lens to correct the prescription.

How is the ICL different from other procedures?

Unlike LASIK, the EVO ICL procedure does not remove tissue from the cornea, the front surface of the eye. It is also different from a Refractive Lens Exchange surgery or cataract surgery. In those procedures, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The ICL sits in front of the natural lens without altering the eye’s natural structure. This gives patients the option to have it removed at any time for any reason, while LASIK and Lens Exchange are permanent changes to the eye.

Let’s say that again: It’s Permanent, yet REVERSIBLE if desired

Kristen's Testimonial

Kristen speaks about her experience at Chu Vision Institute. She received EVO lens procedure and had an excellent experience with the staff.

What to expect from the ICL Procedure?

The procedure takes about 20 minutes to complete. In our surgery center, you will be given a light sedation in the operating room. The surgeon makes a small incision in the eye. The ICL is carefully inserted and positioned behind the iris. After the lens is in place the tiny incision begins to heal itself, so there is no need for stitches. We typically do both eyes on the same day, one after the other.

Visual results after EVO

Many patients need a few days to adjust to their vision with the ICL, but then can see clearly and return to their daily routines. Patients often report their vision is as good as or better than it was with glasses. This includes quality night vision, as well as daytime vision. More than 1 million ICLs have been implanted all around the world with excellent outcomes (99% satisfaction rate!). And now we finally have access to this newest ICL technology right here in Minneapolis!

Dr. Chu has been using implantable contact lenses since they were first introduced in the United States more than 15 years ago. His patients love the fact that the ICL is a permanent solution for reducing or eliminating the need for contacts and glasses for a wide range of prescriptions. ICL patients report less dry eye than LASIK patients, since no tissue is removed from the cornea. If you are looking for a permanent vision correction solution, the EVO ICL could be for you!

Come and meet our vision correction experts at Chu Vision Institute and we can help match you to the right technology for your eyes. Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.