- Dr. Chu was the first surgeon in Minnesota to implant the original ICL in 1999
- You’ll get time with Dr. Chu before, during, and at your follow-up
- More than 100 clinical trials for the FDA have been completed at Chu Vision
- Dr. Chu has been featured on local and national TV interviews as an expert in ophthalmology
- Chu Vision is on the leading edge of EVO ICL procedures
- Our entire team has a friendly and cheerful bedside manner.
ABOUT EVO ICL
While laser vision correction surgery like LASIK and PRK can be ideal in addressing refractive errors, some people do not qualify. This is commonly due to astigmatism, extreme nearsightedness, abnormally thin corneas, or a history of dry eye. Implantable contact lenses (ICLs), also known as phakic intraocular lens implants, can work as a solution for these patients and provide significant vision improvement. The EVO ICL is implanted on the natural crystalline lens of the eye, behind the cornea and iris, and works to provide clear vision for patients with moderate to severe myopia (nearsightedness). The phakic intraocular lens implantation works much like traditional contacts, except they are implanted by a surgeon and designed to stay in place, either permanently or over the long term. Early clinical outcomes show they are generally very well-tolerated and compatible with the eye chemistry. At Chu Vision Institute, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu offers the EVO ICL lens to fit your unique vision needs. To find out if you’re a good candidate for an EVO ICL procedure, reach out to our office in Minneapolis, MN.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR EVO ICLs
If you have a high degree of myopia (nearsightedness) or moderate myopic astigmatism but have been told you don’t qualify for other types of refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK, you are likely a good candidate for implantable collamer lens (ICL). EVO ICL surgery is intended for patients who:
- Are generally healthy
- Want a vision correction alternative to glasses or traditional contacts
- Have a moderate to high degree of myopia, with or without astigmatism
- Are between the ages of 21 – 45
- Have had a stable eye prescription
To fully determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, a Chu Vision doctor will perform a thorough eye examination and review your medical history at your EVO ICL consultation. Patients with glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus may not qualify for implantable collamer lens implantation.
OUR LENS OPTIONS – EVO ICL
We are pleased to offer the EVO/EVO+ ICL for our patients who want to correct their vision with implantable lenses and improve their visual performance.
The EVO ICL (implantable collamer lens) is inserted behind the iris so your natural lens will stay in place. This innovative EVO lens is used to correct vision in patients with astigmatism and nearsightedness. With the EVO ICL, you can have clear, sharp vision without glasses or traditional contacts. The EVO lens is designed to stay in place comfortably and permanently, but it is removable should you change your mind in the future.
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH IMPLANTABLE LENSES
We will place your implantable EVO lenses during an outpatient procedure performed at our facility in Minneapolis. Before starting your surgery, we will numb your eyes to keep you comfortable, and we may also give you light anesthesia. Dr. Chu will utilize advanced technology to create a very tiny opening on the outer portion of your cornea before folding the lens and situating it in the proper place in your eye. The procedure is relatively quick, lasting about 20 – 30 minutes in total. ICLs are done one eye at a time, unlike other refractive laser surgeries.
EXPECTED RESULTS
After your EVO ICL procedure, you should be able to quickly return to your normal activities. Our staff will review any important follow-up instructions, such as not rubbing your eyes for several days. We will prescribe eye drops that you’ll need to use for the next week or so. Over the next 48 hours, you can expect your vision to improve as your eyes recover and adjust to the new lenses. For some patients, it can take up to four weeks to see full outcomes. With the EVO ICL, patients are able to experience clear long-term vision without needing traditional contact lenses or eyeglasses. As an added benefit, there is virtually no risk of dry eye symptoms with ICLs since no corneal tissue is removed.
SOLUTIONS FOR VISION CORRECTION
If you have been told you cannot have laser vision correction procedures and would like to explore other vision correction options, contact our team at Chu Vision Institute in Minneapolis, MN. We would be happy to share more about implantable collamer lens options to improve your quality of sight and sharpen your vision. The ICLs are minimally invasive lenses that have helped many patients become less dependent on prescription eyewear with amazing visual outcomes and permanent vision correction. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chu.