If you’re tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses and are exploring your options for permanent vision correction, the EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. This advanced, additive procedure delivers exceptionally clear vision — day and night — without removing any corneal tissue, making it a compelling alternative to LASIK for patients with high prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eye concerns.
At Cornerstone Eye Associates, our STAAR Certified surgeons have extensive experience performing EVO ICL procedures for patients throughout Rochester, Victor, and the greater Western New York area. With a track record of outstanding outcomes and a commitment to personalized, evidence-based care, our team is uniquely qualified to guide you toward the vision correction solution that best fits your lifestyle and visual needs.
What is the EVO ICL?
Visian ICL was FDA approved in 2005, and EVO ICL was FDA approved in 2022. The ICL is approved for the treatment of nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Made of a collagen-based material designed to work in harmony with your natural eye, the EVO ICL is soft, flexible, and visually undetectable.
This lens is implanted during a short procedure at the Cornerstone Surgery Center through a small incision using IV sedation and eye drop anesthetic. Unlike lens replacement surgery (cataract or Clear Lens Exchange), where your natural lens is removed, the ICL is implanted between your iris and natural lens — leaving your eye’s existing structure intact. While designed to be a permanent vision correction solution, the EVO ICL can be removed or exchanged if overcorrection, undercorrection, complications, or changes in vision occur over time.
Benefits of EVO ICL
For those with larger prescriptions, glasses can be heavy and may not provide clear vision in the periphery. Fortunately, the EVO ICL is ideal for a prescription range between -3 to -20 — beyond what can typically be corrected with LASIK or PRK. Because the lens works with your eye rather than altering its structure, many patients experience immediate improvement in visual quality with minimal disruption to daily life.
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Quick Recovery & Excellent Visual Results, Day & Night
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99.4% of surveyed patients would have the procedure again
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Great Option for Those With Thin Corneas
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UV Protection & Removable
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Reduced Risk of Dry Eye Syndrome
Why Choose Cornerstone Eye Associates for EVO ICL?
When it comes to vision correction, experience and expertise matter. The surgeons at Cornerstone Eye Associates are STAAR Certified EVO ICL specialists who stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in implantable lens technology. We perform all EVO ICL procedures at our state-of-the-art, on-site Cornerstone Surgery Center — a comfortable, safe environment designed entirely with our patients in mind.
From your initial evaluation to your post-operative follow-up appointments, our dedicated team takes a thorough, individualized approach. We ensure you are a strong candidate for the procedure, walk you through what to expect at every stage, and remain available to address your questions and concerns throughout the process. We believe that informed patients make confident decisions, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Ready to explore life without glasses or contact lenses? Contact Cornerstone Eye Associates today to schedule your EVO ICL consultation — call us at (585) 420-8158 We look forward to helping you achieve the clear, lasting vision you deserve.
FAQs
The ICL is designed to be a permanent correction for nearsightedness. However, a benefit of the ICL lens is that it can be removed if the need ever arises. If your vision changes, additional correction may be performed through laser vision correction (candidacy required).
Since being approved by the FDA in 2005, over one million ICL procedures have been performed. The soft and flexible lens is made from a bio-material called collamer, which will not be rejected by the body as a foreign object or cause any reactions.
Additional benefits include a reduced risk of dry eyes when compared to LASIK, because corneal nerves are not disturbed during the procedure. The ICL also provides UV protection to the inner eye!
However, there are always risks with any surgery. Risks, although low, include infection, increased intraocular pressure, and earlier onset of cataracts, among others. Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you during your exam.
One of the most significant differences between the two vision correction procedures is that the ICL implant can be a great option for patients with thin corneas who may not qualify for LASIK. On the other hand, LASIK is approved to correct more visual irregularities, including farsightedness and nearsightedness with or without astigmatism.
In addition, the ICL is permanent but removable and does not cause dry eye syndrome.
