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Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL)

Clemson Eye has an excellent vision correction alternative for people with moderate to severe nearsightedness, particularly those with dry eyes or thin corneas.

The EVO ICL

The EVO ICL is an implantable collamer lens. It is a soft lens, like a contact lens, that is surgically placed into the eye. The lens works similarly to LASIK and PRK in that it permanently corrects your vision. Unlike these procedures, however, it doesn’t require cutting or reshaping of the corneal tissue and it is removable.

Good candidates for this procedure are people ages 21 to 45 who are nearsighted and have had stable vision for a year. The ICL is made to help correct patients with low myopia (‑3 diopters) to high myopia (‑20 diopters). It can be a preferred option for people with severe dry eyes or thin corneas.

FDA-approved, ICLs have been available for 10 years. To date, more than 500,000 ICLs have been implanted in patients worldwide, with excellent visual outcomes. The patient satisfaction rate to date is 99%.¹

Joe Jonas chose the EVO ICL procedure to help him get rid of the hassles of his contacts and glasses. Click here to read his full story!

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Advantages of ICLs

The EVO ICL is an advanced soft-material lens, composed of 100% biocompatible collagen copolymer. It provides permanent vision correction that is sharp and vivid. There is no maintenance associated with the lens, and it is intended to remain in place as long as you are satisfied with your vision. If at any point your vision changes or you wish to have them removed, this can be done easily. Because the cornea is in its natural state, you are able to pursue other vision correction options.

In short, the advantages of ICLs include:

Treats moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness).
Sharp, clear vision with great depth and dimension.
Excellent night vision.
Great for people with thin corneas.
Does not induce dry eye syndrome.
No natural corneal tissue is removed or reshaped during implantation.
Because ICLs maintain the eye’s structure, measurements required for possible future procedures are easier to identify, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes. Thus, ICLs mean better and more flexible options for future treatments.
UV protection built into the biocompatible lenses. Long-term or intense exposure to UV radiation can damage eyes, increasing the chance of eye disorders such as cataracts and some retinal problems.
99% patient satisfaction
Over 1 million procedures performed worldwide
Quick results
Can be removed if needed

How is the procedure performed?

The ICL procedure is an outpatient procedure is typically painless (and typically takes less than 20-30 minutes). Prior to the procedure, the patient receives topical anesthesia drops to minimize discomfort. Then the eye surgeon creates a very small opening to insert the lens into the eye with an injector. Once the lens is injected, it unfolds in the eye and the procedure is complete. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort and return to work the next day. You can experience improved vision right away and a quick recovery time.

What are the risks?

The risks of implantable contact lenses are similar to those of other refractive procedures like LASIK and PRK. However, ICLs do not have the complications associated with physically changing the shape of the eye. In addition, if any complications should occur, ICLs are removable. Complications related to ICLs include infection, increased intraocular pressure, and the possibility of accidental damage to the crystalline lens during the procedure. In most cases, these complications can be corrected by the eye surgeon. Before considering ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about EVO ICL surgery, especially the potential benefits, risks, and complications.

Who is not a candidate?

At Clemson Eye, we always recommend that you have a vision consultation to determine your best vision correction plan. If ICLs are not a good option for you, we can consider other options.

Patients who have undergone any ophthalmic surgery or who have a history of eye diseases such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy are not considered good candidates for ICLs. In addition, ICLs may not be the best course of action for patients:

Whose eye prescription has changed in the last year.
Without a large enough anterior cell density.
With an anterior chamber depth of less than 3.00 mm.
Who are pregnant or nursing.
With uncontrolled dry eye or blepharitis.
With corneal endothelial dystrophy.
EVO ICL is not for those with a history of eye disease.

Clemson Eye is the Only Practice in Upstate Offering ICLs

Through implantable contact lenses, we can offer patients with moderate to severe myopia a high quality of vision and excellent, stable outcomes. We are proud to be the only eye surgeons in the Upstate currently offering this refractive procedure.

$200 Consultation Fee *

*The consultation fee will be applied to the overall pricing of the surgery when scheduled.

¹ICL in Treatment of Myopia (ITM) Study Group. United States Food and Drug Administration clinical trial of the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) for moderate to high myopia. Ophthalmology. 2004;111:1683-1692.

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