EVO ICL™

At Aloha Laser Vision, our eye doctors are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in vision correction. By doing so, our team is proud to offer a variety of vision correction options to help our patients achieve their best possible vision without glasses and contacts, including the EVO ICL. Dr. Alan Faulkner was the first physician in Hawaii certified to offer the original ICL and has implanted more ICL lenses in the state over the past 17 years, earning Aloha Laser Vision a reputation throughout Hawaii as a Center of Excellence. Furthermore, Dr. Faulkner was one of the few surgeons in the country selected for the EVO ICL FDA study and his partner, Dr. Neda Nikpoor, was the first ophthalmologist in Hawaii to implant the FDA-approved EVO ICL and first certified female ophthalmologist in the United States.

• What is the EVO ICL?
• EVO ICL Advantages
• EVO ICL Candidates
• EVO ICL FAQs

What Is the EVO ICL?

The EVO lens is an additive technology that is placed between the iris and natural lens to correct the blurred vision associated with myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Similar to a contact lens, the EVO lens does not replace the eye’s natural lens, but rather serves as a supplement. The EVO lens is removable for added peace of mind and, unlike LASIK eye surgery, the procedure does not permanently alter the eye.

The EVO lens has an extremely high patient satisfaction rating, with 99.4% of patients saying they would undergo the procedure again because of the quick recovery time; sharp, clear vision both day and night; and the added benefit of built-in UV protection.

Advantages of the EVO ICL

The EVO ICL is intended to be a permanent vision correction solution, but many of our Hawaii patients appreciate the procedure’s ability to be reversed. The EVO lens requires no maintenance and is entirely undetectable to both the patient and others. The EVO lens is also more versatile than other methods of vision correction, with the capacity to correct a wider range of nearsightedness and astigmatism than LASIK or PRK.

The EVO ICL is also an attractive option for patients who are concerned about safety. It is made of Collamer^®, a biocompatible material that works in harmony with the natural eye to deliver sharp, clear vision. Furthermore, the EVO lens has been approved by the FDA based upon both safety and efficacy. To date, over 2 million successful ICL procedures have been performed worldwide.

Candidates for the EVO ICL

You are probably a good candidate for the EVO ICL if:

• You suffer from mild to severe myopia (with or without astigmatism)
• You are between 21 and 45 years old
• You have shown proper anterior chamber depth and adequate eye tissue cell density during your comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Faulkner or Dr. Nikpoor
• Your eyeglass prescription has been stable for the last year
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have relatively good ocular health
• You do not suffer from glaucoma

EVO ICL FAQs

Patients considering the EVO ICL often have many questions about the lens and procedure before deciding to proceed with the life-changing procedure. To help you get as much information as possible, we have provided answers to many of the most common questions Dr. Faulkner and Dr. Nikpoor receive from patients regarding EVO:

• What does ICL stand for?
• How long does the EVO ICL last?
• What is the EVO ICL made of?
• Does the EVO ICL require any maintenance?
• Can the EVO ICL be removed?
• Does the EVO ICL replace my natural lens?
• What should I expect during the procedure to place the EVO ICL?
• How long after placement of the EVO ICL will I notice improvement in my vision?
• Will I still need glasses or contacts with the EVO ICL?
• Will I be able to feel or see the EVO ICL in my eye?
• Is the EVO ICL right for me?

What does ICL stand for?

The “ICL” in EVO ICL stands for “Implantable Collamer^® Lens.” However, as a more general term, ICL can also stand for “implantable contact lens.”

How long does the EVO ICL last?

The EVO lens is meant to provide lasting vision correction. It is designed to remain inside of the eye long-term, unless circumstances arise in which the lens must be removed or replaced. Most patients develop cataracts over their lifetime, and the EVO can be removed at the same time as cataract surgery. One benefit of the EVO ICL is the fact it does not alter the natural eye. This allows patients to have options for advanced technology cataract lenses that they may not be candidates for if they have laser vision correction.

What is the EVO ICL made of?

The EVO ICL is made of Collamer^® — a soft, flexible, biocompatible material. The name “Collamer^®” is a combination of the words “collagen,” a substance found naturally in the body, and “polymer.” The material’s proprietary composition of purified collagen allows it to feel natural and function reliably within the eye.

Does the EVO ICL require any maintenance?

There is no additional maintenance required with the EVO ICL beyond annual checkups with an eye care professional to monitor eye health.

Can the EVO ICL be removed?

If necessary, the EVO ICL can easily be removed from the eye by your surgeon. The lens can also be replaced with another type of lens implant during the same procedure, if desired.

Does the EVO ICL replace my natural lens?

The EVO ICL does not replace the eye’s natural lens; rather, it supplements the natural lens to correct vision.

What should I expect during the EVO ICL procedure?

The procedure to place the EVO ICL is typically quick and virtually painless. The majority of patients report being very comfortable throughout the procedure, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Generally, both eyes are treated at the same time. To begin, a light sedative may be administered to relax you and numbing drops are applied to the eye. The EVO ICL is placed through a very small opening and positioned behind the iris, in front of the eye’s natural lens. The unique design of the EVO lens helps it remain in place without further care. Once placement is complete, the opening should seal by itself, and most patients experience an immediate visual improvement.

How long after placement of the EVO ICL will I notice improvement in my vision?

Patients typically notice an improvement in vision immediately after the quick procedure.

Will I still need glasses or contacts with the EVO ICL?

Patients who receive the EVO ICL can expect to see as well as they see in glasses or contacts, and many are able to achieve clear, 20/20 vision. For patients with presbyopia (age-related near vision loss) reading glasses will still be necessary for close vision, though many of these patients opt for monovision to reduce their dependence on reading glasses.

Will I be able to feel or see the EVO ICL in my eye?

Once in place, the EVO ICL is virtually undetectable by sight and feel. Only a trained eye care professional using special equipment will be able to notice the presence of your lens.

Is the EVO ICL right for me?

If you believe you may be a good candidate for the EVO ICL, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Faulkner or Dr. Nikpoor. During your appointment, they will perform a comprehensive eye exam and vision analysis and discuss the best options available for improving your vision.

At Aloha Laser Vision, we believe that residents of Hawaii should be able to enjoy the full spectrum of the island’s beauty and unique lifestyle. By investing in the EVO ICL or another vision correction procedure, you are investing in your freedom to pursue all that Hawaii has to offer. Snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, nature hikes, and more can now be enjoyed without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.

To learn more about the EVO ICL, contact our office today.

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*Individual Results May Vary