Intraocular Lenses and EVO ICL

As vision technology rapidly changes, so to do the terms used to describe the varying products and procedures used. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants to help you better understand what makes EVO ICL (EVO) such an innovative alternative from ordinary corrective lenses or invasive LASIK procedures.

What are intraocular lenses?

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are medical devices that are commonly implanted inside the eye to replace the eye's natural lens when it is removed during cataract surgery. IOLs also are used for a type of vision correction surgery called refractive lens exchange, which treats people who suffer from farsightedness.

Like your eye's natural lens, an IOL focuses light that comes into your eye through the cornea and pupil onto the retina, the sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that relays images through the optic nerve to the brain. Most IOLs are made of a flexible, foldable material and are about one-third of the size of a dime. Like the lenses of prescription eyeglasses, your IOLs will contain the appropriate prescription to give you the best vision possible.

Different IOL types include:

• Monofocal Lens
• Multifocal or accommodative lenses
• Toric Lens
• Phakic Intraocular Lens (EVO ICL)

Toric Lenses

The term "toric contact lenses" is most often used to describe specially designed soft contact lenses that correct astigmatism. Most toric contacts for astigmatism are indeed soft lenses — made either of a conventional hydrogel material or a highly breathable silicone hydrogel.

Toric soft contact lenses for astigmatism differ from regular ("spherical") soft contacts that correct only myopia or hyperopia in two important ways:

1. Toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct the varying amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness in different meridians of the eye.
2. Toric lenses have a design feature that enables the lens to rotate to the proper orientation on the cornea so the lens aligns with the appropriate meridians of the eye resulting in clear vision.

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL falls into the category of Phakic Intraocular Lens, or lenses that are inserted into the eye and work with the natural lens. First developed in 1992, EVO ICL is now being used to treat nearsightedness and myopia all over the world.

EVO ICL, also known as Implantable Collamer Lenses, is a type of refractive procedure to help correct the most common visual problem, myopia. Simply put, ICL is a removable lens implant that is an attractive alternative to LASIK and other refractive procedures.

Due to the unique material in which it is made from, EVO ICL offers patients unique characteristics that make it an ideal solution for correcting your vision, such as being:

• Biocompatible
• Soft and Pliable
• Protective against harmful UV rays

EVO ICL is the only implantable lens that works in harmony with your natural eye. If you are searching for a great alternative to LASIK that will correct your moderate to severe nearsightedness, EVO ICL may be perfect for you. Find a doctor near you and discover the endless possibilities of EVO ICL today.