Find all the answers about the procedure, recovery, costs, and candidacy requirements for EVO ICL below.
Yes. EVO ICL is FDA-approved and has helped millions of patients achieve clear vision without glasses or contacts. Most people experience sharp vision and high satisfaction with very few complications. If you're not a LASIK candidate, EVO ICL may be the best long-term solution for you.
Yes. The original ICL technology received FDA approval in 2005. The most recent version, EVO ICL, was approved in 2022. EVO ICL offers updated safety features and a streamlined design for a more comfortable experience.
The lens is made from a biocompatible material called Collamer, which contains collagen, a substance naturally found in your body. This makes it gentle and safe for long-term use inside the eye.
The EVO ICL is made by STAAR Surgical, a trusted company with decades of experience in implantable lenses for vision correction.
EVO ICL is a vision correction procedure that uses a small, soft lens implanted inside the eye to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. The lens is placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
Instead of reshaping the cornea like LASIK, EVO ICL corrects vision by adding a lens that bends light properly onto the retina. This helps you see clearly without glasses or contacts.
Yes. If your vision needs change later in life or another procedure becomes a better fit, the lens can be removed or replaced.
Millions of EVO ICL lenses have been implanted worldwide, with high patient satisfaction and long-term safety results. It’s especially popular among patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK.
No. The lens is placed behind your iris (the colored part of your eye), so it's invisible to others. You won’t feel it, and it doesn’t move or attach to any part of the eye.
The lens is designed to remain in your eye long term. It can stay in place until you're older and may need cataract surgery. At that point, it can be safely removed and replaced during the procedure.
EVO ICL can give you 20/20 vision or better, depending on your individual vision needs and the accuracy of the procedure. Many patients achieve excellent results with clearer, sharper vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
Studies show that 99% of EVO ICL patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, and many reach 20/20 or even 20/15 vision.
No. The lens sits behind your iris, so it’s not visible. Only your eye doctor will be able to tell it’s there during an exam.
Both EVO ICL and LASIK are safe and effective procedures, but they work differently. EVO ICL may be a better option for patients with high prescriptions, thin corneas, or dry eyes. LASIK is often preferred for those with moderate prescriptions and healthy corneas.
Both procedures are safe and effective when performed by an experienced surgeon. LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea, while EVO ICL places a removable lens inside the eye. EVO ICL is often chosen for patients with higher prescriptions, dry eyes, or thin corneas.
Yes. Many patients who aren’t eligible for LASIK due to thin corneas, dry eyes, or high prescriptions are good candidates for EVO ICL. A quick evaluation can confirm your eligibility.
Yes. EVO ICL typically costs more because it involves a custom lens implant and surgical expertise. However, many patients feel the long-term benefits are worth the investment.
At Utah Valley Eye Center, EVO ICL costs $3,800 per eye. This includes pre-op testing, surgery, and one year of follow-up care.
Yes. You’ll get $250 off per eye if you’re a:
We also offer easy in-house financing and accept FSA/HSA funds.
No, EVO ICL is considered an elective procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, we offer several flexible payment options to make it affordable.
You may be a candidate if you:
The best way to know is to book a free consultation.
EVO ICL may not be right if you:
The ideal age for EVO ICL is typically between 21 and 45. Patients outside this range may still be candidates. Your doctor will evaluate your eye health and vision stability before recommending the procedure.
While 45 is generally considered the upper limit for EVO ICL, certain patients may still be candidates based on their specific eye health. Your eye doctor will discuss whether ICL or another solution, like presbyopia correction, is a better fit.
The best age for EVO ICL surgery is typically between 21 and 45 years old. This range ensures that the eyes have stabilized and are more likely to achieve lasting results. If you're older, you may still qualify. Dr. Gardiner will go over all of your vision correction options at your free consultation.
Yes. EVO ICL is approved to correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism, making it a great option for patients with both conditions.
While EVO ICL is especially beneficial for high prescriptions, it's also a great option for those with moderate prescriptions who want a reversible solution that preserves the natural shape of the cornea.
Yes. EVO ICL does not affect the corneal nerves like LASIK, so it's a great option for people with dry eye syndrome.
Yes, but you’ll need to stop wearing contacts for a week before your evaluation so your natural prescription can be measured accurately.
Most side effects are minor and temporary, such as light sensitivity or dry eyes. Rare risks include:
All patients are closely monitored to ensure proper healing and lens positioning.
The main risks of EVO ICL include potential complications like infection, increased intraocular pressure, or lens dislocation. These are rare but can occur. You’ll need regular follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and lens stability.
If you’re unhappy with the outcome or develop a complication, the lens can be removed.
Same day: Most patients notice clearer vision within hours
1–2 days: Return to most normal activities
1–2 weeks: Full healing and visual stability
Follow-up care is included for one year.
You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Most patients are cleared to drive within a day or two, once vision has stabilized.
Many patients go back to work the next day, especially for non-physical jobs. You should avoid dusty environments or heavy lifting for a few days.
Yes. You’ll be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for several days to help with healing and prevent infection.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, hot tubs, heavy exercise, and eye makeup for the first few days. Your surgeon will give you a personalized list of do’s and don’ts.
It’s best to avoid eye makeup for a week after surgery to prevent irritation or infection. Use new or freshly cleaned products when you resume.
