Posted by: SightTrust Eye Institute in EVO ICL, IOLs
LASIK has become a household name in vision correction surgery. Almost everyone these days knows someone who has had this procedure or plans to get it at some point in their life. While LASIK can help many people, it’s important to understand the implications of this surgery as well as what alternatives there are. For others, LASIK isn’t an option, and they may be wondering if there are other choices.
First, let’s discuss what LASIK does to the eye. Procedures such as LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue. For these procedures to be effective, the cornea must maintain a certain thickness after reshaping. As it turns out, the higher your prescription, the more your cornea must be thinned. For those with already thin corneas, especially those who are very nearsighted, there may not be enough cornea thickness left after the procedure and laser vision correction would not be an option. Additionally, these procedures tend to cause dry eyes, so people with pre-existing dryness are often not candidates.
Enter the alternative – Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs), and more specifically – the EVO ICL. This lens is made of a biocompatible material and treats nearsightedness and astigmatism. With over 1,000,000 lenses implanted worldwide, the EVO ICL has a proven track record for providing amazing visual results! These lenses sit inside the eye and provide excellent focusing power for patients with prescriptions as high as -20D. Because EVO IOLs correct your prescription from inside the eye, the cornea does not need to be reshaped, which can provide you with sharper vision than LASIK or PRK, and any prescription that may remain after the procedure would be so small that the cornea could be fine-tuned with laser in the future.
Not only is the EVO ICL procedure fast (it takes only 20-30 minutes for both eyes, much like LASIK or PRK), but there are other benefits to this procedure:
- In an EVO ICL procedure, there is no corneal tissue removed, unlike LASIK and PRK. So, even if you have thin corneas, you can be a great candidate.
- EVO ICLs decrease the chance of developing dry eyes, which can often accompany LASIK.
- EVO ICLs are designed to remain permanently in place but can be readily removed to meet any future changes in your visual needs.
- The ability to fine-tune your prescription with laser offers flexibility for future procedures.
- The EVO ICL offers UV protection, while LASIK and PRK do not.
Need even more convincing? Here are some of the other top reasons that SightTrust Eye Institute is proud to offer EVO ICL’s:
- They offer a quick recovery time
- They are removable by your doctor if your needs change.
- They are not visible once in place.
- They can treat nearsightedness with or without astigmatism.
- They help provide excellent night vision.
As you can see, EVO ICL’s are a fantastic alternative to LASIK and PRK. They are ideal for those with thinner corneas who may not be candidates for LASIK, offering a way out of lifelong use of contacts and glasses. We find that the options and freedom that come with the removable and adjustable EVO ICL really appeal to our patients over the more irreversible procedures. If you have been interested in an alternative to LASIK or PRK, call our office today and we’d love to have an in-depth conversation on why EVO ICL’s may be a perfect choice for you!
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