EVO ICL the EVOlution of the Implantable Collamer Lens

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“Getting the EVO lens was life-changing for me.”
- Joe Jonas

More About EVO ICL

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EVO ICL: The High-Tech Vision Correction Procedure
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How Does The EVO ICL Vision Correction Procedure Work?

EVO ICL in San Antonio

STAAR Surgical introduced the FDA-approved EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO ICL) in the USA in March, 2022. To be clear, this is not a new technology as 2 million recipients have received it globally.

The EVO ICL, made from biocompatible collamer, is designed to be used in phakic eye treatment for patients ages 21 to 45 with mild to severe myopia (-3.00D to -20.00D). EVO ICL is a viable and sometimes, only surgical vision correction option, for patients not suitable candidates for LASIK but can be a refractive option for many patients. The EVO lens can be implanted in a reasonably quick surgical procedure lasting about 15 minutes per eye involving no removal of corneal tissue.

Easy 20-30 Minute Procedure

Pre-Op eye exam
Eye drops are administered
Lens is inserted/ positioned into small incision
Post-Op and Check-up

Some of the Key Benefits of the EVO ICL are:

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    Has a 99% satisfaction rate
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    Doesn’t cause dry eye syndrome
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    Provides protection from UV rays
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    Is an additive, removable lens where no corneal tissue is removed
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    Provides sharp, clear vision
Friendly SAES staff examining a patient's eyes

Am I Candidate for ICL?

The best candidates for ICL are patients between the ages of 21 and 45 with moderate to severe nearsightedness, as it can generally treat myopia between -3.00 to -20.00 diopters. The Toric ICL can treat myopia between -3.00 to -16.00 diopters with 1.00 to 4.00 diopters of astigmatism. Patients with higher amounts of myopia or astigmatism may benefit from a bitoric procedure that combines ICL and LASIK. Additionally, patients should not have had any previous ophthalmic surgeries and should not have a history of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy. If you are nearsighted with astigmatism, then an ICL may be a viable option for you. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Iskander and discuss your treatment options.

Our EVO ICL Process

1. Schedule & Meet

Contact San Antonio Eye Specialists to schedule a free consultation and determine if you're a good candidate for the procedure.

2. Plan & Procedure

If we determine you are a good candidate for EVO ICL surgery, Dr. Iskander will walk you through a personalized treatment plan and be there for you every step of the way.

3. Enjoy Clear Vision

After a post-surgery appointment and a week-long recovery period, patients can return to living their life to the fullest, without the hassle of glasses or contacts holding them back.

Smiling Dr. Iskander

Why Choose San Antonio Eye Specialists?

Our founder, Dr. Nader Iskander, is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 25 years of experience performing thousands of refractive vision correction procedures. As one of the few fellowship-trained refractive surgeons in South Texas, Dr. Iskander is highly regarded in his field and is often sought out by colleagues as an expert in complex cases where a solution is needed. Dr. Iskander’s experience with ICL started more than 20 years in 1999 during his fellowship at the Gimbel Eye Centre in Canada prior to its FDA approval in the United States. He was also one of the first surgeons in the country to implant the innovative Visian® Toric ICL. By staying up to date with revolutionary technologies and innovative surgical procedures, Dr. Iskander and his esteemed team at San Antonio Eye Specialists provide their patients with the highest quality of care.

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See What Our Patients Are Saying

"I had the Toric ICL performed by Dr. Iskander and couldn’t be happier with my results. The overall experience was wonderful! From the initial consultation, Dr. Iskander took the time to ease my concerns and explained all the options available and the best treatment for my vision. His team is knowledgeable and delivers excellent customer service. Thank you all for making this such a wonderful experience! For your eyes, don’t compromise!!! Thank you again!"

- Crystal D.

"I recently had a Toric ICL implant and it has been a great experience. It’s truly life changing. I have worn glasses for 12 years and I had a really high prescription and astigmatism, which was able to be corrected with this procedure. I am 18 years old and my prescription had stabilized. I can wake up now and see, I no longer have to worry about putting on contact lenses or wearing glasses. The office faculty are really nice and understanding. They never let you leave with questions and explain everything thoroughly. Throughout my whole time at the office I always felt welcomed, comfortable,  and confident that I was in good hands. I recommend! Dr. Iskander and Dr. Urbina are the best!"

- Abigail G.

Paying for ICL Implants in San Antonio

Implantable Collamer Lens, or ICL implants, are elective procedures and are not covered by insurance carriers. At San Antonio Eye Specialists, we believe patients should have the option to upgrade to a premium lens and reduce their dependence on glasses, if possible, so we proudly offer financing options with our partners, ALPHAEON Credit and CareCredit. We also accept FSAs and HSAs to help offset the cost of ICL’s. To learn more about our payment options, visit our Financing page or contact our office.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICL Implants

What are the benefits of an ICL?

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The EVO ICL™ is used to correct a wide range of myopia without the need to remove corneal tissue, like an IOL implant procedure. The ICL is a small, foldable lens that is injected through a tiny 3mm incision that does not require sutures. The ICL provides excellent quality of vision and optical performance due to its placement inside the eye. The lens is made of collamer, which provides unparalleled biocompatibility.

Do ICLs dry out or get dirty?

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No, unlike a contact lens, the EVO ICL™ is designed to remain in place within the eye without requiring maintenance. Dr. Iskander recommends an annual eye examination to ensure everything is fine, but generally we see little to no change in the ICL’s placement or performance over time.

Is the ICL visible?

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No. Because the ICL is positioned behind the iris, neither you nor an observer will be able to detect its placement with the naked eye.

Have additional questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact San Antonio Eye Specialists to learn more about ICL implants in San Antonio.

Regain Your Visual Freedom

With the EVO ICL Implantable Contact Lens