Contact Lens vs. EVO ICL: What To Consider

When it comes to addressing moderate to high myopia, with or without astigmatism, the choices can be overwhelming. Contact lenses, a non-surgical option, have been a go-to solution due to their ease of use and affordability. However, if you're searching for a more permanent solution, EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer® Lens), a surgical alternative, might just be the game changer you're looking for. Let’s take a closer look at some factors to consider when comparing contact lenses vs. EVO ICL.

What Are Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are small plastic discs that an individual places on the surface of their eye, the cornea, to correct vision. There are several types of contacts:

• Soft or hard contacts
• Daily wear vs. overnight wear
• Daily, bi-weekly, weekly, monthly, yearly
• For astigmatism (toric)
• Multi-focal contacts

Contacts can correct the following vision issues:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
• Astigmatism

Typically, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can properly fit and recommend contact lenses that will solve the vision issues, but at what cost and convenience?

What Is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL is an Implantable Collamer Lens (not contact lens) that is inserted just below the surface of the eye by a surgeon via a microscopic incision in the cornea. It comes in two main types: EVO ICL for nearsightedness and EVO ICL for nearsightedness with astigmatism. The former is perfect for those struggling with pure myopia, and the latter, as the name suggests, is for individuals with nearsightedness complicated by astigmatism. EVO ICL does not correct hyperopia (farsightedness).

EVO ICL is FDA-approved for patients:

• Ages 21- 45
• With myopia -3.50 diopters up to -20 diopters
• With astigmatism up to -4.0 diopters

Does EVO ICL Require Care and Maintenance?

When comparing contact lenses vs. EVO ICL for care and maintenance, EVO ICL wins hands down! Once placed in your eye by your surgeon, EVO ICL requires no care or maintenance. It is intended to stay in your eye permanently but can be removed by your surgeon at any time if desired or necessary. Unlike a contact lens, EVO ICL does not need to be cleaned or stored, and it does not rip or become dry or dirty. As an added bonus, EVO ICL even provides a layer of UV protection. Following the procedure, your surgeon will ask to see you a few times over the first year before transitioning back to annual exams with your preferred eye doctor.

Is EVO ICL Visible to Me and Others?

The answer is no. Once EVO ICL is placed, it is invisible to you and those around you. This is a similarity when comparing contact lenses vs. EVO ICL. They are both clear and similar in size. Contact lenses normally range from 14mm to 16mm in diameter, and the EVO ICL is between 12mm and 13mm.

Can I Be Active With EVO ICL vs. Contact Lenses?

Yes! In fact, EVO ICL provides our patients with more freedom than they’ve ever had before. Here are a few examples of activities that are easier and safer with EVO ICL vs. contact lens:

• Swimming – You can open your eyes underwater with the EVO ICL. This is not possible with contacts.
• Travel – No need to pack solution, contacts and glasses.
• Snow skiing – Contacts can easily dry out and pop out on the slopes. With EVO ICL, there is no risk of them ever popping out.
• Camping – Dirt and dust from a campsite can cause serious irritation and possibly lead to infection if you wear contact lenses. EVO ICL is inside of the eye, so it cannot get dirty or create irritation.
• Air travel – Airplanes are SO dry that contact lens wearers often experience increased dryness when flying. Unlike contact lenses, EVO ICL does not dry out since it is not on the surface of the eye.

So, if you are looking for a vision correction option that is more modern, convenient and liberating than contact lenses, EVO ICL may be a great option for you. The best way to find out if you qualify for EVO ICL vs. contact lenses is by scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nunnery at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists.