EVO ICL

EVO ICL is a modern vision correction option that can treat higher prescriptions and reduce dependence on glasses or contacts. Schedule a FREE consultation today!

What Is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a modern implantable lens placed inside the eye and behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. It corrects nearsightedness (and astigmatism with toric models). It’s considered a phakic IOL because your natural lens stays in place. 

One of the biggest advantages of EVO ICL is that it does not permanently alter your eye structure. The lens can be removed or exchanged if needed in the future, making it a reversible vision correction option. At the same time, it is intended to provide long-lasting results and typically remains in place for life.

Your first step at Southwest Eye Institute is a FREE modern vision correction consultation (no pressure, no obligation). We’ll measure your eyes in detail and help you compare LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, and lens-based options so that you can choose the safest, best-fitting path.

Southwest Eye Institute Voted #1 Laser Eye Surgery in El Paso

Southwest Eye Institute has been voted the #1 Laser Eye Surgery in El Paso, Texas, a recognition that reflects its long-standing commitment to exceptional patient care, surgical precision, and life-changing vision outcomes. We are dedicated to helping patients see clearly and live confidently, and we continue to set the standard for eye care in El Paso.

Best of El Paso - 6 years

EVO Candidacy Criteria

Between 21-60 Years Old

Have a Stable Glasses & Contact Lens Prescription

You Are Nearsighted

Have Healthy Eyes

Not Pregnant or Nursing

lose-up of EVO ICL implantable lens for treating moderate to high myopia.

The EVO ICL Procedure

During EVO ICL surgery, your eye surgeon performs a quick, minimally invasive procedure to improve your vision. It takes about 20-30 minutes for both eyes. First, the surgeon prepares the thin, flexible lens by folding it so it can pass through a tiny opening. They apply a protective gel to keep the eye comfortable and protected throughout the process.

Next, the surgeon creates a tiny incision and gently inserts the lens into the eye. Once inside, they carefully unroll and position the lens behind the iris so it aligns correctly for clear vision. The EVO ICL features a small central opening that allows natural fluid to flow into the eye, helping improve safety and reduce risks compared to older lens designs.

After positioning the lens, the surgeon rinses out the protective gel, applies an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection, and checks that the eye pressure remains normal. Most patients notice clearer vision soon after the procedure, with continued improvements over the next day or two as the eye settles.

How EVO ICL Compares to Other Vision Correction Options

LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct vision. EVO ICL adds a lens instead.

This difference matters if you:

• Have thin corneas
• Have high prescriptions
• Are concerned about dry eye risk

LEARN ABOUT PRK

Refractive Lens Exchange removes your natural lens. EVO ICL does not.

EVO ICL corrects distance vision while preserving your natural lens. However, it does not prevent age-related changes in reading vision later in life.

LEARN ABOUT RLE

Patient during his comprehensive eye exam.

Upgrade Your Vision!

The best way to find out if EVO ICL is right for you is through a comprehensive evaluation. Request your FREE modern vision correction consultation today and take the first step toward clearer vision.

EVO ICL Results and Outcomes

Clinical studies show strong, consistent outcomes for patients who are carefully evaluated and selected for EVO ICL. Because the procedure corrects vision using a precisely designed implant lens rather than reshaping the cornea, many patients achieve highly accurate, predictable results.

Research consistently shows that most EVO ICL patients achieve driving-level vision or better after surgery. In an extensive U.S. FDA multicenter study, 99.5% of treated eyes reached 20/40 vision or better, and about 85.8% achieved 20/20 vision or better at three years. Earlier clinical data also demonstrated strong results, with nearly 76% of eyes reaching 20/20 vision within six months and almost all achieving clear functional vision.

EVO ICL is also known for its high precision in correcting prescriptions. In the same FDA study, more than 90% of patients were within ±0.50 diopters of their intended vision target, and 99% were within ±1.00 diopters. This level of predictability helps deliver stable, sharp vision outcomes for many patients, especially those with moderate to high nearsightedness.

Because the lens sits inside the eye without altering the cornea, patients often report excellent visual quality. Many experience clear distance vision, improved night driving compared to glasses or contacts, and reduced dependence on corrective lenses in daily life. Activities such as working, exercising, traveling, and driving typically become easier and more convenient.

Patient satisfaction rates are consistently high across studies. In a group of middle-aged patients receiving modern ICL designs, more than 96% reported high levels of satisfaction on standardized rating scales. Many patients describe improved visual clarity and quality of life after the procedure.

Long-term research also supports the safety and effectiveness of EVO ICL. Five-year follow-up studies show stable results for most patients. However, those with very high myopia may still experience gradual changes in prescription over time because the procedure corrects vision but does not halt natural eye growth.

It’s important to remember that individual results vary. Factors such as prescription strength, eye anatomy, healing response, and overall eye health all influence outcomes. Your surgeon will review your measurements and discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.

Why Choose Southwest Eye Institute for EVO ICL?

• Board-certified surgeons
• Advanced diagnostic technology
Personalized VIP-style care
Multiple convenient locations
Flexible financing options
• Long-term vision support

Risks and Important Safety Information

Like all intraocular procedures, EVO ICL carries risks.

Potential risks include:

• Elevated eye pressure
Cataract development over time
• Endothelial cell loss
• Infection or inflammation
• Need for additional procedures

Your consultation includes a thorough review of risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision.

Close-up of eye showing EVO ICL implantable collamer lens for vision correction.

See Like a VIP!

At Southwest Eye Institute, we know that your sight is everything. Every patient receives VIP treatment, with personalized care from local expert physicians and support staff. We take the time to understand your needs and provide the treatment experience you deserve. From your first step to your last follow-up appointment, we ensure all your questions are answered and deliver an experience unlike anywhere else that delivers comfort and confidence.

Our EVO ICL Surgeons

Calvin McNelly, M.D.
Calvin McNelly, M.D.

Ophthalmologist and Refractive Cataract Surgeon

Javier E. De la Torre, M.D.
Javier E. De la Torre, M.D.

Refractive Surgeon & Medical Ophthalmologist / Anterior Segment Surgery

EVO ICL: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. EVO/EVO+ ICL and toric models received FDA approval in 2022, and the FDA later expanded the indicated age range to include patients up to age 60. 

EVO ICL corrects/reduces myopia in defined ranges and toric correction for myopic astigmatism (cylinder 1.0–4.0 D), depending on refractive severity. 

No. The lens is implanted behind the iris and in front of your natural crystalline lens; it does not replace the natural lens.

LASIK reshapes the cornea; EVO ICL is additive and does not remove corneal tissue. It’s a good option when corneal thickness is a limiting factor for LASIK. 

Possibly. EVO ICL corrects distance refractive error, but presbyopia (age-related near-focusing change) still occurs in most people in their 40s and beyond.

Many patients experience rapid improvement, but the safest framing is: vision often improves quickly, and follow-up visits (including early IOP checks) are part of the process. 

Because EVO ICL doesn’t reshape the cornea, it avoids the corneal flap/ablation mechanism strongly associated with post-LASIK dry eye risk; however, tear film changes and symptoms can still occur after phakic lens implantation and should be discussed during screening, especially if you already have dry eye. 

Risks include elevated IOP/glaucoma risk, cataract formation, endothelial cell loss, and potential need for additional surgery, plus rare but serious intraocular-surgery risks. 

It’s intended to remain long-term, and it can be removed or exchanged if needed; long-term monitoring matters because cataract risk can increase over time and endothelial health should be followed.

Book a FREE LASIK consultation at Southwest Eye Institute. Your evaluation is where we determine whether LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, or a lens-based option is the safest match for your eyes and lifestyle.