At this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) in Los Angeles, Eye Care Network spoke with Dr. Eva Kim, an ophthalmologist and refractive specialist from Denver, Colorado. Dr. Kim shared insights on the growing popularity of the EVO implantable collamer lens (ICL), especially among younger patients with moderate to high myopia.
A Reversible, Patient-Friendly Approach
Dr. Kim highlighted that one of the key benefits of the EVO ICL is its reversibility. Unlike traditional laser-based surgeries, the EVO ICL does not permanently alter the cornea. Instead, a customized lens is placed inside the eye, providing sharp vision. If the patient later chooses to remove the lens, their eye returns to its original state.
“Our patients really like knowing they’re not locked into anything permanent,” Dr. Kim explained. “It feels like a low-commitment option, and the procedure itself is described as additive rather than subtractive. That’s incredibly appealing to younger individuals who may be hesitant about surgery.”
In her clinic, when both LASIK and EVO ICL are presented as equally viable options, more than half of patients opt for the EVO ICL due to its reversibility and comfort.
Improved Safety Design
Dr. Kim also praised the newer design of the EVO ICL for improving patient safety and simplifying the procedure. One major change is that it no longer requires a laser peripheral iridotomy—a pre-operative laser treatment that was once necessary to prevent pressure build-up in the eye.
“That laser procedure was one of the more invasive and uncomfortable experiences for patients,” she said. “It could cause bleeding, inflammation, and pain. The EVO ICL eliminates that step, which makes the process smoother and less intimidating for both patients and surgeons.”
Fast, Comfortable Recovery
When it comes to recovery, Dr. Kim said that patients are often surprised by how quickly they heal after EVO ICL surgery. While the first day typically involves some blurred vision due to pupil dilation, most patients wake up the next morning with clear, sharp eyesight.
“That’s the ‘ah-ha’ moment,” she said. “They realize just how good their vision is. The healing timeline is similar to LASIK—about a day to a week—but the comfort level is better. There’s little to no pain, just a mild dry eye feeling at most.”
Dr. Kim added that many patients choose EVO ICL to avoid the risk of dry eye issues commonly associated with LASIK.
As awareness grows and more surgeons adopt the EVO ICL, it is quickly becoming a strong alternative to traditional refractive surgeries, particularly for younger people seeking flexibility, comfort, and excellent vision.
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