EVO ICL
Crystal Clear Vision
EVO ICL
See Your World In Full Color and Detail
The EVO Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL) offers customized vision correction that matches your lifestyle while preserving your natural eye.
The EVO ICL is a great solution for patients with thin corneas, dry eyes, and/or high levels of nearsightedness. With a bio-compatible and removable lens expertly implanted by your laser eye surgeon, this procedure keeps every part of your natural eye intact – no flaps needed.
Although LASIK has more name recognition, new advancements in vision correction technology provides us the opportunity to invest in your best possible vision. At LaserVue Eye Center, we proudly offer the most advanced technology and techniques for the EVO lens implant procedure. Our Director Dr. Jay Bansal is among the most experienced EVO ICL surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Are You a Candidate for EVO ICL?
If you’re nearsighted or have astigmatism, then the EVO ICL could unlock your glasses-free life!
EVO ICL technology broadens the possibilities of enhanced vision for those who don’t qualify for LASIK,
as well as patients with active lifestyles or occupations that involve direct contact with the eyes.
Importantly, even people with very high prescriptions can benefit from this advanced procedure.
Schedule a free consultation with our expert eye surgeons today to begin your vision correction journey.
EVO ICL is the only additive lens based technology that preserves your natural cornea while alleviating the burden of glasses and contacts.
Call us to find out more:
1 (800) 527-3745
What is the EVO ICL?
The EVO ICL is an implantable lens that corrects vision in those who are nearsighted, or have both nearsightedness and astigmatism.
The EVO implantable lens is a small, flexible lens made of biocompatible material. During this procedure, an expert laser eye surgeon implants the lens in the eye. This lens can effectively alter the eye’s focusing power, improving vision both day and night.
Once the EVO ICL is placed in front of the natural lens of the eye, it then works by bending light as it enters the eye, allowing the retina to focus the image more accurately.
Premier EVO ICL™ Surgeon – Jay Bansal, MD
Dr. Jay Bansal has dedicated LaserVue Eye Center to the mission of providing the best choices for vision correction. With this in mind, our laser eye surgery centers offer multiple vision correction options beyond just LASIK eye surgery. Although LASIK is a great procedure, the EVO ICL can actually be an ideal alternative for many patients.
You deserve an eye doctor who will customize your vision correction treatment. LaserVue Eye Center strives to educate patients about every option and technology available. Through comprehensive patient education, we help you achieve your personal best vision.
“EVO ICL lens has helped me live life to the fullest with no more hesitation. I simply wake up and go about my day.”
– Joe Jonas
2 Million+
Lenses Successfully Implanted
99.4%
Patient Satisfaction
In order to see if you are a good candidate, please Schedule a Free Consultation
Who Is A Good Candidate for the EVO ICL?
In order to ensure that we achieve your best results, we must determine that you are a great candidate for any procedure.
When you receive treatment at LaserVue, we conduct a through eye exam to determine your candidacy for the EVO ICL.
Most importantly, a good candidate for the EVO ICL would be:
- Nearsighted, or nearsighted with astigmatism.
- Between the ages of 21 to 45 years old.
- Does not have other eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts, and is not currently pregnant or nursing
- Stable glasses and contact lens prescription, meaning it hasn’t changed within the last year.
- Has potentially been told they are not a good candidate for LASIK or PRK, due to dry eyes or thin corneas.
Benefits of EVO ICL
- Provides clear, sharp vision.
- Quick recovery time.
- Offers UV protection.
- Can treat nearsightedness with or without astigmatism
- Does not cause dry eye syndrome.
- Over 2 million ICLs placed world-wide.
- 20 to 30 minute procedure.
- Removable by your doctor.
- Not visible once in place
- For patients who may not be candidates for other procedures.
- Excellent vision from day to night.
- 99.4% of patients would have the EVO lens procedure again.
Pre-Op Exam
Eye Drops Administered
Small Opening
Lens Insertion & Positioning
Post-Op & Check Up
What Our Patients Say
Travis & Sophia
Natalie N.
Dr. Nicole Luu, PharmD, BCPS
Christian R.
Trish S.
Steven B.
What is Recovery Like after the EVO ICL Procedure?
Right after the EVO ICL procedure, patients can experience an immediate vision improvement.
To highlight this, many patients are able to go back to work and resume most everyday activities as soon as the day after surgery.
Normally, we schedule post-operative visits after one day, one week, and one month post-surgery. Additionally, we typically prescribe steroid and antibiotic drops which you should use for 2–4 weeks after surgery. It is essential that you follow all instructions given to you by our eye doctors.
This procedure provides speed and efficiency in both surgery time and healing time; EVO ICL surgery typically takes less than 15 minutes for each eye, and offers fast recovery afterwards.
While recovering from your surgery, it’s best to avoid any strenuous activities like heavy lifting or exercise. If you notice any dramatic changes in your vision, then call your eye doctor at LaserVue Eye Center immediately.
In order for us to guarantee your proper healing and improved vision, your eye doctor will meet with you the day after your procedure. Additionally, we will see you periodically within the next weeks to months to monitor the healing progress of your eyes.
EVO ICL Doctors
Jay Bansal, MD
Your LASIK & Cataract Surgeon in Northern California
Stephanie Wangyu, MD
Ophthalmologist
Hannah Walsh, OD, MSc
Doctor of Optometry
Francesca Sefton, OD
Doctor of Optometry
Ready to SEE a Change?
Helping you to achieve your personal best vision is our mission at LaserVue Eye Center. Wondering where to start?
Please complete the fields on the right to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options with our eye doctors! You can also Call 1-800-527-3745 to speak with our staff.
EVO ICL vs. LASIK: Which Vision Correction Is Right for You?
Both EVO ICL and LASIK deliver outstanding visual outcomes, but they work very differently and suit different patient profiles. Understanding the key distinctions helps you have a more informed conversation with your LaserVue surgeon during your free consultation.
| Feature | EVO ICL | LASIK |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Implantable lens added inside the eye (additive) | Corneal tissue reshaped with laser (subtractive) |
| Prescription range | Up to -20.00D myopia, up to +10.00D hyperopia | Typically up to -10.00D to -12.00D |
| Corneal tissue removed | None | Yes |
| Thin corneas | Suitable | May be contraindicated |
| Dry eye risk | Minimal (no corneal nerves disrupted) | Higher (temporary to permanent in some cases) |
| Reversibility | Fully reversible — lens can be removed | Permanent corneal changes |
| UV protection | Built-in UV blocking | None |
| Recovery time | 24–48 hours to functional vision | 24–48 hours to functional vision |
| Best candidates | High myopia, thin corneas, dry eye concerns, young patients | Low-to-moderate myopia, adequate corneal thickness |
Neither procedure is universally superior — the best choice depends entirely on your individual anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle. Our surgeons perform a thorough candidacy evaluation, including corneal topography, pachymetry, and anterior chamber depth measurements, before recommending the right procedure for you.
Your EVO ICL Journey: What to Expect Before, During, and After
Step 1: Comprehensive Pre-Operative Evaluation
Your EVO ICL journey begins with a detailed eye exam at LaserVue. Our team measures corneal curvature, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and pupil size. The internal dimensions of your eye are used to precisely calculate the correct lens power and size — EVO ICL is custom-manufactured for each patient. You will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses (soft lenses for 1 week, rigid lenses for 2–3 weeks) before this examination to ensure accurate measurements.
Step 2: Lens Ordering
Once your prescription is confirmed, your personalized EVO ICL lens is ordered from STAAR Surgical. Each lens is manufactured specifically for your eye — there are no off-the-shelf sizes. Production typically takes 2–4 weeks, and your lens will be inspected at our facility before the procedure is scheduled.
Step 3: The Procedure Day
EVO ICL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 20–30 minutes per eye. After applying numbing drops and a mild sedative, your surgeon creates a tiny self-sealing micro-incision at the edge of the cornea — no stitches required. The EVO ICL is folded and gently inserted through this incision, then positioned behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. Because the incision is so small, it seals on its own without sutures. Most patients notice dramatically improved vision within hours of surgery.
Step 4: Post-Operative Recovery
The first 24 hours after EVO ICL surgery, you will need a driver and should plan to rest at home. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops are prescribed for the first 1–4 weeks. Most patients return to work, driving, and normal activities within 1–3 days. Contact sports and swimming should be avoided for 2–4 weeks. You will be seen for follow-up visits at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and annually thereafter.
Step 5: Long-Term Results
EVO ICL is designed to remain in place permanently without requiring maintenance, adjustments, or replacement. Clinical studies with up to 15 years of follow-up data show excellent long-term stability of visual outcomes. If your prescription changes significantly over time, or if you develop a cataract in later life, the EVO ICL can be removed and replaced with an appropriate intraocular lens — making it one of the most flexible vision correction options available.
Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL Surgery
How is EVO ICL different from traditional ICL?
The EVO+ ICL is the latest generation of the Visian ICL, featuring a KS-AquaPORT — a tiny central opening in the lens that allows natural fluid circulation inside the eye without requiring a pre-operative laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). This eliminates one preparatory step, reduces procedure time, and improves patient comfort compared to older ICL designs.
Am I too young or too old for EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is FDA-approved for patients aged 21–45. The lower age limit ensures the prescription has stabilized; the upper limit reflects the natural onset of presbyopia, after which lens-based procedures like refractive lens exchange become more appropriate. Patients between 21 and 45 with stable prescriptions for at least one year are typically excellent candidates.
Can I feel the lens inside my eye?
No. The EVO ICL is made from Collamer® — a proprietary biocompatible material derived from collagen — that the eye recognizes as natural. The lens is positioned behind the iris and in front of the natural lens, a space where it rests without any contact with sensitive structures. Virtually all patients report that they cannot feel the lens at any time after the initial healing period.
What prescriptions can EVO ICL correct?
EVO ICL can correct myopia (nearsightedness) from -3.00D to -20.00D, hyperopia (farsightedness) up to +10.00D, and astigmatism up to 6.00D with the toric version (EVO Visian Toric ICL). This range far exceeds what laser procedures can safely correct, making ICL the preferred option for patients with high prescriptions.
What is the difference between EVO ICL and a cataract lens implant?
Both are intraocular lenses, but they are placed differently and serve different purposes. EVO ICL is an additive phakic lens positioned in front of the natural lens in younger patients who still have their own natural lens and healthy accommodation. Cataract intraocular lenses replace the natural lens after it has been removed due to cataract or in refractive lens exchange surgery. ICL preserves the natural lens; cataract IOLs replace it.
Will I still need reading glasses after EVO ICL?
EVO ICL corrects distance vision. If you are over 40 or developing presbyopia (age-related loss of near focus), you may still require reading glasses for close work after surgery. Monovision correction — where one eye is corrected for distance and one for near — is an option for some patients. This is discussed during your pre-operative consultation.
How long does EVO ICL last?
EVO ICL is designed to be a permanent implant with no required replacement over the patient’s lifetime. Long-term clinical studies confirm excellent biocompatibility and optical stability for at least 15 years, with no degradation of lens material. The lens can be removed if necessary, but removal is rarely required in otherwise healthy eyes.
Is EVO ICL covered by insurance?
EVO ICL is considered an elective refractive procedure and is generally not covered by standard medical insurance plans. However, LaserVue offers flexible financing options including CareCredit and in-house payment plans to make EVO ICL accessible. Using pre-tax Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds is also an excellent way to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What are the risks of EVO ICL surgery?
EVO ICL has one of the strongest safety profiles of any refractive procedure. Serious complications are rare. Potential risks include elevated eye pressure in the immediate post-operative period (monitored and managed at your follow-up visits), cataract formation (very rare with the EVO+ design due to its KS-AquaPORT), and under- or over-correction requiring enhancement. Your LaserVue surgeon will review all risks in detail during your consultation.
How much does EVO ICL cost in San Francisco?
EVO ICL costs vary based on your prescription complexity and whether the toric (astigmatism-correcting) version is needed. At LaserVue Eye Center, pricing is all-inclusive, covering your pre-operative evaluation, the procedure itself, and all standard follow-up visits. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation to receive a personalized cost estimate and discuss financing options that fit your budget.
Related Eye Care Services at LaserVue
EVO ICL is ideal for patients who cannot have laser surgery. We also offer the full spectrum of vision correction options:
- LASIK Eye Surgery — The most widely performed laser procedure for patients who are good candidates based on corneal thickness and prescription.
- PRK Laser Vision Correction — Surface laser correction without a flap, suitable for thinner corneas.
- SMILE Eye Surgery — A newer minimally invasive laser option that preserves more corneal tissue.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) — Lens-based correction suited for presbyopia and patients over 45 with high prescriptions.
- Cataract Surgery — Premium lens replacement when cataracts develop, with a wide range of multifocal and extended-depth-of-focus options.
LaserVue Eye Center offers EVO ICL and all vision correction procedures at our San Francisco and Santa Rosa locations. Schedule your free consultation.