Patients throughout Los Angeles trust Dr. Rajesh Khanna and the eyecare team at Khanna Institute. Our team has a reputation for providing superior treatment in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Dr. Khanna is committed to remaining at the forefront of vision correction technology. He is proud to offer his patients with refractive errors the opportunity to experience improved vision. Many of his patients are able to move on from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses. The solution is the innovative EVO ICL lens.
Khanna Institute has offices in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and other LA communities. Dr. Khanna makes it convenient for his patients to achieve superior vision and see the world as it should be. Learn more about this procedure in our guide to EVO ICL in Los Angeles.
What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is an Implantable Collamer® Lens developed by STAAR Surgical. The goal of EVO ICL is to help patients who have nearsightedness achieve sharp, clear vision. This is an option for patients with or without astigmatism 1
This flexible, 100% biocompatible phakic lens works in harmony with the natural parts of the eye. Many people call it an implantable contact lens. Ultimately, the lens will improve refractive errors, including high-order myopia (nearsightedness).
EVO ICL vs LASIK
LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and other laser vision correction options can help patients achieve improved vision. EVO ICL could be the better choice for some patients. Unlike LASIK and PRK, EVO ICL does not cause or worsen dry eye, offers excellent night vision, and is reversible.
The new lens is added in front of the natural lens of the eye. Thus, this refractive surgery does not require the removal of corneal tissue. Tissue removal is a standard part of other laser vision correction procedures like LASIK. This makes EVO ICL ideal for patients who may not qualify for LASIK due to thin or irregular corneas.
For the same reason, EVO ICL may help keratoconus patients achieve better vision. Many individuals pursue this treatment once their condition has been stabilized.
Additionally, some patients are disqualified from LASIK due to high levels of myopia. Such patients may still be good candidates for EVO ICL.
Benefits of Vision Correction with EVO ICL
- Sharp, clear vision
EVO ICL patients can achieve excellent vision both day and night. 3,4 - High patient satisfaction
99.4% of patients surveyed would have this procedure again. 5 - Suitable for patients with thin corneas
Patients who are not good candidates for LASIK, SMILE, or PRK due to thin corneas may still qualify for EVO ICL. - Removable
EVO ICL is designed for permanent vision correction but can be removed by a doctor if a patient’s needs change. - No dry eye syndrome
EVO ICL is clinically shown not to cause dry eye syndrome. 6 - UV protection
EVO ICL patients enjoy built-in UV protection. - A fast and safe procedure
EVO ICL procedure is less than a 20-minute procedure. - Quick recovery
Most patients get back to work the next day after EVO ICL surgery.
Am I a Candidate for EVO ICL?
Many patients who aren’t strong candidates for LASIK can often benefit from EVO ICL. Ideal candidates for EVO ICL:
- Are between the ages of 21 and 45
- Have moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness), with or without astigmatism
- Have had no changes to their vision prescription for at least one year
- Are in good general health
- Have healthy eyes with no history of glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye diseases
Additional EVO ICL contraindications include patients with certain medical conditions, autoimmune diseases, or severe allergies.
Preparing for EVO ICL Surgery
The most important step in preparing for vision correction with EVO ICL is to attend a free consultation.
During this appointment, you will undergo a comprehensive eye exam and review of your medical history. If Dr. Khanna determines that you are a good candidate for EVO ICL, your eye surgery will be scheduled. Before you go, you will be given detailed instructions. They will help you prepare for your procedure and for the recovery period.
The EVO ICL Procedure
The EVO ICL procedure takes less than 20 minutes per eye. Still, we advise patients to prepare to be at our surgery center for up to two hours on the day of their eye surgery.
Before the procedure begins, your eye doctor will apply anesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes. We will also offer you an oral sedative so that you can feel relaxed.
Your ophthalmologist will then make a tiny incision on the side of your cornea, creating accessibility for lens implantation. Next, your surgeon will place the EVO ICL behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye.
The incision for EVO ICL is so small that no sutures are required: your eye will naturally heal on its own. After a brief recovery in our office, you will be released to be driven home by a family member or friend.
After EVO ICL Surgery: Recovery and Results
You should notice a significant improvement in your vision almost immediately after your EVO ICL procedure!
The recovery period after EVO ICL surgery is fast and comfortable. Many of our patients are able to return to work the very next day.
You will need to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as your eyes heal. Also, you should refrain from rubbing your eyes during the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL
Is EVO ICL surgery painful?
No. Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops before the procedure.
Is EVO ICL permanent?
The EVO ICL lens is designed for permanent vision correction. With that said, it can also be removed by a doctor if necessary. The flexibility of removable vision correction is a considerable benefit for our patients.
It is important to note that EVO ICL does not prevent aging of the eye and associated conditions. Patients who receive the EVO ICL can still develop presbyopia or age-related near vision loss/farsightedness. Additionally, EVO ICL does not prevent cataracts or glaucoma.
How much does EVO ICL cost?
The cost of EVO ICL varies according to factors specific to the patient. Likewise, the expertise of the ophthalmologist who performs the procedure may contribute.
Our eye health specialists will make sure you are fully educated about the cost of your eye surgery. You will have an estimate before it is scheduled. We will be able to provide an accurate quote following your free consultation with Dr. Khanna.
When you consider the long-term cost of paying for glasses and contact lenses, EVO ICL practically pays for itself.
Is EVO ICL covered by insurance?
EVO ICL and other vision correction surgeries are considered to be elective (not medically necessary). Elective procedures are typically not covered by insurance. However, it may be possible to use funds from a medical spending account. Patients with an FSA or HSA can use those funds to help cover the cost of EVO ICL.
Do You Offer Financing Options for EVO ICL?
At Khanna Institute, we want to make vision correction as easy, accessible, and affordable as possible. Patients with good credit may qualify for a monthly financing plan from Alpheon or Wells Fargo. These plans are no Interest and $0 down. You can expect affordable monthly payments.
Will I feel the EVO ICL in my eye?
No. The EVO ICL lens is placed inside of the eye, behind the iris, and in front of the natural lens. You won’t be able to feel it as you can feel contact lenses.
What are the risks of EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is FDA-approved. It has been clinically proven to be a safe vision correction procedure. This procedure is appropriate for patients who have nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. However, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure.
All patients are different thus, risks can vary. Your eye surgeon will go over potential risks and side effects during your consultation. Working with an experienced ophthalmology team is the best way to achieve a favorable outcome from your eye surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation
Are you interested in achieving sharp, clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses? If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you need to learn more about EVO ICL.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with experienced eye surgeon Dr. Rajesh Khanna. Dr. Khanna is the ophthalmologist of choice for patients in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and throughout the LA area.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
1 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33577790/. Accessed September 12, 2023.
2 Parkhurst GD, Psolka M, Kezirian GM. Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in United States Military Warfighters: A Retrospective Analysis of Early Clinical Outcomes of the ICL. J Refract Surg. 2011;27(7):473-481. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21243974/. Accessed September 12, 2023.
3 Parkhurst GD. A prospective comparison of phakic collamer lenses and wavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:1209-1215. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27418804/. Accessed September 12, 2023.
4 Packer M. Evaluation of the EVO/EVO+ Sphere and Toric ICL: Six month results from the United States Food and Drug Administration clinical trial. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;16:1541-53. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35645557/. Accessed September 12, 2023.
5 Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:2427-2438. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30568421/. Accessed September 12, 2023.
6 Naves J.S, Carracedo G, Cacho-Babillo I, Diadenosine nucleotid measurements as dry-eye score in patients after LASIK and ICL surgery. Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012. Accessed September 12, 2023.