Medically reviewed by Krishna Surapaneni, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist and cataract, cornea, and refractive surgeon at SuraVision in Houston.
If you have been told your prescription is too strong for LASIK, or your corneas are too thin, the EVO ICL may be the option that still gets you out of glasses and contacts. It works differently: instead of reshaping the cornea, a soft, flexible lens is placed behind the iris, where it quietly corrects your vision without removing any tissue.
So who actually qualifies? Here is how Dr. Sura thinks about EVO ICL candidacy at your EVO ICL consultation in Houston.
The basics: prescription and age
The EVO ICL is FDA approved to correct nearsightedness from -3.00 up to -20.00 diopters, and the toric version also corrects astigmatism. That range goes far beyond where laser vision correction works best, which is why the EVO ICL is often the answer for very strong prescriptions.
FDA labeling for the lens covers adults ages 21 to 45. Your prescription should also have been reasonably stable for about a year, because implanting a lens matched to a prescription that is still changing does not serve you well. You can read more about phakic lenses in general from the FDA’s patient guide.
Signs the EVO ICL may fit you well
- A strong prescription. Very nearsighted eyes often see better with the EVO ICL than they would with a laser procedure.
- Thin or irregular corneas. Because nothing is removed from the cornea, corneal thickness is not the limiting factor it is with LASIK.
- Dry eyes. The EVO ICL does not cause the dry-eye symptoms associated with laser procedures, so it is often suggested specifically for patients whose dry eyes rule out LASIK.
- You were told no before. Many EVO ICL patients came in after being turned away from LASIK elsewhere. A different procedure can change the answer.
For patients with stable, mild to moderate keratoconus, often after corneal cross-linking, the EVO ICL can help sharpen vision without removing corneal tissue. Whether that applies to your eyes is exactly what an evaluation determines.
The measurement that decides it
Beyond your prescription, the deciding factor is your eye’s anatomy. The lens needs enough room in the small space inside the front of your eye, between the iris and your natural lens. We measure that space precisely during your evaluation. If your eye does not have the room, Dr. Sura will tell you plainly and walk you through what would work instead.
Who the EVO ICL is not for
The EVO ICL corrects nearsightedness, so it is not the answer for significant farsightedness. It is also not the right time if your prescription is still shifting, if you are pregnant or nursing (measurements change temporarily), or if your evaluation turns up an eye condition that needs attention first.
And if you are past your mid-40s and depending on readers, a lens-based option built for that stage of life may fit better. That is usually a conversation about refractive lens exchange, which uses many of the same lens technologies to address near vision as well as distance.
What the evaluation looks like
Your SuraVision Ocular Analysis measures your prescription, maps your corneas, checks your overall eye health, and measures the space where the lens would sit. You then sit down with Dr. Sura himself, and he tells you honestly which procedure fits your eyes, whether that is the EVO ICL or something else. Nearly every EVO ICL patient has both eyes treated, so the plan you leave with covers both.
EVO ICL candidacy questions, answered
Can I get the EVO ICL if I have astigmatism?
Yes. The toric version of the EVO ICL corrects astigmatism, and it is part of the same procedure.
Is the EVO ICL reversible?
Yes. Nothing is removed from your eye, and the lens can be taken out or replaced if your needs change. That flexibility is one of the main reasons patients choose it.
What if I am over 45?
FDA labeling for the EVO ICL covers ages 21 to 45. Past that range, changes in the natural lens usually make refractive lens exchange the better conversation. The right answer comes from an exam, not a birthday, so bring the question to your consultation.
Do I need to stop wearing contacts before my evaluation?
Usually yes, for a short period, because contacts temporarily change the shape of your cornea and can throw off measurements. We give you exact timing when you schedule.
How do I find out for sure?
Only an evaluation can answer it. The measurements that decide EVO ICL candidacy are not things you can know from home.
Ready to find out?
Ready to take the next step toward clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about the EVO ICL. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online. If you are weighing procedures, our EVO ICL vs LASIK comparison covers the differences, and our EVO ICL pricing page explains what to expect on cost.