When it comes to vision correction options, most people have heard of LASIK, as it is the best-known and most commonly performed refractive surgery. For patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness, astigmatism, dry eyes, thin corneas, or any combination of these conditions, the EVO Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is an advanced vision correction treatment technique and a great alternative to LASIK.
By reshaping the cornea with an excimer laser, LASIK can treat myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. However, Visian ICL is effective only for myopia and astigmatism. With the ICL procedure, the shape of the cornea is preserved, just as if someone was wearing permanent contact lenses.
LASIK can cure a wider range of refractive errors, however, those with thin corneas or persistent dry eyes may prefer ICLs in order to prevent potential side effects. In comparison to Visian ICL, LASIK is a quicker procedure, less expensive, and has a faster recovery period. The ICL, however, may offer greater long-term correction, be less likely to cause side effects, and be removable if necessary.
Both LASIK and ICL provide amazing results and clearer vision. You and your eye doctor will ultimately decide which procedure is best for you. Your eye surgeon can help you determine which approach will be most effective for your particular circumstance.
In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between the two laser vision correction procedures and answer some of the questions we get asked often about ICL and LASIK.
What is LASIK?
For a long time, people with refractive errors had just two treatment options: glasses or contact lenses. Regular eye exams are necessary for these alternatives to evaluate the progression of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The lens prescription must then be updated on a regular basis to keep up with changes in the cornea.
Medical researchers have developed and enhanced new technology and strategies for treating refractive errors since the 1990s, including laser surgery and implantable lenses. Eye doctors now have more alternatives than ever to offer patients thanks to these innovative treatment options, which may eventually allow them to stop using contacts or glasses every day.
One of the most popular advancements in refractive error correction since contact lenses is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). A laser reshapes your cornea by removing tissue, improving how light refracts to the back of your eye. The retina picks up the light there and sends it through your optic nerve to your brain.
Millions of people all over the world are no longer required to wear glasses or contact lenses thanks to custom LASIK improving eyesight. It offers a simple, effective remedy that could genuinely transform your life.
Because some people are not ideal candidates for LASIK, researchers have looked into alternative procedures to correct vision. People with thinner corneas or other eye conditions can enjoy the benefits of implantable contact lenses for years without having laser-guided surgery.
Who is a good LASIK candidate?
At ClearSight LASIK, we usually recommend All-Laser LASIK for patients who would like to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism who are 18-42 years old or as a part of the treatment plan for those age 43 and over.
What is EVO Visian ICL?
For many patients, the Visian ICL procedure can be BETTER than LASIK because no corneal tissue is removed. EVO Visian ICL is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and has provided our patients with extraordinary results that have literally changed their lives.
The EVO lens used in this technique is similar to a standard contact lens, except EVO lenses are UV protected and require no upkeep whatsoever. The EVO Visian ICL lens is one of the fastest and easiest phakic intraocular lenses to implant, and the results are almost immediately noticeable.
The cutting-edge implantable collamer lenses are implanted into your eye to correct your vision. The lens is hidden from view behind the iris and sits in front of the eye's natural lens. With the EVO lens, you can see clearly without glasses or contacts, and your prescription (refractive error) is corrected.
Who are good candidates for ICL?
EVO Visian ICL is often performed on patients who have dry eye syndrome, thin corneas, or a higher degree of nearsightedness (severe myopia), with or without astigmatism. The typical candidate would require corrective lenses like contacts or glasses. Unlike LASIK, age is less of a consideration for this procedure than it is for some other vision correction techniques. This procedure might be ideal for you if you have previously been told that you are not a candidate for LASIK surgery or another type of laser eye surgery.
What are the benefits of LASIK vs ICL?
LASIK Benefits
LASIK offers a fast treatment that normally takes just minutes per eye. The recovery time is also fast, and with improved visual perception, you can get back to your normal routine in a day or two. LASIK has a long history of great results, and the majority of patients achieve better than 20/20 vision. In addition, LASIK procedures often result in reduced glare and better night vision than with glasses or contact lenses.
ICL Benefits
With EVO Visian ICL, the surgeons at ClearSight are able to treat levels of nearsightedness that far exceed the limits of LASIK. The visual outcomes have been shown in several studies to be as good as or better than LASIK for high prescriptions. ICL surgery is quick, virtually painless, and the results are immediate. If your prescription should change or other vision needs arise, the artificial lens can be removed.
What are the main differences between ICLs and LASIK?
LASIK and Visian ICLs can both treat diverse populations despite having similar criteria. Here are some key distinctions between the two choices.
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LASIK can address a wider range of refractive errors, whereas Visian ICLs are only approved to treat nearsightedness.
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Visian ICLs are not a recommended treatment for patients above the age of 45. Although getting LASIK is not advised for older people either, many middle-aged people in their 40s and 50s do so without any issues, however, in some cases, reading glasses will be a requirement for LASIK in this age range.
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For those who have thin corneas, keratoconus (a bump on the cornea that resembles a cone), or persistent dry eyes, Visian ICLs are an excellent option. LASIK can exacerbate dry eye, and it is not advised for anyone with any other eye issue, including naturally thin corneas.
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LASIK removes corneal tissue, whereas Visian ICLs do not.
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If required, ICLs can be removed. LASIK is not reversible. In order to remedy overcorrections from LASIK, a different kind of laser-guided eye procedure with a lengthier recovery period would be needed.
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Visian ICLs can provide UV protection, which helps lessen damage to the eye's internal structures. This sort of UV protection is not available with LASIK.
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According to accounts from Visian ICL recipients, roughly 81 percent had vision that was at least 20/40 after the treatment, with 20/20 vision being attained by 41% of patients. 99.5 percent of LASIK patients claim 20/40 visual acuity or better, and 90.8% have 20/20 vision.
How does the cost of ICL vs LASIK compare?
At ClearSight LASIK, we offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. The cost of LASIK ranges from $3,998 - $5,498 for both eyes. At ClearSight, the cost for EVO Visian ICL procedures range from $7,998 - $8,998 for both eyes.
While LASIK costs less than an EVO ICL procedure, having the procedure that is right for your unique needs is the best investment you can make.
Vision correction is not one size fits all, and that is why at ClearSight, we offer four vision correction procedures and customize each based on your age, eyeglass prescription, and lifestyle. When you come in for your free eye examination, we will make a custom recommendation about which procedure is best for your unique needs. To learn more or schedule your appointment, call ClearSight today and be on your way to clearer vision.
