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Vision correction surgery can be a dream come true for people who long to ditch the hassle and financial burden of wearing glasses and contact lenses every day. According to WebMD, more than 10 million people have had LASIK surgery since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. For those who aren't good candidates for LASIK surgery, other procedures — such as EVO ICL — may be a viable alternative.
But your vision isn't something you should entrust to just anyone. You need a medical team with unparalleled experience and top-tier patient care. And you also need to know the benefits and risks that each procedure poses.
If you're considering corrective vision surgery, such as LASIK or ICL, here's a guide to help you make an informed decision about your vision health.
How LASIK works
Between the two procedures, you're probably most familiar with LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It's an FDA-approved laser eye surgery that reshapes your cornea to correct your vision so you no longer need glasses or contacts. This works for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (blurry or distorted vision).
There are two steps to the LASIK process. The first thing your surgeon will do is create a corneal flap. While this used to be done manually with a microkeratome blade, The Eye Institute of Utah only offers a blade-free, all laser alternative. This laser creates a precise, clear corneal flap in about six seconds, which can reduce complications associated with a blade method.
Next, your surgeon will use a different laser to reshape your cornea to correct your vision. Once they're finished, the corneal flap goes back to its original place and self-seals as a natural bandage. And don't worry — thanks to numbing eye drops, you won't feel any pain throughout the procedure.
How EVO ICL works
The EVO ICL, which stands for Implantable Collamer Lens, is a micro-thin lens implanted in the eye to correct common vision problems. Unlike LASIK, PRK and other procedures, EVO ICL doesn't remove any corneal tissue, so it's ideal for people with thin corneas. You can almost think of it as a permanent contact lens. It's removable, upgradeable and it provides sharper, clearer vision both day and night. The procedure is virtually painless and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
As with most surgical procedures, EVO ICL has improved over the years. Though it's been around since 2005, EVO ICL initially only corrected nearsightedness and not astigmatism. But in 2018, GlobeNewswire reported that The Eye Institute of Utah would be among the first in the U.S. to offer the Visian Toric ICL procedure, which would also correct myopia with astigmatism. Dr. Robert J. Cionni and Dr. Zachary J. Zavodni of The Eye Institute of Utah were among the first 50 surgeons in the country to perform the procedure.
Recovery time
The good news is that the recovery time for both LASIK and EVO ICL surgery is typically brief. Most patients can resume their regular activities within a few days after the procedure, though you'll have to avoid strenuous exercise for one week and refrain from swimming for several weeks.
Other things to keep in mind
With EVO ICL, the ideal candidates are between the ages of 21 and 45 and have maintained a steady prescription for at least one year. With LASIK, you need to be at least 18, have a stable prescription for at least one year and be in good general health with no history of eye disease.
Because it's less invasive and more cost-effective, LASIK tends to be the more popular option for patients who qualify as good candidates. And while any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications or side effects, the Refractive Surgery Council reports that fewer than 1% of patients experience complications after LASIK. These side effects — such as dry eyes, light sensitivity and halos — are typically temporary.
Which procedure is right for you?
Every medical procedure carries different risks and benefits. The best way to determine whether LASIK or EVO ICL is right for you is to schedule a free consultation with The Eye Institute of Utah.
For over 40 years, The Eye Institute of Utah has been providing patients with comprehensive vision care and effective treatment to improve their eyesight. They're committed to the highest quality in patient care and are recognized as one of the premier eye care facilities in the Intermountain West.
If you're ready to start seeing life more clearly, go online to schedule an appointment or call 801-850-0987 today.
