At Eagle Eye Centre, we carefully consider the best eye treatments available to our patients as part of our commitment to personalised eye care. Many patients are seeking a permanent way out of spectacles and contact lenses. Fortunately, there are several advanced options at our eye care practice. LASIK and EVO implantable contact lenses (ICL) are two of the most popular refractive surgeries. Below, we will explore the similarities and differences between LASIK vs ICL in order to help you understand your choices.

How is LASIK similar to EVO ICL ?

Both procedures offer life-changing benefits for patients. Here is how they are similar:

• Effective Vision Improvement: Both LASIK and ICL are refractive surgeries that aim to correct vision errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness). They are designed to provide patients with significantly improved vision and reduced dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• Convenient Outpatient Procedures: Both eye surgeries are typically performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia, allowing patients to experience a quick recovery and return home on the same day as the surgery.
• Proven Safety and Efficacy: Both LASIK and ICL have proven to be safe and effective procedures when performed by experienced and skilled eye surgeons.

How is EVO ICL different than LASIK?

While both achieve similar goals, the techniques and ideal candidates differ. Here is what you need to know:

• Suitability and Prescription Limits: While LASIK and EVO ICL can each correct nearsightedness, EVO ICL can treat a higher prescription (up to -20.0 diopters of myopia), making it the suitable option for patients with more severe nearsightedness. Furthermore, EVO ICL may also be more suitable for patients who have thin corneas or dry eye concerns, who might not be ideal candidates for LASIK.
• Surgical Approach (Cornea vs. Implant): LASIK involves using a laser to reshape the cornea’s curvature. In contrast, ICL is an implantable lens placed between the natural lens and the iris (the colored part of the eye). EVO ICL is an additive procedure that does not remove any natural corneal tissue.
• Procedure Reversibility: Both LASIK and EVO ICL are designed to provide permanent vision correction. However, a unique advantage is that only EVO ICL can be completely removed or updated by an eye doctor in the future if needed.

Which vision correction option is best for you?

Choosing between LASIK and EVO ICL depends on your unique eye anatomy and prescription. If you are considering vision correction option, it is important to consult with a qualified professional to determine the most appropriate procedure for your specific needs and preferences.

Reference: 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.