#223: Vision Correcting Surgery Option for Patients with Dry Eyes

Have you been thinking about refractive surgery, but you've been told that your eyes are too dry?  There are some newer procedures on the market that may be a better fit for your dry eyes. In this article, we will cover ICL surgery for vision correction. And, SMILE surgery will be covered in a future article.

EVO ICL: A Vision Correction Option

Refractive or Vision Correcting surgery is for patients who want better vision without the aid of contact lenses or glasses. The EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO ICL) is an option for vision correction. This lens is implanted inside the eye and is designed to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

What is the EVO ICL?

The EVO ICL is a small, implantable lens that works inside the eye. It stays in the eye permanently but can be surgically removed if needed.

Who Might Consider the EVO ICL?

The EVO ICL can help people who:

• Have moderate to high amounts of nearsightedness (ranging from -3 to -20 diopters)
• Have mild amounts of astigmatism (between 1 and 4 diopters)
• Are not candidates for LASIK due to dry eyes or thin corneas

This is not a good Vision Correction choice if:

• You are far sighted
• You have cataracts
• You need reading glasses to see up close and can not tolerate mono-vision
• You have eye conditions including: narrow angles, Fuchs dystrophy, or retinal problems.

Is the EVO ICL Right for You?

If you are exploring alternatives to glasses or contact lenses and LASIK is not an option, the EVO ICL may be worth considering. It is always important to speak with your eye care professional to determine if this procedure is appropriate for your specific needs.

Why is the EVO ICL better for patients with Dry Eyes?

ICL surgery requires a small incision in the front of the eye to place the lens. The incision is similar to the one made during cataract surgery. The incision is much smaller and affects the front surface of the eye less than having LASIK or PRK surgery. Therefore the surgery is less likely to cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

If you are near sighted and suffer from dry eyes and would like to explore a world without glasses and contact lenses, the EVO ICL may be a good option to consider. Like with any surgical procedure, you will always want to consult your physician for a discussion of the best options for your particular needs. The ICL surgery may be a better option for your eyes.