EVO ICL™

PERSONALIZED, TOP QUALITY EYE CARE IN QUEENS

At Focus Eye Care & Surgery, we are proud to offer EVO ICL™ to our patients from Queens, Long Island, and NYC. Dr. Neelofar Ghaznawi specializes in this innovative vision correction procedure, providing a personalized approach to help you achieve sharp, clear vision. With EVO ICL, you can enjoy the benefits of advanced technology and exceptional care, tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.

What is EVO ICL?

The EVO Implantable Collamer Lens™ (ICL) by STAAR Surgical is a groundbreaking, FDA-approved vision correction option. This small, biocompatible lens is placed between the eye’s natural lens and the iris, changing the way light is focused onto the retina to produce sharp, clear Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al Go to Source distance vision. Designed to work seamlessly with the eye’s natural structures, the EVO ICL is highly effective at correcting moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

The EVO ICL offers a promising solution for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for LASIK or PRK due to thin corneas or high levels of myopia. Moreover, it is removable and adds the benefit of UV protection, allowing many patients to reduce or even eliminate their dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses and embrace visual freedom.

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Benefits of EVO ICL

EVO ICL vision correction surgery offers numerous advantages for patients seeking clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Sharp, Clear Vision: EVO ICL provides clear vision both Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al Go to Source day and night, allowing you to enjoy life without the inconvenience of Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source A prospective comparison of phakic collamer lenses and wavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia Parkhurst GD Go to Source corrective eyewear.
  • High Patient Satisfaction: An overwhelming Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature Packer M Go to Source 99.4% of patients have reported they would choose the EVO procedure again.
  • Suitable for Thin Corneas: For individuals who are not ideal candidates for LASIK or other laser vision correction due to Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in United States Military Warfighters: A Retrospective Analysis of Early Clinical Outcomes of the Visian ICL Parkhurst GD, Psolka M, Kezirian GM Go to Source thin corneas, EVO ICL is a viable alternative.
  • Additive Technology: The EVO ICL procedure does not involve removing any corneal tissue.
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  • Good for Dry Eye Syndrome: Unlike other Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A Go to Source refractive surgeries, EVO ICL does not cause or contribute to Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Presented at American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2012 S, Carracedo G, Cacho-Babillo I, Diadenosine nucleotid measurements as dry-eye score in patients after LASIK and ICL surgery Go to Source dry eye symptoms.
    Reversible: While designed to be a permanent solution, EVO ICL can be removed or replaced by an eye doctor if needed.
  • Biocompatible Material: The lens works in harmony with your natural eye, ensuring a seamless integration.
  • UV Protection: The lens material includes built-in UV protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful rays.
  • Quick and Safe Procedure: The surgery is fast and typically very safe, allowing for a straightforward experience.
  • Short Recovery Time: Most patients can resume their normal activities, including work, the day after the procedure.
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Who is a Candidate for EVO ICL?

Determining whether you are a good candidate for EVO ICL surgery begins with a comprehensive consultation at Focus Eye. Generally, ideal candidates for EVO ICL are:

  • Age Range: Between 21 and 45 years old.
  • Stable Prescription: Have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year, with minimal changes (less than 0.50 diopters).
  • Degree of Myopia: Have moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism.
  • Eye Health: Do not have a history of significant eye diseases including glaucoma.

Even if you have been advised against LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures due to thin corneas or other factors, you may still be a candidate for EVO ICL.

Preparing for EVO ICL Surgery

Your consultation at Focus Eye is essential for ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your EVO ICL procedure. Before this appointment, it’s important to stop wearing contact lenses, as they can alter the shape of your cornea.

  • Soft Contact Lenses: Remove at least 3-5 days prior.
  • Hard Contact Lenses: Remove at least 2 weeks prior.

During your consultation, a thorough eye exam will be conducted, along with a review of your medical history and eye health. You’ll learn more about the benefits of EVO ICL, enabling you to make an informed decision about your vision correction.

Once it’s determined that EVO ICL is the right choice for you, your surgery will be scheduled, and you’ll receive comprehensive instructions for preparation.

These may include:

  • Medication Adjustments: Stopping certain medications, vitamins, or supplements.
  • Personal Care: Arriving without makeup, facial lotions, perfumes, or jewelry.
  • Fasting: Refraining from eating or drinking for a specified period before the procedure.
  • Transportation: Arranging for someone to drive you to and from your surgery.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and successful experience with EVO ICL.

What to Expect During EVO ICL Surgery

EVO ICL surgery is an outpatient procedure conducted at our sterile Focus Eye surgery suite. The procedure itself is quick and safe, typically taking around 20-30 minutes. Including pre-operative and post-operative care, you can expect to be at our center for approximately two hours.

Before the surgery begins, anesthetic eye drops will be applied to numb your eyes, and you may be offered an oral sedative to help you relax. Your eyes will be dilated, and once you are comfortable, you will be guided to our surgical suite where the procedure will take place.

Once your eyes are numb, a small incision will be made at the edge of your cornea. The EVO ICL will then be carefully positioned behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. This precise placement ensures optimal vision correction. After the lens is in place, you will spend some time in recovery before being released to go home with a family member or friend.

The entire process is designed to be smooth and efficient, ensuring you receive the best care and experience immediate improvements in your vision.

Dr. Ghazwani performing eye surgery

Recovery After EVO ICL

You can expect to see an immediate improvement in your vision following your EVO ICL procedure. Recovery is typically quick and comfortable, with many patients returning to work or their normal activities the next day. It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery, as your vision may still be adjusting.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during recovery. You will notice significant visual improvements nearly right away. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for the day after your procedure to ensure everything is progressing well. Additionally, you will be prescribed eye drops to promote healthy healing and reduce any potential inflammation. The entire recovery process is designed to be as smooth and efficient as possible, allowing you to quickly return to your daily routine.

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1500+ 5 Star Patient Reviews

Loved my experience as a patient here! The whole staff was very welcoming and knowledgeable. All of my questions and concerns were answered thoroughly by Dr. Ghaznawi and her technician Amy :) Dr. Ghaznawi helped me feel secure throughout the whole visit (I have an eye phobia lol). Everything appears brand new, sterile, and neat. I’ve seen the staff constantly clean and sanitize everything from machines to pens. This definitely placed me at ease during this ongoing pandemic. Definitely recommend this office for all of your eye needs!
Toni M.
Focus Eye Care & Surgery, Jamaica, Queens NY, has one of the best Ophthalmologists, Dr Beatrice Whitaker. I started visiting that location in January 2024 and returned twice for follow-up visits since then. I have been overly impressed with the service and courtesies extended from each staff member starting from the front desk. The treatment areas are clean, clearly established and welcoming. They seem to have all modern, state of the art technology to provide care and the caring staff appears quite competent. My Ophthalmologist, Dr Whitaker is a very good communicator, skilled, very caring, compassionate and detail oriented, (very patient) I never feel rushed. I have been treated for eye disease for a long time and am now convinced that I am in the most caring, competent and professional hands. Highly rated.
Jestina M.
Focus Eye Care is an excellent practice. Dr. Ghaznawi is a meticulous ophthalmologist who treats both patients and staff with courtesy and professionalism. Her offices are clean and her staff is well-trained, efficient, and polite. I am pleased with the services and treatment I receive from Dr. Ghaznawi and have no hesitation in recommending the doctor for anyone in need of a knowledgeable, diligent, and caring eye doctor.
Miles H.
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Are you ready for clear vision?

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Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL

EVO ICL, LASIK, and PRK are all effective vision correction procedures, but they have key differences. LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to improve refractive errors. Unlike these other vision correction procedures, EVO ICL involves placing an implantable lens inside the eye without removing any corneal tissue. This makes EVO ICL a preferable option for individuals with thin corneas, dry eye concerns, or higher prescriptions that may not be suitable for laser vision correction. Additionally, EVO ICL can be removed by a doctor if necessary.

No, EVO ICL surgery is not painful. Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb your eyes before the procedure, ensuring you do not feel any discomfort. The recovery period is generally comfortable as well.

No, the EVO ICL is implanted behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and is invisible once in position. You also won’t be able to feel the lens.

EVO ICL surgery is typically considered an elective procedure and is not usually covered by insurance. However, we at Focus Eye strive to make sharp, clear vision accessible to everyone. We offer various financing and payment options, including the use of FSA or HSA funds, to help manage the cost.

EVO ICL is designed to provide permanent vision correction, but it can be removed or replaced by a doctor if necessary.

The cost of EVO ICL will be discussed during your consultation. We offer several payment and financing options to make the procedure affordable and accessible.

No, once the EVO ICL is in place, you won’t be able to feel it. Unlike contact lenses that sit on the surface of the eye, the EVO ICL does not interact with the eye’s surface structures.

Yes, EVO ICL is FDA-approved and considered safe for vision correction. While all surgical procedures carry some risk, choosing an experienced and highly qualified surgeon minimizes these risks.

No, EVO ICL lenses do not degrade over time. They are designed to remain effective for many years, and explanted lenses have shown no signs of degradation even after extended periods.

No, only your eye doctor will know you have an EVO ICL lens implanted. It is placed behind the iris and is not visible to others.

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Contact Us

Ready to discover the benefits of EVO ICL? Schedule your consultation at Focus Eye Care & Surgery today. Dr. Neelofar Ghaznawi and our team are dedicated to providing patients from Queens, Long Island, and NYC with the highest quality vision correction. Don’t let poor vision hold you back any longer—contact us to take the first step towards clear, sharp vision and a brighter future.

The doctors at Focus Eye Care & Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.

Page Updated:

1 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125. Accessed May 20, 2024.

2 Packer M. Evaluation of the EVO/EVO+ Sphere and Toric Visian ICL: Six month results from the United States Food and Drug Administration clinical trial. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;16:1541-53. Accessed May 20, 2024.

3 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125. Accessed May 20, 2024.

4 Martínez-Plaza E, López-Miguel A, López-de la Rosa A, et al. Effect of the EVO+ Visian Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens on Visual Performance and Quality of Vision and Life, Am J Ophthalmol 2021;226:117-125. Accessed May 20, 2024.

5 Parkhurst GD. A prospective comparison of phakic collamer lenses and wavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10:1209-1215. Accessed May 20, 2024.

6 Packer M. The Implantable Collamer Lens with a central port: review of the literature. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:2427-2438. Accessed AMay 20, 2024.

7 Parkhurst GD, Psolka M, Kezirian GM. Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in United States Military Warfighters: A Retrospective Analysis of Early Clinical Outcomes of the Visian ICL. J Refract Surg. 2011;27(7):473-481. Accessed May 20, 2024.

8 Ganesh S, Brar S, Pawar A. Matched population comparison of visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between 3 modalities for the correction of low to moderate myopic astigmatism. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017;11:1253-1263. Accessed May 20, 2024

9 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. Accessed May 20, 2024.