EVO ICL: Implantable Contact Lens in Moorfields, London
See Beyond Limits
Vision Correction Beyond
The Limits Of Laser
Book a consultationWhat is an Implantable Contact Lens?
ICL is a reversible method of refractive surgery where the required correction is too high or the cornea too thin for laser eye surgery, or for those with dry eye symptoms.
ICL surgery is pain free and typically takes about 10 minutes per eye. The vision clears very quickly following ICL surgery, meaning most patients have very good vision the next day and can return to work 48 hours after surgery. The vast majority of patients can achieve spectacle independence. Similar to laser vision correction, over or under correction can occasionally happen and this can be treated if necessary. For very high or complex prescriptions, ICL is combined with laser vision correction to treat residual refractive error, which is termed “bioptics.”
What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is a revolutionary type of vision correction designed for people who are not ideal candidates for laser eye surgery or who have higher prescriptions. Unlike LASIK or SMILE, EVO ICL does not remove corneal tissue – instead, a thin, flexible lens is surgically implanted inside the eye, between the iris and natural lens, to correct vision.
Key benefits of EVO ICL include:
- Rapid visual recovery – most patients notice improved vision within 24 hours.
- Reversible and adjustable – the lens can be removed or replaced if needed.
- Suitable for high prescriptions – including very high short-sightedness and astigmatism.
- Preserves corneal integrity – as no corneal tissue is removed, the natural structure of the eye remains intact.
How does EVO ICL Work?
The Staar EVO Visian EVO+ ICL™ is a small, flexible lens implanted inside the eye to correct short-sightedness. It works by redirecting light onto the retina, improving focus and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
A key feature of the EVO ICL is its tiny central drainage hole (KS-aquaPORT), which allows natural fluid to circulate freely inside the eye. This helps maintain healthy eye pressure and overall eye health.
Some patients may notice halos or glare around lights in the first few weeks after surgery. In most cases (around 95%), these effects significantly reduce or disappear within 3 to 6 months as the eye adjusts. A small number of patients with very large pupils at night may continue to notice halos, caused by light entering around the edge of the lens – this is a normal phenomenon and usually minor.
Frequently asked questions
Implantable Contact Lens Surgery Pricing From £4,400 Per Eye.
Am I Suitable for Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?
Implantable contact lens surgery is typically performed for those between 21 and 60 years when laser vision correction cannot be recommended due to high prescriptions, thin corneas or dry eyes.
The only way to determine if you are suitable for EVO Visian ICL surgery is for you to attend a consultation. A series of eye scans is carried out to check the health of your eyes and ensure there is enough space inside the eye for the lens implant to be safely positioned.
Star EVO+ ICL™ surgery safely and effectively corrects myopia (up to -18 dioptres) and astigmatism up to 6D.
We will advise you fully on the benefits of EVO Visian ICL surgery and possible risks, as well as the other treatment options available to you.
What Do I Have To Do Before My Appointment?
If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not wear them for a minimum of one week before your appointment, or two weeks if they are gas permeable contact lenses.
What Does Implantable Contact Lens Surgery Involve?
Implantable contact lens surgery takes about 10-15 minutes per eye and is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation.
Most patients choose both eyes to have surgery on the same day, and surgery on different days is possible if preferred.
What Are The Outcomes Of Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?
The vast majority of patients achieve similar vision to that preoperatively when wearing their glasses or contact lens.
All patients should expect to notice a little glare or halo in their vision that will settle over the first few months.
What Is The Recovery After Implantable Contact Lens Surgery?
Visual recovery after implantable contact lens surgery is fast, with most patients achieving close to the final result within 48 hours. Most patients can return to work within 48 hours.
There is a mild, gritty discomfort for the first few days, and you may be light-sensitive too.
You will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use.
You must not rub your eyes for the first few weeks after surgery, and you will be given an eye shield to protect your eyes at night for the first few days.
There are minimal restrictions after surgery. Swimming should be avoided for the first 3 weeks after surgery (due to risk of infection).
There are minimal restrictions after surgery. Swimming should be avoided for the first 3 weeks after surgery (due to risk of infection).
Is Implantable Contact Lens Surgery Reversible?
Yes, the lens implant can be removed in the future and the focus of the eye returns to how it was before the surgery. This is different to laser vision correction.