What is EVO ICL Surgery?

EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a modern refractive procedure in which a thin lens is implanted inside the eye to correct vision.

• Placed behind the iris and in front of the natural lens

• Does not remove corneal tissue

• Designed for long-term, high-quality vision correction

ICL is especially useful option for patients who are not suitable for LASIK, SMILE or PRK.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for EVO ICL?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have moderate to high myopia (short-sightedness)

• Have thin corneas (not suitable for LASIK or SMILE)

• Experience dry eyes

• Want a reversible vision correction procedure

• Are looking for sharp vision quality, even at high numbers

EVO ICL Eligibility Criteria

1. Age Requirement

• Ideal age: 21 to 45 years

• Full normal vision with glasses

2. Stable Eye Power

Your prescription should be stable for at least 12 months.

• Frequent changes = not suitable yet

• Stability ensures predictable outcomes

3. Degree of Myopia and Astigmatism

EVO ICL works best for:

• Myopia: mild to very high (-3.00 to -18.00 D)

• Astigmatism: can be corrected with toric ICL

It is often the best option for high myopia, where LASIK may be unsafe.

4. Corneal Thickness

Unlike LASIK:

• No minimum corneal thickness requirement

• Ideal for patients with thin or borderline corneas

5. Anterior Chamber Depth

You must have enough space inside the eye:

• Usually ≥ 2.8 mm

• Ensures safe placement of the lens

6. Overall Eye Health

You should have healthy eyes, including:

• No uncontrolled glaucoma

• No active infection or inflammation

• No significant cataract

• Stable retina (important in high myopia patients)

Who is NOT Suitable for EVO ICL?

You may not be a candidate if:

• Your vision is still changing

• You have a shallow anterior chamber

• You have active eye disease

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding (temporary delay)

Benefits of EVO ICL Surgery

• Excellent visual quality, especially in high myopia

• No corneal cutting or tissue removal

• Reversible procedure

• Lower risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK

• Built-in UV protection

EVO ICL vs LASIK: Which is Better?

EVO ICL is often preferred for high power prescriptions and thin corneas, while LASIK works well for lower numbers.

Pre-Surgery Tests for EVO ICL

To determine eligibility, detailed testing is required:

• Refraction (power check)

• Corneal topography

• Anterior chamber depth measurement

• White-to-white (WTW) measurement

• Retinal examination (very important in myopic patients)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EVO ICL surgery painful?

No. The procedure is done under local or general anesthesia and is painless.

How long is recovery?

• Vision improves within 1–2 days

• Full recovery in a few weeks

Can EVO ICL be removed later?

Yes. The lens can be removed or replaced if needed.

Will I still need glasses?

Most patients achieve excellent vision without glasses, though minor residual power may remain.

Final Thoughts

EVO ICL is a safe, effective, and advanced vision correction option, especially for patients who are:

• Not suitable for LASIK

• Have high myopia

• Want better quality vision

However, proper evaluation is essential before deciding.

Book Your Consultation

If you are considering EVO ICL surgery, a detailed assessment can determine the best option for your eyes.

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How LASIK works

In eyes with refractive errors, the cornea does not bend light properly. This causes blurry or distorted vision. During LASIK, a laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea. This allows light rays to focus sharply on the retina, giving clearer vision. Most procedures take just a few minutes per eye and are performed under numbing eye drops, so there is no pain during surgery.

What is Femto LASIK?

Femto LASIK is an advanced type of LASIK where the corneal flap is created using a femtosecond laser instead of a mechanical blade. This bladeless technology allows for more precise and uniform flaps. It reduces the chance of complications and often leads to faster healing.

What is CONTURA LASIK?

CONTURA Vision, also known as topography-guided LASIK, takes personalization to another level. It uses detailed maps of your cornea’s unique surface to guide the laser treatment. This means it can correct not only your spectacle number but also subtle irregularities on the cornea, which may improve the overall quality of vision. Many patients report clearer night vision and fewer issues like glare and halos with CONTURA compared to standard LASIK.

Are you a good candidate?

You may be suitable for LASIK if your glasses prescription has been stable for at least a year, you are over 20, and your eyes are healthy. It is important that you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. People with very thin corneas, certain corneal diseases, or uncontrolled dry eyes may not be ideal candidates. A detailed eye examination and corneal scans are necessary to decide if LASIK, Femto LASIK, or CONTURA is right for you. You will also undergo 200 degrees Optos retinal scanning to ensure your retina is healthy before any laser correction procedure.

If you are a very high myope, you may not be suitable for femto LASIK or CONTURA laser. However you may be suitable for ICL procedure to get rid of your high minus glasses.

Preparing for LASIK

Your surgeon will give specific instructions, but generally you will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses for a period before surgery. Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. You should avoid using makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the day of the procedure and arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards.

What to expect after the procedure

Vision often improves within 24 hours of Femto-LASIK, though it may fluctuate for a few weeks. Most people return to their normal routine in a day or two. You will need to use prescribed drops to prevent infection and reduce dryness. It is important not to rub your eyes and to follow all post-surgery instructions. Some people notice glare, halos, or slight discomfort early on, which usually improves as the eyes heal.

Why choose Femto and CONTURA LASIK?

Dr Rehman Siddiqui offer’s the latest Femto and CONTURA LASIK technology. Femto provides a safer, blade-free flap creation, while CONTURA offers highly customized treatment based on the precise shape of your eye. This means not just clearer vision, but often sharper, higher-quality vision than what standard LASIK provides. Dr Rehman also performs SMILE laser procedures. To read about SMILE laser click here.

Vision After LASIK

Approximately 90-95% of individuals who undergo LASIK achieve uncorrected vision between 20/20 and 20/40, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses for most daily activities.

It is essential to understand, however, that LASIK does not correct presbyopia, the natural, age-related decline in near vision that typically begins around the age of 40. Consequently, even individuals with excellent distance vision—whether naturally or following refractive surgery—will usually require reading glasses for close-up tasks as they age.

To address presbyopia, some patients consider monovision LASIK. In this approach, one eye is intentionally corrected for distance vision while the other is left mildly nearsighted to assist with near tasks. Over time, the brain adapts, using each eye for its designated purpose—distance or near vision.

It is important to note that monovision is not suitable for everyone. Before deciding on this type of correction, patients are often advised to trial monovision using contact lenses. This helps determine whether their visual system can comfortably adapt to this arrangement.

Additional information (downloadable):

LASIK Eye Surgery – What You Need to Know

Book your consultation

If you are considering LASIK or want to learn more about Femto and CONTURA options, we encourage you to book a consultation. We will thoroughly assess your eyes and discuss which approach is best for you.

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Refractive eye surgeries have revolutionized vision correction, allowing millions to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. One of the latest advancements in this field is Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), a minimally invasive laser procedure designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.

If you are considering SMILE surgery, it is essential to understand its benefits, risks, and how it compares to other procedures such as LASIK and PRK. This detailed guide will help you make an informed decision about whether SMILE is the right choice for your vision correction needs.

What is SMILE Pro Eye Laser

SMILE is a laser vision correction procedure that uses a femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a corneal flap, SMILE works by creating a small lenticule (a thin, lens-shaped layer of corneal tissue) within the cornea. This lenticule is then removed through a tiny incision, allowing the cornea to reshape and correct the patient’s vision.

How Does SMILE Pro Work?

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Numbing the Eye: Local anesthetic eye drops are applied to ensure the patient feels no pain during the procedure.

2. Lenticule Creation: A femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule within the cornea in less than 30 seconds.

3. Lenticule Extraction: The surgeon removes the lenticule through a 2-4mm incision, reshaping the cornea to correct vision.

4. Healing Begins: Since no flap is created, the cornea remains mostly intact, promoting a faster healing process and reduced complications.

SMILE is an outpatient procedure that typically takes 10-15 minutes per eye and provides long-term vision correction with minimal discomfort.

Who is a Candidate for SMILE Pro?

SMILE is an excellent option for many patients but is not suitable for everyone. You may be a good candidate if you:

✔️ Are over 18 years old

✔️ Have stable vision for at least one year

✔️ Have mild to moderate myopia (-1.00D to -10.00D)

✔️ Have mild astigmatism (up to -3.00D)

✔️ Have sufficient corneal thickness

✔️ Do not have any active eye diseases, such as keratoconus or severe dry eyes

✔️ Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

If you have hyperopia (farsightedness) or severe astigmatism, SMILE may not be the best option for you, and your eye surgeon might recommend LASIK or PRK instead.

Benefits of SMILE Pro

1. Minimally Invasive

Unlike LASIK, which requires a 20mm corneal flap, SMILE only needs a small 2-4mm incision. This reduces the risk of flap-related complications and preserves more of the corneal structure.

2. Faster Healing & Less Dry Eye

Since SMILE preserves more corneal nerves, the risk of post-surgery dry eye is lower compared to LASIK. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities within a few days.

3. Enhanced Corneal Strength

By avoiding a large corneal flap, SMILE maintains better biomechanical strength, reducing the risk of corneal weakening (ectasia) over time.

4. Less Risk of Flap Complications

Flap issues such as dislocation or wrinkling (which can occur in LASIK) are eliminated since no flap is created in SMILE surgery.

5. High Precision & Predictability

SMILE uses advanced femtosecond laser technology, ensuring precise tissue removal and excellent visual outcomes. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery.

6. Suitable for Active Lifestyles

Because SMILE does not create a flap, it is ideal for athletes and individuals involved in contact sports or physically demanding jobs where eye trauma might be a risk.

Risks & Potential Side Effects of SMILE Pro

While SMILE is a safe and effective procedure, all surgeries carry some risks. Here are some potential complications associated with SMILE:

1. Temporary Visual Disturbances

Patients may experience hazy vision, glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night. These symptoms usually improve within a few weeks to months.

2. Undercorrection or Overcorrection

In some cases, the vision correction may not be perfect, requiring an enhancement procedure or the continued use of low-power glasses. Unlike LASIK, SMILE has limited options for retreatment.

3. Mild Dry Eye Syndrome

Although less common than with LASIK, some patients may experience temporary dryness and irritation after surgery. This typically resolves with artificial tears within a few months.

4. Infection or Inflammation

As with any eye surgery, there is a small risk of infection or inflammation. Using prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops as directed can help minimize this risk.

5. Interface Issues

In rare cases, retained lenticule fragments or improper healing may lead to corneal haze or irregular astigmatism,requiring additional treatment.

6. Slightly Longer Recovery Compared to LASIK

Although SMILE heals quickly, visual recovery may take a few days longer compared to LASIK, where improvements are often immediate.

How Does SMILE Compare to LASIK and PRK?

Each procedure has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your corneal thickness, lifestyle, and specific vision needs. Consulting an experienced eye surgeon can help determine which surgery suits you best.

What to Expect Before, During, and After SMILE Pro

Before Surgery

• Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your vision, corneal thickness, and eye health.

• You should stop wearing contact lenses a few days to weeks before surgery (your doctor will advise based on your case).

• Arrange for transportation on the day of surgery, as you won’t be able to drive immediately afterward.

During Laser

• The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes per eye.

• You will be awake but given numbing drops to ensure a painless experience.

• You may feel mild pressure but no sharp pain.

After Laser

• Expect mild discomfort or blurry vision for the first 24-48 hours.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes and follow all post-operative care instructions.

• Most patients can return to work and regular activities within 3-5 days.

• Full vision stabilization may take a few weeks to months.

Is SMILE Pro Right for You?

SMILE is an excellent option for many patients, offering a minimally invasive alternative to LASIK with fewer complications and a fast recovery time. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with severe refractive errors, thin corneas, or unstable vision.

A detailed consultation with a qualified eye surgeon is essential to determine if SMILE is the best choice for your eyes.

For a personalized consultation and expert advice, visit RETINA & EYECARE CENTRE and take the first step toward freedom from glasses today!

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Phakic Intra-Ocular Lens (ICL) surgery is a refractive surgery procedure that uses a small, clear lens to correct vision in people with moderate to high levels of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. The lens is implanted in the eye, in front of the natural lens, without removing any of the natural lens tissue.

Who is a Good Candidate for Phakic ICL Surgery?

Phakic ICL surgery may be a good option for people who have moderate to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and who are not good candidates for other refractive surgery procedures, such as LASIK or PRK. Other factors that may make someone a good candidate for Phakic ICL surgery include:

• Being in good overall health (pregnancy and nursing are contra-indications for ICL surgery)
• Having a stable prescription for at least one year
• Having normal anterior chamber depth
• Having no eye diseases or conditions that could be affected by surgery

What are the Benefits of Phakic ICL Surgery?

Phakic ICL surgery can provide several benefits, including:

• Permanent vision correction
• Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses
• Quicker recovery time than other refractive surgery procedures
• Lower risk of complications than other refractive surgery procedures

What are the Risks of Phakic ICL Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with Phakic ICL surgery. These risks may include:

• High IOP
• Cataract formation
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Vision loss (extremely rare)

What is the Recovery Process for Phakic ICL Surgery?

The recovery process for Phakic ICL surgery is usually short and uneventful. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully during the recovery period to minimize the risk of complications.

What are the Costs of Phakic ICL Surgery?

The cost of Phakic ICL surgery varies depending on the type of lens used, the surgeon’s fees, and the location of the surgery. However, Phakic ICL surgery is typically more expensive than other refractive surgery procedures, such as LASIK or PRK.

What are the Alternatives to Phakic ICL Surgery?

There are several alternatives to Phakic ICL surgery, including:

• LASIK
• PRK
• Refractive lensectomy
• Refractive lens exchange

The best alternative for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Your doctor can help you discuss the pros and cons of each option and decide which is right for you.

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