EVO ICL®
For patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness, EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) offers a path to clear vision that doesn’t involve glasses, contacts, or reshaping the cornea. Dr. Rodriguez is proud to bring this advanced lens technology to patients across Southwest Florida.
A Different Approach to Vision Correction
If you’ve spent years dependent on strong glasses or contacts — or if you’ve explored laser vision correction and been told you’re not a candidate — EVO ICL may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Rather than reshaping your cornea, EVO ICL works with your eye’s natural anatomy. A small, biocompatible lens is gently placed inside the eye, behind the iris, where it stays comfortably and invisibly to correct your vision.
It’s an option that’s especially well-suited to younger adults who aren’t yet ready for cataract surgery but want freedom from the daily hassle of corrective lenses.
What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL (Evolution Implantable Collamer Lens) is designed for adults with moderate to severe nearsightedness – with or without astigmatism – who want freedom from glasses and contacts. The lens is made from a soft, biocompatible material called Collamer, which works harmoniously with the eye’s natural chemistry.
Unlike LASIK or other laser procedures, EVO ICL doesn’t remove or reshape any corneal tissue. EVO ICL corrects nearsightedness by placing the Collamer lens inside the eye — between the iris and the natural lens — to correct vision at its source. The lens is invisible, comfortable, and custom-matched to your prescription. It is designed to stay in place long-term, while preserving the natural structure of the eye. And because nothing about your cornea is altered, dry eye risks are significantly reduced, and the procedure is fully reversible if your needs ever change.
Benefits of EVO ICL
- Corrects moderate to severe nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism
- Doesn’t cause or worsen dry eye
- Built-in UV protection
- Preserves the cornea — no tissue is removed or reshaped
- Reversible if your vision needs change
How the Procedure Works
EVO ICL is a quick, outpatient procedure performed in our accredited, in-office surgical suite. After numbing drops and a mild sedative for comfort, Dr. Rodriguez creates a tiny, self-sealing opening at the edge of the cornea, then gently inserts and positions the folded lens behind the iris. No corneal tissue is removed. No stitches are needed.
The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes per eye. Most patients notice clearer vision almost immediately.
Is EVO ICL Right for You?
EVO ICL is often a great fit for people who:
- Have moderate to severe nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism
- Are between 21 and 45 years old
- Have thin corneas or high prescriptions that rule out laser vision correction
- Experience chronic dry eye
- Lead active lifestyles and want freedom from glasses
- Prefer a vision correction option that can be reversed
During your consultation, Dr. Rodriguez will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether EVO ICL is the right choice for your eyes.
“It feels incredible to wake up and just see — no fumbling for glasses, no contacts.”
What to Expect
EVO ICL is performed in our office as an outpatient procedure, and typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes per eye. You’ll be awake but relaxed, with numbing drops and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable.
Dr. Rodriguez will create a tiny opening at the edge of the cornea, then gently insert the folded lens and position it behind the iris. The opening is self-sealing — no stitches needed. Most patients notice clearer vision almost immediately, with continued improvement over the first few days.
Recovery is typically quick. You’ll need a driver on the day of your procedure, but most patients are back to their normal routines within a day or two. Vision continues to improve as your eyes heal, and our team follows up closely to ensure you’re comfortable and healing well.
Surgical Excellence, Delivered In-Office
For 30 years, Elmquist Eye Group has been a trusted name in eye care across Southwest Florida, and we are proud to be one of very few eye care centers with the capability to perform advanced vision correction procedures in-office. Dr. Rodriguez brings precision, experience, and a genuinely patient-centered approach to every procedure she performs — and EVO ICL is no exception.
We take the time to understand your vision goals, your lifestyle, and your concerns before recommending any treatment. If EVO ICL is the right path for you, you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands close to home.
Why Choose EVO ICL?
After EVO ICL, patients enjoy crisp, natural vision without the daily routine of glasses or contacts. Whether you’re driving, reading, working, or playing, your vision is consistent — and the lens itself is invisible to you and others.
Exceptional vision quality.
Comfortable for dry eye sufferers.
Built-in UV protection.
A great fit for active lives.
Preserves your cornea.
See What Patients Say
I can finally read, work, and drive without reaching for glasses — it’s like a dream!

My vision is so much sharper than it ever was with my "coke bottle" glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is EVO ICL the same as LASIK?
No. LASIK reshapes the cornea using a laser. EVO ICL works differently — a small lens is placed inside the eye, leaving the cornea untouched.
How long does EVO ICL last?
The lens is designed to remain in place long-term and does not need to be replaced under normal circumstances. It can, however, be removed or replaced if your vision needs change.
Will I feel the lens once it's in?
No. Once in place, the lens is invisible to you and to others. You won’t feel it, and it doesn’t require any maintenance.
Does the procedure hurt?
The procedure is performed with numbing drops and a mild sedative for comfort. Most patients describe it as painless.
Am I a candidate if I've been told I can't have LASIK?
Often, yes. Many patients who aren’t candidates for laser vision correction — due to thin corneas, high prescriptions, or dry eye — are excellent candidates for EVO ICL.
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Ready to explore your options?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez to learn if the EVO ICL is right for you.
