If you have been imagining a life with less dependence on contact lenses or glasses, it can be disappointing to be told that you are not a candidate for laser refractive surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PRK). However, the road to better vision does not stop at LASIK! There are several other types of procedures that are also clinically proven to allow you to break free from contact lenses or glasses.

Alternatives to laser refractive surgery

At Envue Eye & Laser Center at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, we offer a range of surgical options for vision correction. Depending on your individual needs and goals, one of these vision correction procedures could be perfect for you:

EVO Visian ICL Lens™

EVO Visian ICL Lens is an Implantable Collamer® Lens that offers many benefits, especially for patients who cannot have laser refractive surgery due to a high level of myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas or dry eye.

The EVO Visian ICL is implanted behind the iris (colored part of your eye)  in front of the eye’s natural lens during a procedure that lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients experience near-immediate vision improvement with minimal recovery time and do not see or feel it once it is in place. Unlike laser refractive surgery, which permanently changes the shape of the cornea, EVO Visian ICL is a lens that is inserted into your eye. It can be removed by your doctor, if needed. Ideal candidates for EVO Visian ICL are aged 21 to 45 with moderate to severe nearsightedness (prescription between –3D and –20D) and a prescription that has been stable for at least one year. EVO Toric Visian ICL can also treat the same range of nearsightedness with up to 4.0 D of astigmatism.

Learn More About EVO Visian ICL

Choosing the Right Vision Correction Surgery

There are many factors to consider when choosing a vision correction procedure. The best choice for you will depend on your prescription, your lifestyle, and the types of benefits you are seeking. An experienced eye doctor can explain your options and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Important Safety Information

The Visian ICL and EVO Visian ICL lens is intended to correct/reduce nearsightedness between -3.0 up to -20.0 D and treat astigmatism from 1.0 D to 4.0 D. If you have nearsightedness within these ranges, Visian ICL and EVO Visian ICL surgery may improve your distance vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Because the Visian ICL and EVO Visian ICL corrects for distance vision, it does not eliminate the need for reading glasses, you may require them at some point, even if you have never worn them before. Since implantation of the Visian ICL and EVO Visian ICL is a surgical procedure, before considering Visian ICL and EVO Visian ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about Visian ICL and EVO Visian ICL surgery, especially the potential benefits, risks, and complications. You should discuss the time needed for healing after surgery. Complications, although rare, may include need for additional surgical procedures, inflammation, loss of cells from the back surface of the cornea, increase in eye pressure, and cataracts. You should NOT have Visian ICL and EVO Visian ICL surgery if your doctor determines that 1) the shape of your eye is not appropriate, 2) you do not meet the minimum endothelial cell density for your age at the time of implantation, or 3) your vision is not stable; or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Learn additional information about potential benefits, risks and complications of EVO Visian