How much does EVO ICL surgery cost?

When we discuss EVO ICL with our patients, one of the most common questions they ask – and often one of the first – is how much an implantable contact lens will cost. It’s a valid, straightforward question without a simple answer.

However, we’ll provide the most complete answer we can about the cost, using the newest EVO ICL procedure as the benchmark.

Before we dive into EVO ICL eye surgery costs, it’s important to know what an implantable contact lens is and isn’t, the pros and cons of a lens implant, factors that could help you choose your solution, and how an implantable contact lens like EVO ICL stacks up against traditional LASIK.

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICLs represent the latest “EVOlution” in implantable lens technology that also includes ICL and EVO Toric ICL. (Because this innovation is an advancement in the existing ICL surgical procedure our patients are already familiar with, we occasionally alternate between the terms EVO and EVO ICL here. Know that these terms refer to the same procedure.)

The ICL in EVO ICL stands for Implantable Collamer® Lens, though it is sometimes referred to as the implantable contact lens. Collamer® is a biocompatible, plastic and collagen material that works in harmony with the natural tissues of the eye to correct vision comfortably.

When will a doctor use an implantable Collamer lens?

The soft-gel EVO implantable contact lens is placed in the eye to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism and other refractive errors that alter the ability to see. The lens remains permanently between the iris and the natural lens and is flexible to allow for easy insertion, positioning and comfort once placed.

What types of people qualify for a lens implant?

An eye examination with an eye doctor can tell you what vision correction services are best for your eyes, but some people make a better candidate for an EVO implantable contact lens than others.

EVO may be right for you if you:

• Are 20-49 years old
• Have a high refractive error such as severe nearsightedness
• Are not a good LASIK candidate due to corneal thickness
• Have otherwise healthy eyes
• Are ready to get rid of recurring eyeglasses and contact lens cost

As with any procedure, speak with your eye doctor or other eye care professional about your own vision needs and goals to be sure EVO ICL is the right procedure for you.

How much does EVO ICL surgery cost?

EVO ICL surgery price can vary dramatically depending on the specific type of lens used, the experience and expertise of the surgeon, where the surgery is taking place, the patient’s current prescription and other medical factors. Typically, the lenses themselves will cost between $500 and $1,500 per eye for most people. Once you add in the cost of the surgeon’s time, facility fee, eye exam, and follow-up visits, the total price will start at about $3,500 per eye on the low end.

Can ICLs actually save money?

When considering the procedure cost of EVO ICL, there is some good news: EVO ICLs can save you money in the long term by providing a visual fix with a one-time payment. One quick procedure saves many thousands of dollars on eyeglasses and contact lenses over a lifetime.

If you’re considering either LASIK or EVO ICL for nearsightedness or another refractive error, you should discuss costs with your eye doctor to determine any additional considerations such as follow-up appointments, enhancements, eye drops or facility fees. 

Without any vision correction procedure, you can expect to spend upwards of $25,000 on eye care over a lifetime. Yearly prescriptions for glasses can easily exceed $300 per pair, plus taxes and inflation, and contact lens cost can go even higher. That doesn’t even include contact lens solution, contact lens fittings and other corrections and supplies. (Use the Brinton Vision cost calculator to help you determine how much you can expect to spend on your glasses and contact lenses over your lifetime.)

What happens during EVO ICL surgery?

EVO ICL surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes 15 to 30 minutes, and visual recovery takes just one or two days for most patients. During surgery, the eye surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea, approximately 2.9 mm, into which the Collamer contact lens is implanted.

Because the ICL procedure is so quick, surgery doesn’t require local anesthesia. Instead, your eye surgeon will use numbing eye drops to perform this painless procedure with minimal side effects or unwanted vision changes. Visual recovery generally takes one day, after which the patient should have greatly improved vision. Most people can go about normal daily life with just a few restrictions and set aside their contacts and glasses.

Is EVO ICL surgery worth it?

While a surgical procedure costs more up front than prescription contact lenses, your implantable contact lenses correct your vision without the need for additional associated costs. In other words, yes, EVO ICL is worth it, provided the procedure is the most appropriate vision correction surgery for you.

Is EVO ICL more expensive than LASIK?

Yes, EVO ICLs is more expensive than LASIK, coming at roughly twice the price. However, the one-time surgical fee is thousands of dollars less than most people spend on glasses and contacts over a lifetime – and the freedom is priceless.

When considering EVO ICL or another vision correction option, know that cost is a less important consideration than the safety and appropriateness of the procedure you and your doctor use. EVO ICL is not for all people, but if you require a high degree of vision correction, it may be the best choice for you.

Is EVO ICL Surgery covered by insurance?

EVO ICL is generally not covered by insurance because it is considered elective or cosmetic surgery. However, there are ways to pay down the cost of the procedure through your employee benefits. If you have an HSA (a Health Savings Account), MSA (a Medical Savings Account) or FSA (a Flexible Spending Account) through your employer, you can use the funds in this plan to offset or pay for your EVO ICLs. And, because these funds are not taxed, you will save money on your procedure. You can contribute up to $2,750 pre-taxed income into an FSA annually to use for your vision correction.

Can I finance EVO ICL surgery?

While vision correction eye surgery aims to ensure the best possible visual outcome, budget can playa part in the decision. Many ophthalmologists offer financing options, allowing patients to undergo EVO ICL immediately, rather than waiting to save up the full cost (while still paying for expensive glasses and contacts).

 Brinton Vision accepts all standard forms of payment (cash, credit card, check, etc.) and works with FSAs, HSAs and MSAs to help you pay down or pay off your procedure. We also offer financing options through multiple financing companies to allow you affordable monthly payment plans to match your budget.  

Our two most popular options are: 

• Zero Down
• Payment & No Interest for 24 Months
• Zero Down
• Payment & Low Monthly Payments with Fixed Interest Rate for 60 months

Contact us to see other options for financing your EVO ICL procedure.

Brinton Vision and ICL

Brinton Vision is proud to be among the first in the United States to provide EVO ICL. These implantable Collamer lenses, sometimes called implantable contact lenses, are the next generation in a powerful family of lens technologies.

EVO ICL lenses have been used safely and effectively in countries worldwide, and have finally received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our close partnership with STAAR Surgical Company, the maker of EVO ICL, has paved the way for Brinton Vision to lead the nation in providing this exciting LASIK alternative to our patients.  

Brinton Vision performs the EVO lens implant, providing patients with the latest innovation in implantable contact lenses and improving their vision. We also offer six other vision correction procedures to ensure that each patient gets the best possible care and results for their unique eyes. 

Our process starts with the Brinton Vision Ocular Analysis (BVOA), a thorough eye examination in which we use the most advanced technology in the ophthalmology field to capture detailed images and thoroughly map every feature of the eye, including eye pressure and cell density. This precise BVOA helps Brinton Vision assure each patient that they will be getting the surgery best suited to their eyes, needs and lifestyle. 

And with Brinton Vision’s financing plans and HSA and MSA options, each patient will find something that fits in the budget.  

At Brinton Vision, our fees are transparent, all-inclusive and affordable. Want to learn more about the affordability of EVO ICL vs. contact lens cost? Start with a thorough BVOA to see if you’re a candidate. To get more information about our payment and financing options, call 314.375.2020 or book online.

Want to learn more about EVO ICL? Read the next article in our EVO ICL series: How Long Does it Take to Recover From EVO ICL Surgery?