How Long Does EVO ICL Surgery Really Last? (And What Happens 20 Years Later)
Posted by: Clear Vision Cataract & LASIK Center
One of the most common questions we hear from patients considering EVO ICL is:
“How long does EVO ICL really last?”
“Is EVO ICL permanent?”
“What about 20 years from now?”
Great questions — and the answers might surprise you.
While LASIK reshapes the cornea permanently, EVO ICL works differently. It adds a tiny, soft lens inside your eye to correct your prescription without removing tissue.
And the best part?
The EVO ICL is designed to last a lifetime.
Let’s break down what that means today, 10 years from now, and decades into the future.
Is EVO ICL Permanent? Yes — But It’s Also Removable
This is where EVO ICL stands out.
Unlike LASIK or PRK (which permanently change your cornea), EVO ICL:
- Is permanent if you want it to be
- Can be removed if your vision needs change
- Does NOT thin your corneal tissue
- Does NOT worsen dryness
It offers long-term stability with built-in flexibility.
What Happens 10–20 Years After EVO ICL?
Decades of clinical data show:
✔ Excellent long-term vision stability
✔ No corneal thinning (unlike some laser procedures)
✔ No increased risk of dry eye
✔ Very low complication rate
✔ High patient satisfaction — even 20 years later
For many patients, EVO ICL becomes a “forget it’s even there” solution.
Will I Need to Replace the EVO ICL Lens Later?
In most cases — no.
The lens is made of Collamer, a biocompatible material that works naturally with your eye. It does not break down, cloud, or degrade over time.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- If your prescription changes significantly (uncommon)
- If you develop cataracts later in life
- If you want a different refractive solution after age 50+
If cataracts develop in your 60s or 70s, we simply remove the EVO ICL at the time of cataract surgery. Easy, seamless, and expected.
How Long Does EVO ICL Surgery Take?
The procedure itself is quick:
about 20–30 minutes per eye.
Most patients:
- See better the same day
- Are driving within 24–48 hours
- Have minimal discomfort
- Notice wow vision immediately
Is EVO ICL Safer Than LASIK for High Prescriptions?
For patients with:
- Thin corneas
- High myopia (-6.00 to -20.00 and higher)
- Chronic dryness
- Previous contact lens issues
EVO ICL is often the safest and most effective option.
While LASIK has limits, EVO ICL can correct extremely high prescriptions without compromising corneal structure.
Does EVO ICL Improve Night Vision?
Many patients experience:
- Sharper night vision
- Less glare and halos
- More contrast in low-light conditions
This is a major reason high-prescription patients prefer EVO ICL over LASIK.
The Bottom Line: How Long Does EVO ICL Really Last?
✔ It’s designed to last a lifetime
✔ It’s removable if your needs change
✔ It’s safe for thin corneas and dry eyes
✔ It offers stable, long-lasting visual clarity
For many patients at Clear Vision Center, it’s the “best of both worlds” solution.
Curious Whether EVO ICL Is Right for You?
Our team is here to walk you through every step — from your candidacy to long-term vision planning.
