EVO ICL in Austin, TX | LASIK Alternative | Westlake Eye Specialists
FDA-Approved · Now for Ages 21–60

See the world on your own terms.

EVO ICL is an advanced, reversible lens that corrects nearsightedness without removing any corneal tissue — a leading alternative to LASIK, now available to more patients than ever at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin.

4+M
ICLs distributed worldwide
99.4%
Would choose EVO again
21–60
FDA-approved age range
Close-up of an eye corrected with the EVO ICL at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin
See It in Motion

The EVO difference, in 60 seconds.

01 — Meet the EVO ICL

A lens that works with your eye.

The EVO ICL is an implantable lens made of biocompatible Collamer® material. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, EVO ICL is placed between your natural lens and iris — working in harmony with your eye's own anatomy.

It corrects your vision without permanently altering your eye — a safe, effective, and reversible alternative to laser surgery.

Because it adds a lens rather than removing corneal tissue, EVO ICL is an excellent option for patients with thin corneas or other conditions that rule out LASIK. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and delivers exceptional vision with a high satisfaction rate.

Diagram of how the EVO ICL is positioned within the eye
02 — Why Patients Choose It

The benefits of EVO ICL.

EVO ICL combines sharp, high-definition vision with a level of flexibility most laser procedures can't offer.

Sharp, Clear Vision

Enjoy crisp, high-definition vision that often surpasses the clarity of glasses or contacts — day and night.

Reversible by Design

The lens can be removed or replaced by your ophthalmologist if your needs ever change — flexibility LASIK can't offer.

No Corneal Tissue Removed

EVO ICL leaves your corneal structure fully intact, making it ideal for patients with thin corneas.

Built-In UV Protection

The Collamer material blocks harmful UV rays, supporting your long-term eye health from the inside.

Quick Recovery

Most patients notice dramatically improved vision almost immediately and return to daily life within days — many the very next day.

Won't Cause Dry Eye

Unlike LASIK, EVO ICL does not cause or worsen dry eye symptoms — a key reason patients with dry eye choose it.

4+M
EVO ICLs distributed worldwide
99.4%
of surveyed patients would have the EVO ICL procedure again
20–30
minute outpatient procedure
Patient considering EVO ICL vision correction at Westlake Eye Specialists
03 — Candidacy

Are you a candidate?

EVO ICL is now FDA-approved for a wider range of patients than ever. You may be a strong candidate if you:

  • Are between the ages of 21 and 60
  • Have moderate to severe nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism
  • Were told you're not a candidate for LASIK due to thin corneas or other conditions
  • Want a reversible vision correction option
Turned away from LASIK? EVO ICL was designed in part for patients who don't qualify for laser surgery. A consultation is the only way to know for sure.
04 — The Procedure

A simple, 20–30 minute procedure.

EVO ICL is performed in an outpatient setting and is comfortable for most patients from start to finish.

Step One

Pre-Op Eye Exam

A comprehensive exam confirms your candidacy and maps your eye for a personalized lens.

Step Two

Eye Drops Applied

Numbing drops keep you comfortable. The procedure itself requires no general anesthesia.

Step Three

Lens Insertion

Through a small opening, the folded lens is gently placed and positioned behind the iris.

Step Four

Post-Op & Check-Up

Most patients see clearly almost immediately. We'll see you for follow-up to confirm your results.

05 — LASIK vs. EVO ICL

Which option is right for you?

Both reduce dependence on glasses and contacts — but they work very differently. Here's how they compare.

 
EVO ICL
LASIK
Corneal tissue
No tissue removed
Permanently reshaped
Reversibility
Removable by your doctor
Irreversible
Thin corneas
Often a good option
Often not recommended
High myopia
Corrects up to -20.0 D
Limited at high powers
Dry eye
Does not cause or worsen
May induce or worsen
Recovery
Brief — many resume activity within days
Quick — often within 24 hours
UV protection
Built into the lens
Not applicable
06 — Prescription Range

Built to correct even high prescriptions.

Nearsightedness (Myopia)-3.0 D to -20.0 D
Astigmatism1.0 D to 4.0 D

Because EVO ICL corrects such a broad range of nearsightedness, it's frequently a solution for patients whose prescriptions are too high for LASIK. Your ophthalmologist will confirm the right range for your eyes.

07 — Patient Stories

Life, in focus.

Real experiences from EVO ICL patients at Westlake Eye Specialists.

After years of relying on contacts and glasses, EVO ICL has made everyday life feel so much easier. From my first visit, the Westlake Eye Specialists team took time to explain my options and answer every question. Now I wake up with clear vision and feel more confident driving, working, and enjoying time outside.

Paul S.Austin, TX

Choosing EVO ICL was a big decision, but the care team made me feel comfortable every step of the way. I wanted a vision correction option that fit my lifestyle, and I'm grateful for the freedom I feel now with less dependence on contacts. The experience felt personal, thorough, and truly life-changing.

Jennifer C.Kyle, TX
08 — Why Westlake

Austin trusts Westlake for vision correction.

Our board-certified ophthalmologists pair deep refractive expertise with the latest technology — so you get a recommendation built around your eyes, not a one-size-fits-all answer.

  • Refractive expertise. Extensive experience with EVO ICL and the full range of vision correction options.
  • Honest guidance. If LASIK, PRK, or RLE is a better fit for you, we'll tell you — EVO is one of several options we offer.
  • Convenient locations. Offices in Westlake, South Austin, Kyle, Georgetown, New Braunfels, and Killeen.
09 — Common Questions

EVO ICL, answered.

The questions Austin patients ask us most about EVO ICL. If yours isn't here, our team is happy to help.

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL, also called an Implantable Collamer Lens, is a refractive implant that corrects nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. It's an additive technology — it corrects vision without removing any corneal tissue.

The lens is placed between your eye's natural lens and the iris, works in harmony with your anatomy, and is removable by your doctor. At Westlake Eye Specialists, we offer it as an alternative to LASIK.

Who is a candidate for EVO ICL?

EVO ICL is now FDA-indicated for adults ages 21 to 60 with nearsightedness, with or without astigmatism. It's often a strong option for patients who aren't candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas, high prescriptions, or dry eye.

A comprehensive eye exam at Westlake Eye Specialists is the only way to confirm whether EVO ICL is right for you.

Is EVO ICL better than LASIK?

Neither is universally better — they suit different eyes. LASIK reshapes the cornea by removing tissue and is irreversible. EVO ICL adds a lens inside the eye without removing tissue and is removable by your doctor.

EVO ICL is often preferred for patients with thin corneas, high myopia, or dry eye. The best option depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health — which your ophthalmologist will evaluate.

Is the EVO ICL reversible?

Yes. Unlike LASIK, which permanently removes corneal tissue, the EVO ICL does not alter your cornea and can be removed or replaced by your ophthalmologist if your needs change. That reversibility is one of the main reasons patients choose it.

What prescriptions can EVO ICL correct?

EVO ICL is designed to correct nearsightedness from -3.0 D up to -20.0 D, and to treat astigmatism from 1.0 D to 4.0 D. Because it handles high prescriptions, it's frequently suitable for patients who aren't good candidates for LASIK.

Does EVO ICL cause dry eye?

EVO ICL doesn't remove corneal tissue or corneal nerves the way LASIK does, and published studies indicate it doesn't cause or worsen dry eye syndrome. Patients who experience dry eye with contacts, or who were turned away from LASIK because of dry eye, often consider EVO ICL.

What is recovery like?

Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision nearly immediately after the procedure. Recovery is brief and comfortable for most people, and many return to work the very next day. Your Westlake physician will give you a personalized recovery and follow-up plan.

How much does EVO ICL cost?

The cost of EVO ICL varies based on your personalized treatment plan. Many patients find they spend less over time compared with the ongoing cost of glasses and contact lenses. Financing options and payment plans may be available — ask our team during your consultation.

Ready to see clearly?

Your clearest vision could start with one visit.

Find out whether EVO ICL is right for you. Our Austin team will perform a comprehensive exam and walk you through every option — no pressure, just answers.

Important Safety Information for EVO ICL

The EVO Visian ICL lens is intended to correct/reduce nearsightedness between -3.0 D up to -20.0 D and treat astigmatism from 1.0 D to 4.0 D. If you have nearsightedness within these ranges, EVO Visian ICL surgery may improve your distance vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Because the 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 EVO Visian ICL is a surgical procedure, before considering EVO Visian ICL surgery you should have a complete eye examination and talk with your eye care professional about 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 the 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 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; 3) you have moderate to severe glaucoma; 4) your vision is not stable; or 5) you are pregnant or nursing.

For additional information including potential benefits, risks, and complications, please visit DiscoverICL.com. Veeva# US-EVO ICL-24-0100. The material on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.