Modern technology has introduced multiple treatments to improve eye refractive issues. The most common way to eliminate these issues is to use glasses or contact lenses. However, people who want to avoid the hassle of contact lenses and glasses should opt for other treatments, like LASIK and EVO ICL.
While talking about both of these treatments, there are always questions: which one is best and why? Which one is better for you? Patients are always confused about this decision. In this article, we will discuss ICL vs. LASIK in detail including differences and which one is better for you.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery, also known as Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is widely used to treat eye problems, including shortsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This process can cure eye problems caused by a disturbance in the size of the retina. In this surgery, an ophthalmologist reshapes the cornea with the help of a laser.
During the LASIK surgery, the surgeon creates a flap in the cornea, treats its size with the help of a laser, and then places the flap back, which later works as a bandage on the eye. During this process, minor anesthesia in the form of eye drops helps to keep the eye numb and prevent foreign infection and pain.
When it comes to the results, according to a report, LASIK proves very beneficial for patients, as it results in 20/40 vision for 99% and 20/20 vision for over 90% of patients. Patients can enjoy the results for more than 20 years, depending upon their eye health and diet. It is very rarely seen that LASIK patients need surgery again to correct their eye conditions.
EVO ICL Surgery
EVO ICL, known as implantable collamer lens, is an eye surgery that includes implanting a foreign lens into the patient’s eye. This procedure is the best alternative to contact lenses. This process does not involve cutting the cornea, so it is suitable for those with thin corneas. Furthermore, these lenses provide UV protection to the eye and safeguard it from harmful radiation.
The foreign lens is introduced to the eye and placed right above the natural lens. It takes only 30-40 minutes for each eye, and the results last forever. The foreign lens is also changeable and detachable.
EVO ICL vs. LASIK
LASIK and EVO ICL are both eye surgeries that are done to cure sight problems. Besides having similar purposes, their procedures are completely different. Due to distinct methods, they are not suitable for every type of eye.
But how can someone decide which surgery is good for their eye problems? Here, we have some parameters that will help you to decide the best procedure for your eye health.
- LASIK is the best choice for people with any type of eye problem, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, it is not recommended for those who have severe myopia (-0.75 up to approximately -10.0). On the other hand, ICL is only helpful for those suffering from myopia. It can be used to treat those who have severe myopia (-3.0 up to -20.0).
- While choosing the right treatment for your vision, you must take care of your corneal condition. For those who have a thin cornea, LASIK is not a good option as it needs cutting the cornea to make a flap and then placing it back. Conversely, ICL involves the placement of an invasive object. Therefore, it can be suitable for those with thin corneas. It not only needs to create a flap but also provides additional protection to the fine cornea.
- Patients with dry eye conditions are not good to go with LASIK and face some side effects. ICL is most of the time recommended for such patients.
- LASIK usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, while ICL is 45 to 60 minutes long. Both are painless and less time-consuming processes. But those people who are nervous for a long treatment can choose LASIK.
- Both treatments take a similar time (24 hours) to recover.
Final Words
LASIK and ICL eye treatments are used to treat the different types of eyesight problems and showcase the best results. But sometimes, one of both surgeries is more suitable due to some specific eye condition.
Corneal thickness, eye dryness, age, and various other factors are the key factors that need attention to choose which treatment is good for eye health. Someone who is going to decide the best option for their eye problem must take notice of all these factors and discuss them with their doctor to get the best outcomes of the surgery.
FAQs
No. The problems of watching in low light or at night are not permanent. Once the eye is healed, after a few days or months, it becomes normal to see in the dark after LASIK.
Both surgeries give the best results. But people with LASIK can experience a little trouble in seeing in the dark for a few days. However, ICL gives perfect vision in low light and makes patients able to see minor things even at night.
The lens is inserted in the eye during ICL without changing the surface of the cornea. That’s why wearing contact lenses is completely possible. However, it is recommended that they be worn after one month of the surgery with the recommendation of a doctor.
Watching a screen is completely okay after 24 hours of both surgeries. However, it is recommended to screen for less time to avoid any inconvenience.
