Overview
What is EVO ICL?
EVO ICL, the Implantable Collamer Lens, is a vision correction procedure that places a small, soft lens inside the eye rather than reshaping the corneal surface. The lens is inserted through a tiny incision and positioned behind the iris, in front of the eye’s natural crystalline lens, where it works alongside the eye’s existing structures to deliver precise, clear vision. Because no corneal tissue is removed or altered, EVO ICL is a genuinely additive procedure: the eye remains intact, and the lens can be removed if circumstances ever call for it. FDA approved and backed by a 99.4% patient satisfaction rate across more than 2 million procedures worldwide, EVO ICL is an excellent option for patients with moderate to high nearsightedness and astigmatism. If you have been told your prescription is too high, your corneas too thin, or that you simply are not a candidate for vision correction, EVO ICL may be exactly what you have been waiting to hear about. At Kugler Vision in Omaha, Nebraska, we have helped patients who had given up on the idea of clear vision without glasses finally get the vision they’ve dreamed of.
News & Testimonials
Why It Works
Benefits of EVO ICL
For patients who thought clear vision without glasses wasn’t possible for them, EVO ICL changes everything. Here’s why:
No corneal alteration: Because no corneal tissue is removed, EVO ICL preserves the full structure and thickness of your cornea. Patients with thin corneas or corneal surface irregularities are frequently excellent EVO ICL candidates.
Outstanding visual quality: EVO ICL consistently delivers some of the sharpest visual outcomes of any vision correction procedure available, with patients frequently reporting exceptional clarity and contrast, including at night.
Maintenance-free once implanted: The EVO ICL is designed to remain in place indefinitely without any maintenance. Unlike contact lenses, it cannot dry out, collect debris, or be felt once in position. There is no cleaning, no daily routine.
Reversible if needed: If your prescription changes significantly or if you later become a candidate for another procedure, the EVO ICL can be removed by your surgeon. No permanent changes have been made to your cornea.
Built-in UV protection: The collamer material used in EVO ICL includes built-in UV protection, filtering harmful ultraviolet light while allowing natural visible light to pass through for sharp, precise vision.
Our Difference
Why Choose Kugler Vision for EVO ICL
EVO ICL requires a high level of surgical precision, and the quality of your outcome depends significantly on the expertise of the team placing it. At Kugler Vision, EVO ICL is not a niche offering held in reserve for unusual cases. It is a procedure our surgeons perform regularly and recommend confidently when it is the right fit.
Sizing precision that starts before surgery: Our EyeAnalysis™ evaluation for EVO ICL candidates assesses anterior chamber depth, endothelial cell density, and corneal topography using multiple imaging systems to confirm candidacy and determine the exact lens specifications for your eye. The precision of this process is where the quality of your result begins.
A surgeon with a focused EVO ICL practice: Dr. Drew Dickson has developed a particular clinical focus on EVO ICL and regularly speaks publicly about the procedure, including appearances in regional media explaining the technology to patients across Nebraska. When you choose Kugler Vision for EVO ICL, you have a surgeon who has made this procedure a deliberate specialty.
Ongoing care after your procedure: EVO ICL outcomes are monitored over the long term, and annual examinations are part of how we ensure your lens continues to perform as intended. Our post-operative relationship with EVO ICL patients does not end when you leave the procedure room.
No two lenses are the same: Every EVO ICL is custom-ordered specifically for your eye based on your EyeAnalysis™ measurements. We do not keep lenses in stock and fit patients to what is available. Your lens is selected, sized, and ordered for you individually as your procedure is scheduled.
Meet Your Surgeons
Meet Your EVO ICL Surgeons in Omaha
Lance Kugler, M.D.
Lance Kugler, MD is a fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgeon and one of the most credentialed vision correction specialists in the country. Trained at the Wang Vision Institute under world-renowned corneal surgeon Dr. Ming Wang, Dr. Kugler served as Director of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he led resident education and clinical research programs to advance the field. A published researcher in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Refractive Surgery, national board member, and Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences, Dr. Kugler personally evaluates every EVO ICL candidate to ensure the recommendation is right for that patient’s specific anatomy and vision goals.
Drew Dickson, M.D.
Drew Dickson, MD brings a rare combination of surgical expertise and executive leadership to the Kugler Vision team. Board-certified in cataract and refractive surgery and a Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery and Visual Sciences, Dr. Dickson completed his ophthalmology residency at the Storm Eye Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina, a top-10 residency program, before completing his refractive surgery fellowship directly under Dr. Kugler at Kugler Vision. He also completed the Physician CEO program at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the same executive training that distinguishes Dr. Kugler’s leadership approach and reflects Kugler Vision’s commitment to excellence both in and out of the operating room. Dr. Dickson takes a deeply patient-centered approach, partnering with each patient to develop a customized vision correction plan tailored to their individual needs and goals.
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The Procedure
How Does EVO ICL Work?
The EVO ICL procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 10 minutes or less per eye. Most patients describe it as far easier than they expected. Here’s what to expect on your procedure day.
1. EyeAnalysis™ Confirmation
Your pre-operative measurements are reviewed one final time. The specific EVO ICL lens sized to your eye has been ordered in advance based on your diagnostic data. Your surgeon walks you through each step before beginning.
2. Numbing & Preparation
Anesthetic eye drops are applied so you feel no pain. A mild sedative is available to help you relax. A gentle holder keeps your eye open and you will be asked to focus on a light during the procedure.
3. Small Incision
A tiny incision of approximately 3mm is made at the edge of the cornea. This incision is so small it typically seals on its own without stitches.
4. Lens Insertion
The EVO ICL, which has been folded for insertion, is introduced through the incision using a specialized injector. Once inside the eye, it unfolds gently in the space behind the iris.
5. Lens Positioning
Your surgeon carefully positions the lens in the posterior chamber, behind the iris and in front of your natural crystalline lens. The lens settles into place and remains there without being attached to any ocular structures. Most patients notice improved vision almost immediately.
Ideal Candidates
Who is a Good Candidate for EVO ICL?
EVO ICL is designed for adults with moderate to high nearsightedness who want clear, permanent vision correction. It is particularly well-suited for patients who value the option of reversibility and for those whose eyes call for an approach that preserves the cornea entirely. General candidacy guidelines include:
Adults ages 21 to 60 with moderate to high myopia, typically in the range of -3.00 to -20.00 diopters, with or without astigmatism
Those who prefer a reversible option and want the security of knowing the lens can be removed if needed
Patients with adequate anterior chamber depth and endothelial cell density, which are confirmed through the EyeAnalysis™ evaluation
Those who have been told they are not candidates for other vision correction procedures. Over 80 percent of patients who come to Kugler Vision having been turned away elsewhere find a procedure that works for them
“What I appreciate most about EVO ICL is what it offers patients who assumed they had no options. Someone with a very high prescription, or a corneal profile that other practices cannot address, can walk in here and walk out with a plan for genuinely excellent vision. The reversibility is also something I emphasize in every consultation, because it gives patients confidence to move forward knowing the door isn’t permanently closed on other options.” — Lance Kugler, MD
EVO ICL Technology
The Technology Behind Your Procedure
EVO ICL is a precision implantable device manufactured by STAAR Surgical. Its design and the diagnostic process used to fit it represent meaningful advances over earlier generations of implantable lenses.
EVO ICL with KS-Aquaport
The current EVO ICL design includes a tiny central port called the KS-Aquaport, which allows the eye’s natural fluid to circulate freely through the anterior chamber. This eliminates the need for a preparatory laser iridotomy that was required with earlier ICL designs, simplifying the procedure and improving patient comfort.
Collamer Material
The lens is made from Collamer, a proprietary biocompatible material that contains a small amount of collagen. Collamer is naturally compatible with the eye’s internal environment, which is why patients cannot feel the lens once it is in place. It also provides built-in UV filtering without affecting the quality or color of natural vision.EyeAnalysis™ Diagnostic Suite
Every EVO ICL candidate undergoes our comprehensive EyeAnalysis™ pre-operative evaluation, which includes specular microscopy to assess endothelial cell density, anterior segment OCT to measure chamber depth and angle, and corneal topography. These measurements are used to select the precise lens size and power for each individual eye.What to Expect
EVO ICL
Recovery and Results
EVO ICL recovery is among the fastest of any vision correction procedure. Most patients notice dramatically improved vision the same day, and the vast majority return to work and normal activities the day after their follow-up appointment.
Day
0-1
After a same-day check-in visit, you will attend a follow-up appointment the morning after your procedure so your surgeon can confirm the lens is positioned correctly and your eye is responding well. Most patients are cleared to drive and return to work at this appointment. Vision is typically clear and noticeably improved by this point.
Week
1
Some patients notice mild light sensitivity or see temporary halos around lights in the first few days. These are a normal part of the adjustment period and resolve as the eye settles. Avoid rubbing your eyes and follow your post-operative drop schedule. Swimming and contact sports should be avoided for one week.
Month
1
Vision continues to sharpen as any minor fluctuation from the early healing period resolves. Most patients have reached their full, stable visual result within the first month. A follow-up appointment at one month confirms your outcome.
LONG-Term
10+
EVO ICL is designed to remain in place indefinitely, providing stable, clear vision for the long term without any maintenance on your part. Annual eye examinations are recommended, as they are for all patients, to monitor ocular health. The lens does not prevent the natural aging changes of the eye's internal lens that typically begin in the mid-forties.
Safety & Confidence
Is EVO ICL Safe?
Yes. EVO ICL has FDA approval for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, and because no corneal tissue is modified, the cornea retains its full original structure throughout the patient’s lifetime. The collamer material has been used safely in phakic IOLs for over 25 years with an established track record. As with any surgical procedure, risks exist and are worth understanding. Some patients notice temporary halos or glare in the early weeks, a small number experience a brief rise in intraocular pressure, and in rare cases the lens may need to be repositioned or exchanged. Serious complications are rare, and you will never walk into your procedure without a complete, honest conversation with Dr. Kugler or Dr. Dickson about what to expect.
“With EVO ICL, proper patient selection is everything. We look carefully at anterior chamber depth, endothelial cell counts, and the overall architecture of the eye before recommending this procedure. When the numbers are right and the patient is the right candidate, the outcomes are exceptional. When they are not right, we find a better path. That diligence at the front end is what makes the long-term results as strong as they are.” — Lance Kugler, MD
Pricing & Financing
How Much Does EVO ICL Cost in Omaha?
The cost of EVO ICL at Kugler Vision is reviewed with you in detail at your private EyeAnalysis™ consultation — after your eyes have been thoroughly evaluated and EVO ICL has been identified as the right procedure for you. That way, the pricing conversation is grounded in exactly what your treatment requires. What never varies is our commitment to transparent, no-hidden-fee pricing. When you consider the cumulative lifetime cost of corrective lenses, glasses, contacts, solutions, and prescription updates, vision correction typically pays for itself within approximately five years. We offer flexible financing through Alphaeon Credit with 0% interest when your balance is paid in full within 24 months, and EVO ICL is both FSA and HSA eligible. Complete pricing details will be provided at your private EyeAnalysis™ consultation.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About EVO ICL
Have more questions? Our team is happy to talk through anything before your consultation.
Can the EVO ICL be removed?
Yes. The EVO ICL is designed to remain in place permanently, but it can be removed or exchanged by your surgeon if needed. Because no changes are made to the cornea during the procedure, the eye retains all of its original tissue. This reversibility gives many patients the confidence to move forward, knowing their visual perception remains fully in their own hands and their options stay open.
Will I be able to feel the EVO ICL once it's in place?
No. The lens is positioned behind the iris where there are no sensory nerve endings to register its presence. The biocompatibility of the collamer material means it is naturally accepted by the eye’s internal environment, which is why patients report no awareness of the lens after the procedure. It does not move, does not attach to any ocular structures, and requires no maintenance of any kind.
Does EVO ICL correct astigmatism?
Yes. The Toric EVO ICL is specifically designed to correct myopic astigmatism, a common refractive error, in addition to nearsightedness. Your EyeAnalysis™ evaluation will determine whether the standard or toric lens is appropriate for your eyes, and the lens is sized and powered to match your specific eyeglass prescription.
Will I still need reading glasses after EVO ICL?
EVO ICL corrects distance vision and does not eliminate the natural aging changes that affect near vision, typically beginning in the mid-forties. These changes are caused by the eye’s internal crystalline lens, which is a different structure from where the EVO ICL sits. Most patients who are in their twenties and thirties at the time of their EVO ICL procedure will eventually experience some near vision change as they age. This is normal and is not related to the procedure itself.
How long does EVO ICL last?
EVO ICL is intended to be a permanent vision correction solution. The lens does not degrade over time and does not need to be replaced on any schedule. Annual eye examinations are recommended to monitor overall ocular health, including the long-term position and condition of the lens, just as they would be for any patient regardless of vision correction history.
Can I have EVO ICL if I was told I'm not a candidate for other vision correction procedures?
Possibly, and EVO ICL is often the right answer for exactly this patient. Thin corneas, high eyeglass prescriptions, and dry eye syndrome are all situations where other procedures may not be appropriate but EVO ICL frequently is. The key measurements are anterior chamber depth and endothelial cell density, which are assessed during the EyeAnalysis™ evaluation. Over 80 percent of patients who come to Kugler Vision having been turned away elsewhere find a procedure that works for them.
What should I look for when choosing an EVO ICL surgeon?
EVO ICL requires precise surgical technique and careful pre-operative sizing. Look for a surgeon who performs EVO ICL eye surgery regularly, uses a thorough diagnostic process to confirm candidacy, and has specific training in implantable lens procedures. Because the lens is sized to each individual eye, the quality of the pre-operative measurements directly determines your final visual acuity. Ask how the practice selects lens parameters and how they handle cases where the initial sizing needs to be adjusted. Both Dr. Kugler and Dr. Dickson meet all of these criteria, and Dr. Dickson has a particular focus on EVO ICL within the practice.
What if EVO ICL isn't right for you?
If your EyeAnalysis™ results indicate EVO ICL is not the best fit, the most common reason is insufficient anterior chamber depth or lower endothelial cell density. In those cases, a corneal vision correction procedure may be the better path depending on your prescription and corneal profile. For patients approaching the age range where the eye’s natural lens begins to change, Refractive Lens Exchange may offer both vision correction and protection against future reading glasses dependence in a single procedure. Your surgeon will explain the recommendation clearly and walk you through the reasoning at your consultation.
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As the only team in Omaha to specialize in all seven vision correction procedures– we have customized solutions to treat even tough vision problems so you can experience life glasses and contacts free.
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