FDA Approves EVO ‘Implantable Contact Lens’ Procedure, Now Available in Nebraska

Published by Lance Kugler, MD on April 19, 2022

FDA Approves EVO ‘Implantable Contact Lens’ Procedure, Now Available in Nebraska

OMAHA, NE (April 18, 2022) – EVO Visian® ICL (“EVO”) is an evolutionary, clinically-proven implantable lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness and nearsightedness with astigmatism.  While over 1 million EVO lenses have been implanted around the globe, EVO Visian ICL is now FDA approved in the United States and can offer a new solution for those who seek sharp, clear vision and want to break free from the inconveniences of contact lenses or eyeglasses.  Kugler Vision was one of a handful of practices across the country that participated in the FDA clinical trial to help obtain approval of EVO to the US and will be the first ophthalmologist practice in the region to offer this breakthrough vision correcting procedure.

“I see patients who struggle with their eyesight every day and I am thrilled that there is a new lens-based solution available in the U.S. to help people break free from glasses and contacts,” said Lance Kugler, MD.  “I’m excited to offer the EVO lens to my patients as it delivers sharp, clear vision, excellent night vision and UV protection without causing dry eye syndrome or needing to remove any corneal tissue. The EVO procedure is a 20-30 minute outpatient procedure with a quick recovery and little downtime typically, and many patients notice an improvement in vision immediately after the procedure.”

The EVO Visian ICL lens is slightly smaller than a typical contact lens and is implanted in the eye between the iris (colored part of the eye) and the natural lens for improvement in vision. The EVO lens is different from other vision correction options, like LASIK, performed by ophthalmologists as it is additive; meaning, it is implanted in the eye and does not involve the removal of corneal tissue. The EVO lens works in harmony with the natural eye while delivering

  • sharp, clear vision, 
  • excellent night vision, and 
  • UV protection

Also, the EVO lens does not cause dry eye syndrome.  While the EVO Visian ICL lens is new to the US market, over 1,000,000 EVO ICL lenses have been implanted in Europe, Asia and other places around the world.

Dr. Dusty McIver, eye doctor at Kugler Vision, will be the first in Nebraska to have the EVO procedure since FDA approval.  While researching EVO years ago, I thought it would be the best technology to meet my visual needs.  After being a sub-investigator on the EVO clinical trial, my decision was only solidified.  I have been looking forward to this procedure.

Myopia (or nearsightedness) is the most common ocular disorder worldwide and its prevalence is increasing rapidly.  An estimated 30% of the world’s population, or 2.6 billion people, have myopia and this number is projected to rise to 50% of the global population by the year 2050. Offering a potential solution for myopia, the EVO Visian ICL lens is made from Collamer®, a collagen co-polymer proprietary to STAAR Surgical, that provides UV protection. The EVO Visian ICL lens can permanently correct vision without removing corneal tissue and, if desired, is removable by a doctor for added peace of mind. It gives the patient flexibility for the future while helping to eliminate dependency on glasses and contact lenses now.  

More About Kugler Vision

Kugler Vision is a world-class refractive surgery center located in the middle of the country, making Omaha a destination for exceptional vision correction outcomes. As a patient-centric practice, Kugler Vision specializes in procedures to reduce or eliminate reliance on glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Kugler serves as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center from, is a founder and the first President of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, a TEDx speaker on vision correction and the myopia epidemic, and participates in numerous FDA clinical trials.

Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.

Share This Article

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *