What Is ICL?
The Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is a micro-thin lens made from a biocompatible material that is permanently placed between your iris and your natural lens — correcting your vision from inside the eye, without touching your cornea.
Think of it as a permanent contact lens that you never have to insert, remove, or clean. It provides outstanding clarity and UV protection — and unlike LASIK, it can be removed or replaced if your needs ever change.
The EVO ICL has been implanted in over 2 million eyes worldwide and is FDA-approved for prescriptions up to -20 diopters.
Watch an Animation of the ICL Process
Don't Take Our Word for It — Hear It From the Jonas Brothers
Three brothers. One life on stage. See why they chose EVO ICL for vision correction.
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Ages 18–65. Used to estimate worry-free distance vision years before typical presbyopia.
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Visual independence
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* Monthly cost is compared against contacts or glasses.
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Real ICL patient experiences from Central Texans who chose local care with Dr. Swann — not a drive to Austin or Dallas.
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"Too High for LASIK" Doesn't Mean
You're Out of Options.
ICL is ideal for patients aged 21–45 with moderate to high nearsightedness, thin corneas, dry eyes, or anyone who has been told they don't qualify for LASIK.
High prescriptions
-3 to -20 diopters nearsightedness
Thin corneas
Cornea too thin for safe laser reshaping
Dry eye sufferers
ICL preserves corneal integrity — no dry eye worsening
Active lifestyle
No flap, no corneal disruption — great for athletes
ICL Questions Answered
What prescriptions does ICL treat?
ICL corrects nearsightedness from -3 to -20 diopters and astigmatism up to 4 diopters — ranges that often exceed what LASIK can safely address.
Is ICL reversible?
Yes — unlike LASIK, the ICL can be removed or replaced if your vision changes significantly later in life. This is a major advantage of ICL over laser-based procedures.
Does ICL cause dry eye?
No. Because ICL does not involve reshaping the cornea, it does not disrupt the corneal nerves responsible for dry eye. It's often the preferred option for patients with existing dry eye.
Can I feel the lens inside my eye?
No. The lens sits behind your iris, completely out of sight and sensation. Most patients forget it's there within days.
What is recovery like?
Most patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours. You'll have a follow-up the next day, and most people return to normal activity within a few days.
Is ICL available in Waco?
Yes — Brazos Eye Surgery of Texas is the only practice in Waco offering ICL. Previously, patients had to travel to Dallas or Austin for this procedure.
Start With a Free ICL Evaluation
We'll measure your corneas, review your prescription, and tell you honestly whether ICL is your best path to clear vision.