Some patients considering EVO ICL worry about glare or halos after surgery—but what does the research really say? At Modern Vision Centers, we believe patients deserve accurate, straightforward answers, not guesswork or outdated assumptions. While visual quality is a common concern with any refractive surgery, the actual incidence and severity of glare with EVO ICL may surprise you. In this article, we break down what studies have found and what our own experience shows. Schedule a consultation with Modern Vision Centers today to find out if EVO ICL is the right solution for you.
Does EVO ICL cause glare, and how common is it?
EVO ICL can cause glare, especially at night in the early weeks after the procedure, but research shows this effect typically improves significantly over time. In clinical studies and real-world settings, about 30% of patients report moderate glare during the first three months after surgery. These symptoms are most noticeable in dim lighting and tend to fade as the brain adapts through a process called neuroadaptation. Most patients no longer find glare disruptive by the end of the adjustment period. Glare is not unique to EVO ICL and occurs with other forms of refractive surgery, but the duration and severity are generally lower in EVO ICL recipients compared to LASIK. Modern Vision Centers helps patients understand that early glare is a temporary side effect—not a lasting concern for most.
Why does glare happen after EVO ICL surgery?
Glare after EVO ICL occurs because of how light interacts with the intraocular lens and the natural anatomy of the eye. The central port design of the EVO ICL allows fluid to circulate without the need for a laser iridotomy, but it can also contribute to light scatter early in the healing phase. Patients with larger pupils or extremely high myopia may notice more glare, especially in dark environments where the pupil dilates. However, even for these higher-risk patients, the symptoms usually decrease as the eye and brain adjust. When lens placement is optimized and centered properly—something Modern Vision Centers prioritizes—the chance of long-term issues is very low. Occasionally, glare may be influenced by other factors such as pupil alignment or lens tilt, which can be corrected with minor medical or surgical intervention if necessary.
How do patients describe their real-world experience with glare?
Most patients at Modern Vision Centers report significant visual improvement and satisfaction with EVO ICL, even if they initially notice some glare. Surveys and follow-up visits confirm that once healing is complete, the majority experience fewer night-driving problems and better contrast than they did with glasses or contact lens use. EVO ICL often delivers what patients call “HD vision”—a sharp, high-contrast image with minimal distortion. This enhanced visual perception makes a noticeable difference in daily life, particularly for people who previously wore thick corrective lenses for severe near-sightedness or astigmatism. Patients who had struggled with night vision while wearing contacts often find the EVO ICL result to be clearer and more stable. Even when glare is reported early on, very few patients describe it as bothersome enough to impact daily function.
How does glare after EVO ICL compare to glare after LASIK?
Glare is a potential side effect after any form of refractive surgery, but the patterns differ between EVO ICL and LASIK. In the early phase, EVO ICL patients report a moderate amount of glare—up to 30%—that typically resolves within a few months. LASIK, which reshapes the cornea using a laser, can also lead to glare or halos, and in some cases, these effects persist longer. Because LASIK involves altering corneal tissue, it can increase the risk of dry eye syndrome, which may further exacerbate glare. EVO ICL avoids altering the cornea, reducing that risk and providing a smoother healing experience for the patient. If glare does persist after EVO ICL, there are treatment options including eye drops or repositioning the lens, which is removable—unlike LASIK changes to corneal structure.
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What advancements have improved glare outcomes in EVO ICL procedures?
Recent improvements in EVO ICL lens design have made glare less common and less intense than in earlier models. The updated optical system improves how light enters the eye and reduces scatter, even in dim settings. The Collamer material used in the EVO ICL includes UV filtering and excellent biocompatibility, helping protect the eye from both artificial and natural light while improving clarity. Better manufacturing processes now ensure more consistent lens centration and alignment with the patient’s iris and pupil size, which lowers the chance of visual distortion. These design changes reflect a continued push to make EVO ICL a more refined, low-risk option for patients seeking a high level of visual acuity without permanent tissue removal.
How have surgical techniques evolved to further reduce glare?
The precision of EVO ICL surgery has improved significantly with advanced planning tools and surgical imaging. Surgeons now use corneal topography, wavefront analysis, and other diagnostic technologies to map the eye before surgery. This allows for better alignment and positioning of the implant to match the natural shape of the eye. During the procedure, real-time adjustments are made using intraoperative guidance to ensure the lens is correctly placed, reducing complications like tilt or decentration that can cause glare. Modern Vision Centers uses these advanced techniques to help patients avoid adverse effects and get the best possible result. Improved surgical planning is especially helpful for candidates with astigmatism, as the toric version of EVO ICL now offers better alignment with the eye’s visual axis, reducing glare in patients with irregular corneas.
What do patient outcomes tell us about glare in modern EVO ICL procedures?
Patient outcomes continue to improve, with fewer reports of glare and greater satisfaction overall. With better lens design and surgical accuracy, even those with complex eyeglass prescriptions—such as high astigmatism or extreme myopia—now report clearer night vision and less light sensitivity. Modern Vision Centers has found that most patients return to activities like night driving within weeks of surgery, with minimal lingering symptoms. The ability to reverse or adjust the implant without affecting the cornea provides peace of mind and an added layer of flexibility. Unlike laser-based surgeries, EVO ICL does not remove corneal tissue, which helps preserve the natural shape of the eye and reduces the likelihood of inflammation or corneal complications later. If needed, adjustments to pressure, pupil size, or lens position can be made to resolve persistent symptoms without compromising long-term vision quality.
How does Modern Vision Centers reduce the risk of long-term glare?
Reducing the risk of long-term glare begins with accurate screening and proper lens sizing. Every candidate undergoes a thorough ophthalmology EyeAnalysis exam, including refraction, iris measurements, and corneal evaluation to ensure the right fit. Matching the lens size to the patient’s eye is essential to avoid misalignment and ensure proper vaulting over the natural lens. By carefully evaluating signs and symptoms before surgery, Modern Vision Centers can determine which patients are best suited for this procedure and which lens model will produce the most stable result. If patients have existing conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, or previous eye surgery, those factors are also taken into account to avoid any future complication. EVO ICL is an excellent option for people who are not candidates for LASIK due to dry eyes, thin corneas, or irregular eye shape.
What does the future look like for EVO ICL and glare reduction?
The future of EVO ICL is increasingly bright, with ongoing innovations aimed at reducing visual disturbances and maximizing patient satisfaction. As new research becomes available and technologies continue to evolve, glare is becoming a far less frequent complaint. The combination of advanced optics, improved surgical processes, and real-world outcomes supports EVO ICL as a leading option in refractive surgery for those seeking clear, crisp, long-term vision without the drawbacks of glasses or other procedures. As part of an FDA-approved, well-studied solution in the United States, EVO ICL is reshaping how people think about corrective lens alternatives—especially those with a history of contact lens discomfort or high refractive error. Modern Vision Centers remains committed to guiding patients through every step of the process with transparency and individualized care.
See the Results for Yourself
Modern Vision Centers offers personalized evaluations to determine if you’re a good candidate for EVO ICL. If you’ve struggled with glare, poor night vision, or find that your glasses no longer meet your needs, this procedure may be the option you’ve been waiting for. Schedule your consultation today and find out how EVO ICL can restore comfort, clarity, and confidence to your everyday life.
Sources:
https://crstodayeurope.com/articles/highlights-from-the-evo-visian-icl-experts-meeting-2016/visual-quality-with-the-evo-visian-icl/
https://www.eyeworld.org/2022/the-evo-icl-what-makes-it-different-and-results/
https://www.eyecliniclondon.com/blog/icl-eye-surgery-safety-explained-what-studies-say/
