Are you considering vision correction but aren’t sure which procedure is right for you? While EVO ICL and PRK can both free you from the hassles of glasses and contacts, they suit different patients, lifestyles, and vision goals.

Whether you want to enjoy San Antonio’s scenic River Walk without worrying about glasses fogging up in the humid air or simply wake up to the stunning city skyline without needing contact lenses, understanding your options is the first step toward achieving visual freedom. Keep reading to learn more about whether you should get the EVO ICL or PRK in San Antonio.

What is the EVO ICL?

The EVO ICL is a modern vision correction option that works like a permanent contact lens. It involves placing a biocompatible implantable collamer lens between your iris and your eye’s natural lens to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.

At Focal Point Vision, our board-certified ophthalmologists, Dr. Maverick and Dr. Lehmann, perform this procedure in less than 30 minutes. Using advanced laser technology, they create a tiny opening to position the lens behind your iris.

After a brief recovery period, you will notice a significant improvement in your vision. What makes the EVO ICL particularly remarkable is its impressive 99.4% patient satisfaction rate.

Patients consistently report sharper, clearer vision that allows them to fully experience everything San Antonio has to offer.

Who is a Good Candidate for the EVO ICL?

The EVO ICL can be an excellent choice for many patients, particularly those who may not qualify for other vision correction procedures. You might be an ideal candidate if:

You’re between 21 and 45 years old
Your prescription is stable
You have a prescription for up to -20 diopters of nearsightedness and up to 4.0 diopters of astigmatism
You have thin corneas that make you ineligible for LASIK
You’re in good overall health

One of the standout benefits of the EVO ICL is that it’s particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas or dry eye syndrome who may have been told they are not good LASIK candidates. Since the procedure doesn’t involve reshaping the cornea, these conditions don’t disqualify you from enjoying clearer vision.

This also means the procedure is entirely reversible if needed, offering peace of mind and flexibility while still providing the same benefits as other vision correction procedures. It can also correct higher degrees of nearsightedness than any other vision correction procedure, making it great for patients with severe nearsightedness.

Benefits of the EVO ICL

The EVO ICL offers numerous advantages beyond just improved vision:

Excellent night vision
UV protection from harmful sun rays
Quick and easy treatment with minimal recovery time
Doesn’t contribute to dry eye syndrome
Reversible if needed
No removal of corneal tissue

For San Antonio residents who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking at Government Canyon State Natural Area, the combination of UV protection and excellent night vision provides all-day visual clarity without worry.

What is PRK?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the first vision correction surgery developed and has successfully provided 20/20 vision or better to millions of patients worldwide. It remains an extremely effective option for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, especially for certain patients.

During a PRK procedure at Focal Point Vision, our expert eye surgeons first apply numbing drops to ensure your comfort. Rather than creating a corneal flap like in LASIK, PRK involves completely removing the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) and then reshaping the cornea beneath with an advanced laser.

The procedure typically takes about 20 minutes. Although PRK requires a longer healing period than procedures like LASIK and the EVO ICL, it delivers exceptional results for the right candidates.

Who Should Get PRK?

PRK might be your best option if:

You have thin corneas that make you unsuitable for LASIK
You have certain corneal irregularities
You are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
You’re active in contact sports or have a physically demanding profession
You’re at least 18 years old with a stable prescription
You have good overall eye health without advanced glaucoma or cataracts

Military personnel, first responders, and athletes often prefer PRK because there’s no risk of flap dislocation during high-impact activities. This makes it ideal for active San Antonio residents who enjoy high-impact sports or work in demanding physical environments.

Benefits of PRK

PRK offers several distinct advantages:

Safe, time-tested procedure with decades of successful outcomes
No corneal flap creation, reducing the risk of certain complications
Suitable for patients with thin corneas
Utilizes advanced laser technology for precise results
Permanent vision correction
Reduces or eliminates dependence on glasses and contacts

Comparing the EVO ICL and PRK: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between the EVO ICL and PRK depends on several factors specific to your eyes and lifestyle. Both procedures offer great alternatives to LASIK for patients with thin corneas or dry eye and can give you crisp, clear vision without visual aids.

However, there are key differences between the procedures that make them better suited for certain patients.

Consider the EVO ICL if:

You have nearsightedness or astigmatism
You have severe nearsightedness
You want a reversible procedure
You want a quicker recovery
You want built-in UV protection

Consider PRK if:

You have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
You play contact sports or work a physically demanding job, with the risk of an eye injury
You’re looking for a more established procedure
You’re willing to undergo a longer recovery period
You’re on a tighter budget for vision correction

The best way to determine whether the EVO ICL or PRK is better for you is to schedule a comprehensive consultation at Focal Point Vision. During this visit, your eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes, discuss your vision goals, and review your health history to determine whether PRK or the EVO ICL is right for you and create a personalized treatment plan.

Enjoy San Antonio with Clear Vision

Imagine experiencing the vibrant culture and attractions of San Antonio without the limitations of glasses or contacts. Whether you’re sampling cuisine at the Pearl District, enjoying a Spurs game, or taking in the view from the Tower of the Americas, clear vision enhances every experience.

From the practical benefits of seeing clearly while driving on I-10 to the simple joy of waking up with perfect vision, both the EVO ICL and PRK can transform your daily life in San Antonio.

Do you want to learn more about whether PRK or the EVO ICL could be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, today!

Should I Get the EVO ICL or PRK in San Antonio?