The STAAR EVO+ Visian ICL with central port is a soft, biocompatible implantable collamer lens placed between your iris and natural lens to correct myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK or SMILE, it removes no corneal tissue, making it ideal for higher prescriptions, thinner corneas and dry eyes. The integrated KS-AquaPORT central hole allows aqueous fluid to circulate naturally, so the older requirement for a pre-operative laser iridotomy is removed. Surgery takes around 20–30 minutes for both eyes under anaesthetic drops, and at our partner clinics EVO+ ICL starts from £3,400 per eye (both eyes from £6,800), all-inclusive of lens, surgery and aftercare. The lens is removable and exchangeable if your vision needs change.
What is the EVO+ ICL with central port?
An ICL — implantable collamer lens — is a permanent contact lens that sits inside the eye rather than on its surface. It is implanted in front of your natural crystalline lens and behind the coloured iris, where it stays invisible and maintenance-free. The lens is made from Collamer, a collagen-based material that is highly biocompatible and stable in the eye for decades.
The EVO+ generation adds two important refinements. First, the KS-AquaPORT — a tiny central port through the optic — lets the eye's natural fluid flow freely around the lens. This removes the need for a separate YAG laser iridotomy (a small hole burned in the iris) that older ICLs required to prevent pressure build-up. Second, the EVO+ optic is larger than the standard EVO, giving a wider effective zone of clear vision and reducing glare and halos in low light — a meaningful benefit for night driving.
Because it adds focusing power without altering the cornea, the EVO+ ICL is one of the most effective options for correcting moderate-to-high myopia, often beyond the range that laser eye surgery can safely treat.
Who is the EVO+ ICL for?
- Higher prescriptions — short-sightedness up to around -18 dioptres, where LASIK or SMILE may not be suitable
- Thin or irregular corneas — too little tissue for safe laser ablation
- Dry eyes — ICL does not cut corneal nerves, so it rarely worsens dryness
- Active lifestyles — a stable, removable correction with no flap to displace
- Patients who want reversibility — the lens can be removed or exchanged later
- Astigmatism — corrected with the EVO+ Toric version
Suitability is confirmed at a consultation that includes corneal topography, anterior chamber depth measurement and endothelial cell counts. If laser surgery is a better fit for your eyes, your surgeon will tell you — compare with laser eye surgery and SMILE Pro.
Not sure whether ICL or laser is right for you? A consultation includes the scans needed to confirm whether the EVO+ ICL suits your eyes.
Book a suitability assessmentEVO+ ICL lens options
The EVO family covers the full range of refractive needs. Your surgeon selects and sizes the exact lens to your eye after detailed measurements.
For astigmatism specifically, see Visian Toric ICL surgery. For very high myopia, see EVO ICL for high myopia.
What happens during EVO+ ICL surgery
EVO+ ICL implantation is a quick, day-case procedure performed under local anaesthetic eye drops. You stay awake but feel no pain — only mild pressure. Both eyes are usually treated in the same visit.
- Numbing drops are applied and the eye is cleaned with sterile solution.
- A tiny self-sealing incision (about 2.5–3 mm) is made at the edge of the cornea — no stitches needed.
- The folded EVO+ ICL is gently inserted through the incision and unfolds into position behind the iris.
- The surgeon centres the lens and, for toric lenses, rotates it to align with your astigmatism.
- The eye is rinsed and shielded. You rest briefly, then go home — typically within an hour or two.
Because the KS-AquaPORT central port maintains natural fluid flow, no separate iridotomy is required, which shortens the pathway and avoids that step's side effects.
Recovery week-by-week
ICL recovery is fast. Many patients notice clearer vision within hours and return to most activities within days.
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy for a few hours, then begins to sharpen. Mild light sensitivity and watering are normal. Rest with the eye shield for the first night.
Day 1
First post-op check. Most patients already see well and can carry out gentle daily tasks. Drops begin.
Week 1
Back to work, screens and driving once vision meets the standard. Avoid swimming, eye rubbing and dusty environments.
Weeks 2–4
Vision stabilises fully. Drops are tapered off. One-month review confirms lens position and eye pressure.
Long term
The lens stays maintenance-free and invisible. Routine annual eye checks are recommended, as for anyone.
EVO+ ICL cost
Our EVO+ ICL prices are all-inclusive: consultation and scans, the lens itself, the surgery, theatre fees, post-op drops and your follow-up reviews.
- Self-pay: from £3,400 per eye (sphere); £3,950 per eye toric; both eyes from £6,800.
- Finance: 0% options available — spreading both-eye treatment over 12–24 months.
- Insurance: elective refractive ICL surgery is usually self-pay; we provide a written quotation.
For a full breakdown and how ICL compares with laser correction, see our ICL cost guide and laser eye surgery cost guide.