EVO ICL Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea — implantable lenses for high myopia
An implantable collamer lens (ICL) corrects vision from inside the eye without removing any corneal tissue — often the safest choice for high prescriptions, thin corneas or dry eyes. Apgujeong Eye Clinic is an officially designated ICL Training Center.
Board-certified ophthalmologist · Updated October 2026
What is EVO ICL surgery and who is it for?
EVO ICL is a thin, biocompatible lens implanted inside the eye, behind the iris, to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism without removing corneal tissue. It suits high myopia, thin corneas and dry eyes, and can be removed if needed. Apgujeong Eye Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea is an official ICL Training Center offering EVO ICL, KPL and IPCL lenses with English-speaking support.
- Incision
- About 3 mm
- Corneal tissue removed
- None
- Removable
- Yes
- Surgery time
- About 20 min / eye
Adding a lens instead of removing tissue
Laser procedures correct vision by reshaping the cornea, which limits how much can be safely treated. An ICL works like a permanent contact lens placed inside the eye: it sits behind the iris, in front of your natural lens, where it cannot be seen or felt.
The EVO ICL has a tiny central port that allows natural fluid flow, so a separate laser iridotomy is usually not needed. Because nothing is removed from the cornea, the procedure is reversible and does not induce the dry eye that can follow laser surgery.
- Corrects high myopia and astigmatism
- No corneal tissue removed — reversible
- Does not typically worsen dry eye
- Excellent night-vision quality in suitable eyes
- Lens choice: EVO+ ICL, KPL or IPCL, tailored to your eye
Who is a good candidate for EVO ICL?
Final eligibility is confirmed only after a full diagnostic exam with your surgeon.
Usually a good fit if you…
- Have moderate to high myopia, with or without astigmatism
- Were told your corneas are too thin for LASIK or SMILE
- Have dry eye and want to avoid laser-related dryness
- Are roughly 20–45 years old with a stable prescription
- Want a reversible option
We may suggest another option if…
- Your anterior chamber is too shallow on measurement
- You have cataract or early lens changes — lens replacement may suit better
- You have uncontrolled glaucoma or uveitis
- Your endothelial cell count is low
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Your ICL journey in Seoul
Pre-assessment
Send your prescription; we check whether ICL is likely suitable.
Detailed biometry
Anterior chamber depth, endothelial count and white-to-white sizing.
Lens selection
Your surgeon chooses EVO+ ICL, KPL or IPCL and the exact size.
Surgery
About 20 minutes per eye under local anaesthesia.
Follow-up
Next-day eye-pressure and lens-vault checks before you fly.
EVO ICL vs laser vision correction
ICL is not a replacement for laser — it is the right tool for different eyes.
| EVO ICL | SMILE / LASIK | LASEK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corneal tissue removed | None | Yes | Yes |
| Reversible | Yes | No | No |
| High myopia | Excellent | Limited by thickness | Limited by thickness |
| Dry eye impact | Minimal | Mild–moderate | Moderate |
| Typical surgery | About 20 min / eye | About 15 min both eyes | About 15 min both eyes |
Byung Woo Ko, M.D.
Representative Director · Board-Certified Ophthalmologist. Former Professor of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Hospital; former cornea specialist and clinical instructor, Samsung Medical Center; EVO ICL 3,000-eye achievement award. Member of Korean Ophthalmological Society, KSCRS, ARVO.
ICL explained by our lens specialists
Straight answers from the doctors of Apgujeong Eye Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul.
Frequently asked questions
Is ICL surgery safe?
ICL has been used for over two decades. Possible risks include raised eye pressure, inflammation, cataract formation or the need to resize the lens, which is why precise sizing and follow-up checks are essential.
Can the ICL be removed?
Yes. The lens can be removed or exchanged if your eyes change or if another procedure is needed later in life.
Will I feel the lens in my eye?
No. The lens sits inside the eye behind the iris, so it cannot be felt or seen by others.
How long should I stay in Korea for ICL?
Plan around 5–7 days so we can check eye pressure and lens position after surgery.
What is the difference between EVO+ ICL, KPL and IPCL?
They are different implantable lens designs. Your surgeon selects the lens and size based on your eye’s measurements and prescription.
Is ICL better than LASIK?
For high myopia, thin corneas or dry eye, ICL is often safer. For mild to moderate myopia with healthy corneas, laser options are usually preferred.
Explore other options
Get a free assessment before you fly
Send your current prescription on WhatsApp. An English-speaking coordinator replies with suitability notes and available dates.
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