Thursday 2 February 2017

Light-Adjustable Intraocular Lenses

Over one-third of patients undergoing cataract surgery do not have excellent uncorrected vision and still require eyeglasses or contact lenses to see their best. New light-adjustable lens technology addresses this concern. Utilizing advanced patented techniques, cataracts can be dissolved with special medications that are activated by light in a process termed phacophotolysis. The procedure simplifies current cataract surgery so that removing a cataract may be performed in a physician’s office.

Once the cataract is removed, a photoreactive polymer is inserted into the natural lens capsule. The photoreactive polymer that makes up the light-adjustable lens is made of a silicone derivative. Exposure to certain wavelengths of light with specified powers after surgery can change the shape and refractive index of the photorefractive polymer within the lens capsule. Reshaping of the new lens after surgery allows for non-invasive correction of refractive and wavefront errors.

Accurate power adjustments of the new lens made post-operatively. Fine tuning after surgery can allow patients to achieve emmetropia, a condition that eliminates nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Retention of the lens capsule in its natural state allows patients to retain the ability to accommodate so that the ability to read without eyeglasses is maintained. Many observers believe that phacophotolysis represents a natural form of cataract surgery that restores the eye to a youthful state.

Development of phacophotolysis and the light-adjustable lens offers a versatile platform for cataract surgery. Following FDA approval, this new technology will lead to a new standard for cataract surgery and improved vision for patients.



Source by Michael Reynard, M.D.

 

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