For people with presbyopia, reading glasses become an inevitable accessory. Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the focusing power of the eyes.
As people age, the lenses of their eyes become less flexible, leading to difficulty in focusing on nearby objects.
Many people with presbyopia struggle with reading small fonts on their phone or computer screens, labels on medication bottles, books, or restaurant menus.
And while reading glasses can help them read better, they can also be a hassle to keep track of and can be easily forgotten at home. Fortunately, the development of new technology has led to the creation of a revolutionary solution – one that can say goodbye to reading glasses forever.
CORNEAL INLAY SURGERY
Corneal inlay surgery is a type of refractive surgery that aims to improve near vision in people with presbyopia.
The procedure involves inserting a small, circular device made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) into a tiny corneal pocket created in the patient’s non-dominant eye.
The PVDF device (called the KAMRA inlay) is about the size of a pinhead and has a small opening in the center.
When the KAMRA inlay is inserted into the patient’s eye, it blocks the unfocused light, which leads to an increase in depth of focus and improved near vision. The KAMRA inlay also works by improving contrast sensitivity, making it easier to read in low-light situations.
THE PROCEDURE
Corneal inlay surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done quickly using local anesthesia. The first step in the procedure is to create a flap on the patient’s cornea using a laser or a microkeratome.
The corneal flap is then lifted up to create a small pocket where the KAMRA inlay will be inserted. The KAMRA inlay is then gently placed in the pocket, and the corneal flap is put back in place to cover the inlay. The entire surgery takes about 15 minutes, and most patients can resume their normal activities after a day or two.
The procedure does not require any stitches, and there is minimal pain or discomfort involved. Some patients may experience some mild side effects, such as dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights, but these usually resolve within a few weeks.
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THE BENEFITS OF CORNEAL INLAY SURGERY
Corneal inlay surgery offers several benefits over traditional reading glasses or contact lenses. Here are some of the advantages:.
Freedom from reading glasses
Corneal inlay surgery eliminates the need for reading glasses, allowing people with presbyopia to enjoy clear vision at all distances.
Clearer and more natural vision
The KAMRA inlay provides clearer and more natural vision compared to reading glasses or contact lenses. It also improves contrast sensitivity, making it easier to read in low-light situations.
Quick and easy recovery
Most patients can resume their normal activities after a day or two, and there is minimal pain or discomfort involved.
Long-lasting results
The KAMRA inlay is designed to last a lifetime, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
Corneal inlay surgery is ideal for people with presbyopia who are looking for a long-lasting solution to their vision problems.
The procedure is safe and effective, and most people experience a significant improvement in their near vision after the surgery.
However, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. Your eye doctor will need to evaluate your eye health and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Factors that may disqualify you from the procedure include severe dry eye, an active eye infection, or a cornea that is too thin or irregularly shaped.
CONCLUSION
Corneal inlay surgery offers a long-term solution for people with presbyopia who want to say goodbye to reading glasses. It is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly improve near vision, without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
While the surgery is not for everyone, it is a viable option for many people with presbyopia, and it is worth discussing with your eye doctor if you are looking for a permanent solution to your near vision problems.
