No need for specs: eye implants offer ‘super vision’

[steven johnson]

A new inplantable lens can be shaped by shining ultraviolet light on specific parts of the implant. Its shape and curvature can be altered to sharpen the image seen by the patient.

Patients have to stay out of bright sunlight or wear UV-protective glasses for two weeks until the adjustments have been made

These implantable lenses are used not only for correction after cataract surgery but also for correction of distance vision. In 2008 420,000 presbyopia-correcting IOLs were implanted around the world last year.

Light-adjustable lenses (LAL) offer the prospect of 20/20 vision to thousands of people who become short-sighted or develop cataracts with age.

The lenses are similar to existing lens implants, or intraocular lenses (IOL), used to treat cataracts. But doctors can adjust them after they have been implanted, tailoring the amount of correction to an individual’s needs and potentially eliminating the need for glasses.

“The change is so accurate that we can even make the lens bifocal or varifocal, so as well as giving them good vision at distance we can give them good vision for reading. They won’t need their glasses at all.”

Mr Qureshi said that patients could achieve “better than perfect vision” because the adjustments could account for natural imperfections in the eye, known as high-order aberrations, that can subtly affect vision.




No need for specs: eye implants offer ‘super vision’

[monmouth]

1. I used to have to wear glasses always when reading, had the one

eye implanted due to cataract and have not worn glasses since. Now time for the other eye. Procedure is very simple, painless and my eye doctor played Sinatra music for me during the procedure. Science and technology at its best.

[supernova]

3. Is the procedure expensive?

If you don't mind my asking.

My eyes are a little near-sighted right now. Sight tends to fuzz closer to my face. But my regular vision and distance vision are fine. When I do need it I intend to have corrective surgery.

[monmouth]

4. To tell the truth I had "insurance out of this world" when I was working

and I recall paying some small co-pays. I think every procedure is differently priced. There should be a consult and doctor can give you at least a ballpark figure I'm sure. Good luck..

[elocs]

2. No thanks, I'll stick with specs. They've served me well for 50 years now.

Besides, my face has matured and aged around wearing glasses and I really prefer the way I look with glasses than without them. Now if they could only make a pair of lenses that are actually scratch proof.

[angstlessk]

5. I agree, have worn glasses since I was about 12...60 now..how to explain

those indentations on my nose? Wore contact lenses when they became thin...for about a year...TOO much trouble. Had to cleanse and heat (sterilize?) every night...I love glasses, but like you, my lenses always become scratched over time.

[Orrex]

6. I prefer to work without supervision.