Article: Against presbyopia
Source: Universitat de València (Spain), via Corneal Physician
Published: April 23, 2021
As part of a doctoral thesis, researchers in Spain designed the first transparent diffractive trifocal intracorneal inlay as a potential treatment option for presbyopia. Consisting of an extremely thin (less than 5 microns) lens made of a biocompatible material, the corneal inlay would be placed inside the stroma
of the cornea in a cavity
created with a femtosecond laser. According to the research team, the lens is micro-perforated to allow the flow of nutrients within the cornea and to reduce the likelihood of rejection, and its transparent design does not prevent retinal examination. Like existing trifocal refractive technology, this corneal inlay
corrects for vision at far, intermediate (computer range), and near
vision. However, the authors highlight that the main novelty of this corneal inlay is that it uses a diffractive lens, as compared to existing small-aperature corneal inlays and refractive corneal inlays. One of the researchers explains, “The first type produce an extension of the depth of focus with which
intermediate vision is gained but their luminous efficiency, since it is
partially opaque, is low. The second type achieve[s] bifocality, so it has
a good performance for nearsighted and farsighted individuals, although
it loses quality at intermediate distances. Our design, according to
the tests we have developed, overcomes all these handicaps.” Additionally, they state that their corneal inlay is fully compatible with other laser refractive surgeries as well as subsequent cataract surgery. The tests the team performed compared their design with another model currently used in clinical practice using commercial optical design software and subsequently on an
artificial eye with an optical simulator. Their next step is to test the design in non-invasive clinical trials.
My rating of this study:
⭐⭐
Furlan WD, Montagud-Martínez D, Ferrando V, et al. "A new trifocal corneal inlay for presbyopia."
Scientific Reports. 11:6620. 23 March 2021.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-86005-8
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