Posted on 12/22/2014 4:06:33 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
New implant improves vision for older people struggling with cataracts, astigmatism, or long and short-sightedness.
For many people getting older brings a catalogue of vision problems which make everyday tasks like reading and driving a major challenge.
But a new lens implant which mimics the working of a youthful eye is giving sight back to people struggling with cataracts, astigmatism, or long and short-sightedness.
It is the first lens that corrects for all types of vision problems at once and can be inserted in just a simple operation. It works at any distance and in any light condition, acting more like a camera zoom than other multi-focal lenses which have three distinct points of focus.
Susan Wright, 57, a charity consultant from Macclesfield, Cheshire, is one of the first people in the world to test the new implant.
She had surgery on both eyes six weeks ago and had her final follow-up appointment with ophthalmic surgeon, Brian Little, at the London Claremont Clinic last week....
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
My ophthalmologist tells me that as soon as my cataracts “ripen”, I will be eligible for this implant.
Very much looking forward to it.
Great info!
One technique used today is to use different lenses in each eye. One may focus better at long distance while the other focuses better at short distances. The brain adapts and combines the two. I met someone last month who has 20/20 vision with this technique and doesn’t need reading glasses.
Not yet approved in this country.
The reason your eyes get bad as you age is God’s way of keeping marriages strong.
> Not yet approved in this country.
According to my ophthalmologist, my cataract laden birth lenses will be replaced with synthetic lenses that will improve my eyesight to the point where I will no longer need glasses, except maybe for reading.
You’ll get lens implants, just not this new type described in the article.
I had both lenses replaced several years ago. Now I have good distance vision after a lifetime of nearsightedness, but need glasses to read ordinary print. Beats cataracts.
I think it’s called bi-optics? Doing this with contacts works great and eliminates the need for reading glasses.
Your doc is probably not talking about this new experimental technology. Such surgery has been around quite a long time now.
I have had each of my lenses replaced now with artificial lenses, but they are not anything like what is described in this article.
Maybe 10 years ago I had prescription lens implants put in both eyes that totally eliminated the need for glasses. I can see far, I can read fine print.....Having been forced to wear glasses since I was 4 years old, it literally changed my life.
“One technique used today is to use different lenses in each eye. One may focus better at long distance while the other focuses better at short distances. The brain adapts and combines the two. I met someone last month who has 20/20 vision with this technique and doesn’t need reading glasses.”
About one in two thousand people are short sighted in one eye and long sighted in the other. I found out I was that way in High School. I actually didn’t even realize I had this issue since my brain automatically switched between the eyes. Doctor said I was probably born that way. I found out I had this problem when I took a flight physical for the Navy. That was the end of my career as fighter pilot.
I too wore glasses from the age of 4. I envy you being able to read fine print as well as to see at a distance, but I’m not complaining about my new eyes. I always wore glasses to read, anyway, and I have to wear safety glasses at work, but at least I can get around without glasses if I need to.
I had replacements and can see near and far. However, my middle range vision is slightly blurry. Also I have halos around round lights at night.
I wonder if a person with artificial can get the corrected lens when they are approved?
That is true, but the lens in this article is not yet approved for use in USA. I’m an OR nurse in an eye surgery center.
Good question. I asked my eye doctor that question when I had my lenses put in and he said no because of the scar tissue that is created around the replacement lens.
But that was 10 years ago so who knows what they can do today.
As a side note, I had to pay out of pocket for my lenses since it wasn't medically necessary.....$7,000......but I have no regrets
My father inlaw just had this surgery this past summer. He is 75. He has been wearing glasses for 65+ years. Not anymore. Now he has 20/20 vision. He still needs reading glasses. The kind you buy at the drug store for $5.
Sorry, my father inlaw had synthetic lenses installed. He also had astigmatism in one eye. It may not have been this exact same type. However, he is 75 and wore glasses since childhood.
Good idea, but has it’s flaws.
“The lenses are made of plastic and should never need to be replaced.”
-Until the patient’s eyes worsen. Then you’re stuck. I had a similar procedure done when I was 45. The Dr. assured me I’d never have to worry about glasses again. I’m 50 now and my eyes have continued to worsen, naturally.
But at $2k-$4k an eye, I can’t afford to have this re-done. It’s back to glasses for me now.
Oh yeah, I just can’t seem to get an appointment with the surgeon who sold me this deal anymore. They’re ALWAYS booked up... What a scam.
“(could barely make out the big E on the eye chart)”
There’s a chart?
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