A corneal inlay is a tiny device, smaller than the width of an eraser tip. A laser is used to cut a tiny pocket or flap in the centre of the cornea of the non-dominant eye during a 10- to 15-minute procedure. Depending on the inlay being used, it is then put into or beneath this pocket or flap. The implant enhances the cornea’s central depth of focus to treat nearsightedness.
The two primary types of corneal inlays differ slightly in appearance and operation. One of these has recently received FDA approval for use in the US.Similar to multifocal contact lenses or intraocular lenses, refractive corneal inlays are designed with distinct sections of the inlay providing varying degrees of magnification. As a result, the eye can focus both close up and far away. The FDA is now reviewing this kind of inlay.
The amount of light that reaches the eye can be altered via small aperture inlays, which operate like a camera’s aperture. This tool is a ring with a pinhole opening in the middle that is donut-shaped. The pinhole reduces the field of vision by focusing light into the eye with extreme precision. Better sight is provided up close as a result. The FDA (in April 2015) approved the KAMRA as the first small aperture inlay for use in the United States.
People with presbyopia who do not have refractive abnormalities, typically have corneal inlays implanted (like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism). A “combination” surgery, which involves performing LASIK to correct the refractive error at the same time the inlay is implanted, is an option for those with refractive errors. Some of these combo operations are regarded as using corneal inlays “off-label.” If doctors are well-informed about the product or procedure and studies show it is beneficial, the FDA will permit “off-label” use of the treatment.
In order to receive corneal inlays, you must not have any corneal diseases, such as keratoconus, (cone-shaped cornea). Without first receiving treatment for their blepharitis or uncontrolled dry eyes, patients should refrain from receiving corneal inlays. Corneal inlays should not be applied to cataract patients.
You may need to undergo testing for some corneal inlays to ensure that your cornea is thick enough for the procedure.
Typically, only one eye receives a corneal inlay (your non-dominant eye).
Although the procedure will be done while you are awake, local anaesthetic will be used (inducing loss of sensation to prevent any pain).
Patients should prepare to use steroid and antibiotic eye drops for up to a month following surgery.
There may be adverse effects like glare, halos, and difficulties seeing at night or reading in low light, depending on the type of corneal inlay used. Other possible side effects include corneal scarring, edoema, inflammation, corneal thinning, and corneal clouding.
Find out from your ophthalmologist what implications your corneal inlay may have. If you are unhappy with the results, you can have the corneal inlays removed.
At The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner.
If you need an appointment, please contact us at 03041119544 during our working hours or leave us a WhatsApp message at +923028291799 and someone will connect with you. Walk-in appointments are also available for emergencies. We can also be reached through our web portal on www.surgicaleyecenter.org
