Brief History of Smart / Intraocular Lenses

The history of intraocular (implanted inside the eye) lenses began in the middle of the twentieth century.

The first successful implantation of this type of lens was carried out in Italy in the 1960s. In those days, only one option for placing and fixing the lens was possible - in the anterior chamber of the eye. The material for the manufacture of the implant was a solid polymer, polymethyl methacrylate. After the operation, the patient received an excellent quality of vision, while not experiencing discomfort, did not feel a foreign body in the eye. However, in the long term, many patients developed various complications - and the operation became unpopular.

In the 1980s, when there was a qualitative leap in the development of medical technology, ophthalmologists returned to the practice of using intraocular lenses. There were new ways of positioning and fixing implants, as well as more advanced materials for their manufacture.

Today, the largest manufacturers of optics for intraocular lenses are companies in the USA, Switzerland, Germany, England and Russia.

• An intraocular lens (further IOL) is an implant (artificial lens) made of a biocompatible material, which is installed in place of the natural lens in case of loss of the latter's functions.
• The artificial lens consists of two elements - optical and supporting. The optical part is a transparent lens, due to which the correct focusing of light rays is achieved and good vision is ensured, and the supporting (haptic) part consists of two clamps and allows you to fix the IOL in the natural lens capsule.

Intraocular Lenses are used for:

• Treatment of cataracts of any severity (even combined with other pathologies);
• Refractive errors due to severe myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Properties of modern intraocular lenses:

The first IOLs were rigid implants with the need to cut to the length of the lens, which made the operation a traumatic intervention with a long recovery period. What are the properties of modern artificial lenses used in ophthalmology?

• Optical parameters. Each IOL has its own characteristics, designed to maximize visual function. Optical power indicators are calculated during the examination based on the individual needs of the patient and the characteristics of the intervention.
   
• Excellent biocompatibility. Modern materials of artificial lenses do not cause allergies, excluding the possible rejection of the lens.
   
• Flexibility and elasticity. IOLs are so flexible that they can be placed inside the eye when folded through micro-access, straightening out in the capsular bag.
   
• UV filter. The artificial lens is able to protect the retina from ultraviolet radiation due to a color filter for a certain spectrum of light radiation. Color reproduction is not affected.
   
• Correction of spherical distortions. Aspherical lenses with a complex surface geometry improve the quality of vision at dusk and prevent glare.
   
• Astigmatism correction. In some combined pathologies (for example, cataract + astigmatism), it is preferable to install toric lens models that solve both problems at the same time.
   
• Elimination of age-related farsightedness. After 40-45 years, the lens gradually loses the ability to quickly re-focus near / far due to a decrease in flexibility. The process of accommodation is disturbed, a clear vision of nearby objects requires spectacle correction. Special multifocal new generation IOLs compensate for lost accommodative capabilities, providing excellent vision at near, far and intermediate distances.

Methods of implantation of intraocular lenses:

An intraocular lens (IOL) can be placed in the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye. Lens models differ in size, shape of support mounts, material. The main task is to fix the lens so that it does not touch the lens and does not affect the natural circulation of fluid inside the eye.

Features of implantation in the anterior chamber:

• In this part of the eye, there is enough free space for stable fixation of the lens, so this procedure belongs to operations of medium complexity.
• Optical calculation and measurements are relatively simple.
• The material for the implant can be either solid or flexible, elastic.
• The lens can be placed in the corner of the camera or on the iris itself.
• Possible complications: risk of damage to the iris or lens, reduction in the number of endothelial cells, changes in the shape of the pupil, chronic inflammation.
• Another feature of anterior chamber lenses is that they can be seen by others due to glare.

Features of implantation in the posterior chamber:

• This method of implantation is technically more difficult, because there is much less free space in the posterior chamber of the eye.
• Optical calculation is complex and requires very precise special measurements.
• The lens material must be elastic, repeating the shape of the lens.
• Possible complications: violation of the free circulation of intraocular fluid and the risk of developing cataracts.
• Posterior chamber lenses cannot be seen from the side, they are visible only with a special examination.

As you can see, both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Modern clinics usually practice the implantation of posterior chamber lenses if the patient's vision level is up to -14 diopters. But the final choice can only be made by a qualified doctor after a thorough study of all the features of the patient's visual system.

Types of lenses according to the method of visual correction:

• Monofocal lenses are not able to change curvature, adjusting to different distances, as is the case with a natural lens. Vision will be corrected for the distance, and glasses will be needed for near work.
   
• Multifocal. The optical characteristics of lenses resemble the properties of a natural lens. The complex design of the optics allows the patient, after installing such a lens, to see both far and near equally well.
   
• Toric lenses provide vision correction from astigmatism due to special optics with a built-in cylinder.
   
• Multifocal toric. They have a combined effect - it corrects astigmatism, while the patient receives almost 100% vision, which he did not have before the operation.
   
• Lenses with additional protective functions - color filters. Such models are endowed with yellow pigments that do not allow blue rays of the invisible part of the light spectrum to pass through to the retina. 
   

Intraocular Lenses for:

• People who are short-sighted.
• People who are far-sighted.
• People with astigmatism.
• People with cataract.

Intraocular Lenses are not for:

• Those who have optic nerve atrophy, retinal dystrophy, any inflammatory processes in the fundus.
• Those who have chronic inflammation of the choroid of the eye (uveitis);
• Those with subluxation of the lens;
• Those who have undergone previous eye surgeries (on the retina and vitreous).
• Pregnant and breastfeeding.

Intraocular Lenses Duration:

• 50-60 minutes in total.

Intraocular Lenses Recovery Timeline:

• The next day after the operation, vision is completely restored.
• After 10 days, the patient can already start work.

Possible Riscs for Intraocular Lenses:

• There is a small risk of developing cataracts as a result of lens implantation.
• Blurred vision, double vision, halos and corneal clouding due to endothelial cell loss.
• In extreme cases, there may be a risk of complete loss of vision, although this is very rare.

Of course, we will also take care of you after your treatment!

Our medical consultants will take care of you during 1 year after the surgery. 
If you need any assistance, if you have questions, you can contact our staff at any time.

Smart Lens Healing Process

The complete healing process after intraocular lenses surgery can take up to 3 months.

Many patients have clear vision just a few hours after the surgery. However, the healing process is different for each person. It may take up to a week or two for you to regain sharp vision. You will usually have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon the day after your procedure.

Please, avoid any rubbing or pressing on the operated eye for one week. Avoid heavy lifting for one week as well as direct contact of water with the eye. Diving and swimming as well as visits to the sauna and solarium are possible again after 4 weeks. Your treating doctor will discuss details with you.
 

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• Premium intraocular lenses: The past, present and future