If a patient is not satisfied with the outcome of the cataract surgery he/she used to have two options: to get used to it or to replace the artificial lens one more time. Replacing an artificial lens, though, is much more risky than an initial cataract operation. However, Refractive Index Shaping is changing the game. It allows to change the refractive index of the IOL (intraocular lens) that were implanted during the cataract surgery.
Ophthalmology: minimal yet phenomenal changes – it’s a revolution.
-“I can see at a distance, but that’s all,” says the patient, a retiree. Or it’s the opposite. “I have multifocal lenses. I can see up close and at a distance, but the halos are doing a number on me. I know that 2% of people get them, but why am I in that 2%?” What’s to be done in this situation?
Previously, surgeons had only two options. They could suggest that the patient just “get used to” the lens, or replace it. Replacing an artificial lens, though, is much riskier than an initial cataract operation. Especially if it had been 6 months or more. There is also a risk that the new lens will be imperfect. The absolute accuracy of the lens is never guaranteed. Laser correction is another option, but you have to keep in mind that these patients are not young, and neither are their corneas. There are no easy solutions. Furthermore, they are all expensive, risky, or both, and there are no guarantees.
– So what’s the point here?
Well, for the first time in 25 years… About that much time has passed since I stared at LASIK in amazement, even though it was an enormous arrangement that took up three rooms. However, the very fact that you could perform an operation on the cornea and change its refractive power was shocking for everyone, not just me. It completely changed treatment. It was not an evolution, but a revolution. Since then, I have gone to ophthalmology conferences every year. I see evolutionary things every time. Everything becomes more elegant and beautiful, but nothing is breathtaking. That is until I saw the presentation I’m about to talk about. It turns out that by adapting the technology we already have, the femtosecond laser, it’s possible to perform Refractive Index Shaping.
– Can you explain what that is?
– Suppose you have a lens and there’s no rejection or opacification, and it’s of the correct shape, but the refraction is off. Maybe there’s a plus or a minus, astigmatism, or the patient has a mono-focal lens and wants a multifocal one. Or vice versa. What if we could use a laser to change the “old-new” lens that’s already in there? Turns out this can be done!
(to be continued)
Interviewed by Sebastian Varo
Imagine waking up and seeing clearly before you even reach for your glasses. If you’ve been considering laser vision correction, SMILE is an option worth getting to know—and it’s now available at Benjamin Eye Institute. Let’s find out if it is the right choice for your eyes, your lifestyle, and the way you want to see the world!
You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
The story of one unlighted Olympic star was worth the price of the Lasik operation.
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Are you considering LASIK but want to know more before taking the leap? At Benjamin Eye Institute, we combine over 30 years of expertise with state-of-the-art technology to help our patients achieve clearer vision and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
The main difference between PRK and LASIK is in the procedure process. When performing PRK, there is no need to create a flap of the cornea, so this surgical technique may be a good option for those that have thin corneas and might not be a good candidate for LASIK. Also, PRK has a longer recovery process.
Imagine the freedom of crisp, clear vision without the burden of glasses or contacts. LASIK has the potential to transform your life, and at Benjamin Eye Institute, we have witnessed its remarkable impact on countless patients. Join us on a journey of discovery as we unveil the inspiring stories of individuals whose lives were changed by LASIK.
Choosing a LASIK surgeon is not an easy task. You only have one pair of eyes after all. At Benjamin Eye Institute, we pride ourselves on offering the state-of-the-art technology and exceptional surgical skills of Dr. Benjamin. Read more to see what makes our practice stand out!
For patients with moderate to high myopia, a new standard of precision, safety, and reversibility is now available right here in West Hollywood.
Author: Arthur Benjamin, MD
