It can be disruptive to constantly locate your readers every time you want to check your email or look at a menu. The simple, 10-minute Raindrop Near Vision Inlay procedure is a long-term solution that can reduce (or eliminate) your need for reading glasses.
Unfortunately, we no longer offer this implant at Benjamin Eye Institute. If you would like to learn about our other Lens Replacement procedures, please check out Symfony Toric, Restor, Crystalens, and more to see if they are right for you.
What is the Raindrop?
The Raindrop is a small, transparent disk about the size of a pinhead. It is composed of 80% water and material similar to that of a soft contact lens. It is implanted just below the surface of your non-dominant eye during a quick, ten-minute procedure, and will allow you to focus on small details, like text, knitting work and the computer, without reading glasses. It works by reshaping the front portion of your eye to restore enhanced near vision.
An overview of the 10-minute Raindrop surgery
Immediately before your Raindrop procedure, Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet will administer a numbing drop to ensure your comfort. From there, you will lie down on your back and focus on a light to keep your eye as still as possible. Using a laser keratome cutting device, your surgeon will create a small flap in the cornea before placing the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay. The flap will then be replaced and the eye will heal itself, without the need for stitches.
What to expect after your procedure
You will be able to drive yourself home after surgery and resume your normal daily routine immediately. However, you will need to avoid the following activities for at least one week to ensure that your eye heals safely and quickly:
- Smoking
- Gardening
- Wearing makeup
- Rubbing your eyes
- Playing sports and exercising
- Being in dusty environments
Regarding aftercare, you will be required to wear an eye shield at night for about four weeks to prevent you from rubbing the area while you sleep. You will also need to use prescription steroid and antibiotic eye drops, along with artificial tears, to minimize the risk of an infection, dry eye complications, and inflammation.
Dr. Benjamin or Dr. Golchet will want to examine your eyes one day, one week, one month and every six months after the procedure to assess the healing process and ensure your optimal eye health.
A brand new way to see the world
The Raindrop is an extremely effective way to see small details more clearly – without always relying on readers. On average, patients saw five additional lines of near vision when reading an eye chart one week after surgery. After two years, the following results were apparent:
- 98% of patients could read a newspaper (20/40 or better at near distances)
- 88% of patients could read fine print (20/25 or better at near distances)
- 76% could read email (20/25 or better at intermediate distances)
