KAMRA® Inlay
Aging is a fact of life, and unfortunately, declining vision is one of the first things we notice as we age. Many people all over the world start to notice as they approach their 40’s and 50’s that they can no longer read or see up close. Some will need to hold their newspaper far away to be able to focus on the words or have trouble reading text messages on their phone. This is an extremely common condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia affects millions of Americans, but fortunately, an advanced solution has made its way to the United States. If you’re researching the KAMRA® Inlay vs Raindrop Inlay, read on to learn more about your options for near vision treatment.
What is the KAMRA® Inlay?
The KAMRA® Inlay is new to America, but has been approved in the European Union since 2005 and is available today in 50 countries. The KAMRA® Inlay was designed specifically for the treatment of presbyopia. This tiny, mini-ring shaped device is implanted into the cornea, and acting much like a camera, focuses light onto the retina. The KAMRA® inlay is approximately 3.8 mm in diameter, with an aperture of 1.6 mm, and weighs less than a grain of salt. In addition, the KAMRA® Inlay contains thousands of laser-cut micro-perforations that allow your cornea to continue functioning normally after implantation. This advanced technology is making reading glasses a thing of the past.
How Does the KAMRA® Inlay Work?
The KAMRA® Inlay lens is surgically implanted into only one eye. The opening in the center of the KAMRA inlay works to focus light on the retina, giving you near and intermediate vision while maintaining your distance vision. 
The KAMRA® Cornea Inlay Procedure
The patient will receive numbing drops prior to the KAMRA® surgery and will be awake during the procedure. The patient will also be given medicine to help them relax. The surgeon will use a femtosecond laser to create a pocket on the surface of the cornea. Once the corneal “pocket” is created, the KAMRA® inlay will be centered along your visual pathway. Once the KAMRA® inlay has been placed, the cornea will heal naturally, requiring no stitches. Once the KAMRA® Inlay is placed, it adheres to the interior of the cornea and will not be able to move around.
Side Effects and Recovery Time
Recovery time with the KAMRA® Inlay surgery depends on each individual. Full recovery can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month, and for some even longer. Side effects are generally mild and are the same that you would experience with LASIK. Watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and the feeling of dry eyes are common and should soon subside.
The Vuity Eye Drop
If you are between ages 40 and 55, and you would like to be able to read your phone, your computer, and other small print, without the use of reading glasses, the Vuity eye-drop may be the solution for you.
What Is Vuity?
Vuity a.k.a. pilocarpine, is the first and only eye drop that is FDA approved for the treatment of presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural aging of the eye that usually starts to occur around age 40 for most people. Presbyopia makes seeing fine print difficult. People with presbyopia usually require reading glasses or bifocals in order to read. Pilocarpine eye drops are now available at Cleveland Eye Clinic.
How Does Vuity Work?
It is a once-daily eye drop, that makes your pupils smaller so they can focus on an object close to you. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can write you a prescription for the drop after performing a complete eye exam. The effect of the eye drop is likely to last for up to 6 hours. The effect will start within 15 minutes of taking the drop. The prescription will give you about 30 days of use. Patients will be recommended to use one drop in each eye daily. The effect of the drop will become more prominent after consistent use for 30 days.
Vuity can be used by patients who have had LASIK, cataracts, PRK, or SMILE. The drop is most effective for patients ages 40-55. It is not sold over the counter. Patients who are interested in Vuity, should make an appointment for an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
If your up-close vision has been declining, or if you are tired of having to reach for your reading glasses to read a label, don’t wait! Contact us at Cleveland Eye Clinic to schedule a consultation today.
