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 affect millions of Americans, but fortunately, an advanced solution has made its way to the United States..
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 KAMRA® Work?
The KAMRA® Inlay 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 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 in 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.
Recovery time with the KAMRA® Inlay surgery depends on each individual. Full recovery can take anywhere from a couple 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. 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.
