Lens Implant For All Distances
One of the most crucial aspects of laser cataract surgery is the placement of the intraocular lens or
IOL implant. The IOL implant is what helps the eye to regain its visual acuity after the
natural lens is removed. For a long time, IOLs were developed on the basis of generic calculations. Today, with the
help of cutting-edge technology and research, surgeons and scientists are constantly
developing new and intriguing types of IOLs.
The purpose of these IOLs is to improve visual acuity, reduce the post-operative recovery
time, and lower the dependence on glasses. Individuals who suffer from conditions such as
short-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism still have to depend on glasses to gain full
vision.
However, IOLs are now being developed for the individual eye. This means that each IOL is
manipulated to suit the characteristics of an individual patient's eye. There are IOLs that can
help a patient suffering from short-sightedness to see without depending on glasses. Many
such IOLs are still in the early stages of development or clinical trials. One such IOL is the multifocal IOL.
A multifocal IOL is a lens implant that has the ability to combine different lens powers in
order to enable you to see objects from all distances. There are unifocal, bifocal, and trifocal
IOLs. Abbott Medical Optics or AMO, a company that develops ophthalmological products came
up with the very first version of the FDA approved multifocal IOL called the AMO Array
Foldable Silicone Multifocal IOL.
What is the AMO Array Foldable Silicone Multifocal IOL?
The name of the IOL is drawn from the many characteristics possessed by this IOL. Array
stands for the 5 concentric power zones near the front of the IOL. The combination of these
power zones helps a person to see at varying distances.
The combination of the first, third, and fifth zones help a person to see objects that are at
distances greater than 25 centimeters while the combination of zones two and four help a
person to see objects that are nearby. The AMO Array IOL was made of silicone because of
its durability and also, more importantly, because silicone is highly biocompatible.
In addition, the Array IOL offered the advantage of being foldable which means that it can be
inserted and placed in the lens capsule through a small incision. This lens is approved for use during laser cataract surgery, after removal of the entire lens of the eye. The lens was folded and then
injected using an IOL injector through a tiny incision. Once the lens is inside, it is unfolded
and placed correctly within the lens capsule.
