Intracorneal Implants & Inlays
For complete information intracorneal implants and corneal inlays, visit the Consumer Guide to LASIK & Laser Eye Surgery.
Intracorneal inlays are an emerging technology that can reshape the cornea without reducing corneal thickness. The technique involves creating a corneal flap and inserting a thin disc within the cornea to alter its shape and thereby corrected farsightedness or presbyopia. It's possible the technology could be modified to correct nearsightedness as well.
Corneal inlays have the advantage of not reducing the thickness of the cornea, possibly making this technology a viable option for individuals whose corneas are too thin for LASIK.
Also, inlays to correct presbyopia may become a good option for people who have already had LASIK or other refractive surgery to correct their refractive error, but are beginning to lose their near vision due to age-related eye changes.
Inlays also have the advantage of being removable should problems occur or if an adjustment of the power of the inlay is required. Clinical studies of corneal inlays are currently underway in the United States.
For complete information intracorneal implants and corneal inlays, visit the Consumer Guide to LASIK & Laser Eye Surgery.