Inlays and the cornea

Exp Eye Res. 2021 Apr:205:108474. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108474. Epub 2021 Jan 29.

Abstract

Presbyopia is a growing problem in view of an aging global population and increasingly patients desire spectacle-free solutions to address this condition. Surgically implanted corneal inlays have been the topic of renewed research efforts in the past several years as a treatment option for presbyopia, with several approaches being used to modify the refractive properties of the cornea and enhance near vision. In this review we discuss historical approaches to corneal inlay surgery, critically appraise the current generation of presbyopia-correcting corneal inlays and their associated complications and consider the future prospects for emerging corneal inlay technologies that aim address the shortcomings of currently available inlays.

Keywords: Cornea; Corneal haze; Flexivue; Inlay; KAMRA; Keratophakia; Keratorefractive surgery; LASIK; Presbyopia; Raindrop; SMILE.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology
  • Corneal Stroma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Presbyopia / physiopathology
  • Presbyopia / surgery*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Refraction, Ocular / physiology
  • Visual Acuity / physiology