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Novel approach may alter refractive index of IOL after surgery
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 Randall J. Olson |
WAILEA, Hawaii — Low-intensity pulses from a femtosecond laser may be able to postoperatively alter the refractive index of implanted lenses, a speaker said here.
"We're talking about technology which essentially would work with all of the present lens materials we have," Randall J. Olson, MD, said at Hawaiian Eye 2012. "There's no reason why we could not go back in and have refractive precision for our patients, but not only our patients today, but all of the patients we've done in the past."
The procedure works because the proper wavelength pulse creates free electrons and a plasma wave in a localized spot within the lens, subtly altering its refractive index, he said. There is no other impact to the lens.
By using an acousto-optic modulator, Dr. Olson said it is possible to treat 10 million such spots per second, meaning the entire treatment could take as little as 20 seconds.
Early testing has focused on adding power to the lens, he said, but it should be possible to subtract power or allow for treatment of some higher-order aberrations.
The procedure has yet to begin human testing, Dr. Olson said. Animal testing is likely to begin by the end of 2012.
"Because it's not a new lens ... hopefully the regulatory pathway will be more straightforward," he said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Olson has no relevant financial disclosures.
Hawaiian Eye and Retina 2013 will be held January 20-25, 2013, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii's Big Island. Learn more at OSNHawaiianEye.com or RetinaMeeting.com.