Inlays
Intracorneal Inlays, also known as Inlay rings, provide a new alternative to laser vision correction. The clinical trials for Inlay rings have ended, but we can recommend patients in the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, areas to other surgeons offering this procedure.
What are Inlay Rings?
Intracorneal Inlays are micro-thin disc shaped lenses developed by Anamed, Inc. They are manufactured in varying powers like contact lenses or glasses. These Inlay rings are made of a special, clear, permeable hydrogel material. The lenses are 5 to 6 mm in diameter and ultra thin (approximately 40 microns). The unique hydrogel material is specially designed to facilitate proper nutrient and fluid transfer within the cornea. This maintains proper health of the cornea. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the Inlay rings appear to be well tolerated by the cornea. And, since they are inserted through an additive procedure, no corneal tissue is removed or destroyed in the implantation process.
Procedure
For patients interested in Inlay rings and living in the Northern Virginia or Washington, DC, area, we will recommend a qualified surgeon. The surgeon will create a corneal flap. The flap is created in an identical fashion to the LASIK procedure. However, unlike LASIK, which removes corneal tissue to alter the corneal curvature, the Inlay rings act as a supplement to the lens to focus images clearly within the eye. No tissue is removed or destroyed in the implantation process.
Benefits
The advantage of additive procedures, such as Inlay rings, is that they are reversible. Since the Inlay rings can be exchanged, patients are able to adjust the Inlay power if their eyes change over time. Also, a common concern that patients have about eye procedures is whether they will be satisfied with the outcome. Since Inlay rings can be removed or exchanged, patients have options in the event that they are unsatisfied with the outcome. While an adverse event is highly unlikely, such options afford “peace of mind” not available with laser procedures.
To learn more about Inlay rings, please contact one of our offices serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and surrounding areas.