Center For Sight Offers Las Vegas Presbyopia Patients Newest FDA-approved Corneal Inlay Surgery for Reduced Dependence on Reading Glasses

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Las Vegas ophthalmology practice, Center For Sight, announced today its introduction of the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay, the second FDA-approved implantable corneal device for correction of near vision in patients who have not had cataract surgery and the first device to change the shape of the cornea to correct vision.  Following up the practice's introduction of the KAMRA Corneal Inlay, in 2015, the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay provides yet another new option for surgical, outpatient treatment of presbyopia, with the goal of enhanced vision at all distances, without glasses or contact lenses.

Eva Liang, MD, is Center For Sight medical director and an eye surgeon with the practice.  In 2015, she was the first female surgeon in the USA to perform the groundbreaking KAMRA inlay surgery.  She will perform her first five Raindrop Near Vision Inlay surgeries, in early March.

"Raindrop is the second corneal inlay to be approved by the FDA, which is a validation of this relatively new platform for ophthalmic surgery.  As refractive surgeons, it's always exciting to have new options for our patients.  Finding the right solution for the individual patient is what we do best at Center for Sight, so having another presbyopic solution will be a huge plus for our patients," said Dr. Liang.

In a ten-minute procedure, the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay is implanted in the patient's non-dominant eye through a laser-created flap in the cornea.  Once in position, it changes the curvature of the cornea so the front of the eye acts much like a multifocal contact lens.  Patients typically see improvement in their near and intermediate vision within a week, with resumption of normal activities, such as driving and reading, the day after surgery.

The Raindrop Near Vision Inlay is indicated for use in patients aged 41 to 65 years who have not had cataract surgery and are unable to focus clearly on near objects or small print and need reading glasses with +1.50 D to +2.50 D of power but do not need glasses or contact lenses for distance vision.  Raindrop is intended to be a long-term solution for near vision improvement; however, if for any reason the inlay should need to be taken out, an eye surgeon can easily remove it.

Developed by Revision Optics, The Raindrop Near Vision Inlay gained FDA approval in June 2016 for presbyopia surgery performed in the United States.  Composed of 80% water, the tiny (2.0 mm diameter) clear inlay is made of medical-grade hydrogel plastic similar to that used for soft contact lenses and has optical characteristics that are almost identical to the human cornea. 

In a clinical trial, near vision of 20/40 or better was achieved in 336 of 364 patients.  Two years after receiving the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay, most of the patients were able to see everyday things again, without reading glasses:  88% could read fine print, 92% could read a newspaper or equivalent, and 76% could read an e-mail on a computer screen or equivalent.

With four convenient locations in the Las Vegas Valley, Center For Sight is a comprehensive ophthalmology center dedicated to the most compassionate, individualized, and highest standard of eye care.   For more information about the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay, call 702.724-2020.

SOURCE Center For Sight