As sophisticated technologies continue to rise, the eyecare industry can look forward to its fair share of advanced technology. These innovations will allow ophthalmologists and optometrists to offer higher standards in eye care than ever before.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

The femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery offers a higher degree of control and precision than before possible. Not only can the technology be used in cataract surgery, but also keratoplasty. Given recent shifts in demographics, there will be more cataract patients requiring surgery in the coming years. As a result, this technology is sure to make a visible impact within a short period. With femtosecond laser, the outcome of a manual capsulorhexis is notably enhanced, as it eliminates radial tears and provides perfect centration. The process becomes more precise and results more reproducible.

Corneal inlays

Some patients may not respond well to cataract surgery, and they may also choose not to wear glasses. There aren’t many surgical options in such cases, but the gap could be filled using corneal inlays. Corneal inlays use three major strategies: bifocal lens power, aspheric enhanced depth of focus, and pinhole increased depth of focus. The inlay can be implanted with great results, and the process is reversible to boot. To date, there have been more than twenty thousand corneal inlays implanted. Corneal inlays also allow for future assessments.

Dry eye technology

Recent advancements in diagnostic technology for dry eye mean that doctors will no longer need to collect tears in huge volumes for testing purposes. Osmolarity testing and MMP-9 allow for more sophisticated diagnosis without affecting the patient negatively. The latter easily tests for inflammation, and techniques can be used together to figure out a treatment program.

Advancements like these allow for more effective and efficient treatment, making the tech improvements mentioned above particularly important.