2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
11 Lens and Cataract
Chapter 8: Optimizing Refractive Outcomes of Cataract Surgery
Presbyopia Correction
Postoperative Adjustment of Intraocular Lenses
The ability to adjust IOL power after implantation could help surgeons minimize postoperative refractive error. In 2017, the FDA approved the light-adjustable IOL. This 3-piece silicone IOL can be irradiated with UV light postoperatively to change its spherocylindrical power. See BCSC Section 13, Refractive Surgery, for further discussion.
Refractive indexing is a technique in development in which a specialized femtosecond laser system is used to change the refractive index of a material (eg, an acrylic IOL), thereby changing its optical power. This technique would enable the surgeon to adjust the IOL’s spherocylindrical power postoperatively.
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Sahler R, Bille JF, Enright S, Chhoeung S, Chan K. Creation of a refractive lens within an existing intraocular lens using a femtosecond laser. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2016;42(8):1207–1215.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 11 - Lens and Cataract. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.